Check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ fall foliage report (fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov) for weekly fall color updates at state parks and nature preserves starting the final week in September, along with a changing fall color report map.
Walk: Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
Spring Grove spans 773 acres, 450 of which are impeccably landscaped green space, rivaling New York’s Central Park or Paris’ Père Lachaise. By 1850, the cemetery’s horticulturists — yes, it has its own horticulturalists — listed 4,300 ornamental plant varieties and a stock of 11,300 nursery plants, and by the 1860s, Spring Grove had a more diverse collection of trees than any other landscape in the nation, apart from the aforementioned Central Park. Today, it’s recognized as a level III accredited site by the Morton Arboretum, one of only 10 cemeteries to achieve the distinction in the United States. Spend an afternoon walking the grounds and you’ll recognize many notable burials, along with an almost unparalleled collection of woodsy plants and gardens of both native and non-indigenous Midwestern species. Spring Grove holds several events year-round to admire its changing foliage, including a Fall Plant Identification event (1 p.m. Sept. 24) and the Autumn Color Walking Tour (1 p.m. Oct. 16). 4521 Spring Grove Ave., Spring Grove Village, springgrove.org.
Walk (or Art Cart): Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
One of the few parks of its kind in the country, Pyramid Hill features a colorful array of more than 60 outdoor monumental contemporary sculptures on its 265 acres of gardens, woodlands and lakes. If you don’t feel like exploring the grounds on foot, simply rent an “Art Cart” — basically a golf cart — which is available at the visitors center ($20 per hour for non-members). In juxtaposition to the modern artwork, the park also features an impressive 10,000-square-foot Ancient Sculpture Museum featuring Greek, Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian works dating as far back as 1550 B.C. Outside groups like the Tri-State Hiking Club host fall colors walking tours, and Pyramid Hill hosts events throughout the season, including the upcoming 14th-annual open-air Pyramid Hill Art Fair (Sept. 24 and 25), highlighting a juried show of over 60 artists, as well as a Zombie Ball costume party (7 p.m. Oct. 15). 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.
Walk or Bike: Eden Park
Eden Park, originally owned by Nicholas Longworth and designed by Spring Grove’s renowned landscape architect Adolph Strauch, spans 186 acres between Walnut Hills and Mount Adams. Among an array of unique architecture and sculptures — the whimsical Spring House Gazebo, Mirror Lake, Elsinore Tower, a bronze Capitolene Wolf statue (a gift from Rome in 1932) — Eden Park is perhaps most well known for its sweeping views of the city, Ohio River and rolling hills of Northern Kentucky. Bike or walk around former quarry Twin Lakes, home to one of Cincinnati’s 50-plus scenic overlooks, then stop by Krohn Conservatory for its Victorian-inspired fall floral show Fall Back in Time (through Oct. 23). 950 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park, cincinnatiparks.com.
Walk or Bike: Devou Park
With more than 700 acres and perhaps one of the best views of the Cincinnati skyline in the area, Devou Park sits on a forested hill high atop Covington. If you decide to skip the 18--hole golf course, instead enjoy eight miles of mountain bike trails as well as miles of paved trails and backcountry trails through some pretty amazing foliage (visit devouparktrails.com for trail forecasts). 790 Park Lane, Covington, Ky., covingtonky.gov.
Drive (Bike or Hike): Hocking Hills State Park
A short road trip to southeast Ohio will bring you to this magical destination where you can camp, hike, canoe, zipline or go horseback riding. Cliffs, gorges and waterfalls make up some of the stunning landscapes of this state park. Visit the Hocking Hills website for suggested fall foliage driving routes or book a ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway. During Fridays in October, the trains run twice a day for colorful two-hour foliage trips. For full fall spirit, stock up on all-things apple during the Jackson Apple Festival (Sept. 20-24), which features three parades (including the largest lighted parade in Ohio), rides, games, bobbing for apples and apple-peeling contests, and plenty of fried fair food, along with apple cider, apple butter, apple pies, candied apples and more. 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, Ohio, hockinghills.com.
Drive (Bike or Hike): Mammoth Cave National Park Trails
The world’s longest system of chambers and subterranean passageways isn’t the only astonishing thing that this national park has to offer: A short road trip to the hills of south central Kentucky will take you to 84 miles of backcountry and frontcountry trails, nearly all of which are bike, horse and pedestrian friendly. Other options for optimum foliage viewing here include canoeing down the Green River and camping underneath the stars. Mammoth Cave National Park also offers a variety of beginner to expert fall cave tours as well as free surface walks and programs, like a bi-weekly fall nature hike led by a local naturalist. Fall events held through Oct. 29. Mammoth Cave, Ky., nps.com/maca.
Drive: Red River Gorge & Scenic Byway
This scenic byway weaves through 46 miles of Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge. Red River Gorge offers trails to bike or hike, as well as infamous arches such as Natural Bridge to take in the stunning view of changing treetop canopies. The region is marked as a National Natural Landmark, a National Wild and Scenic River and a National Geological Area and is a relaxing must-see during the fall. For an immersive experience, book one of the gorge’s popular secluded treehouses, like the off-the-grid Sylvan Float, minutes from Gray’s Arch scenic trailhead (thecanopycrew.com). Robbie Ridge Road, Stanton, Ky., redrivergorge.com.
Drive: Kentucky Route 8
Kentucky Route 8 makes for a nice and easy afternoon drive, running 114 miles east to west along the Ohio River. Consistently surrounded by tunnels of trees, it weaves through several small river towns and beautiful countrysides. Be sure to stop by McGlasson Farms (5832 River Road, Hebron, Ky., mcglassonfarms.com) for some apple cider on the way. Kenton and Campbell County.
Drive: Ohio River Scenic Byway
If you’ve ever wanted to say you’ve traveled the entire Ohio River and contemplated your existence, here’s your opportunity to do so. The Ohio River Scenic Byway runs along the coast of the entire 943 miles of the Ohio River. Stop along its many scenic viewpoints for lush views of the changing foliage or into a number of small river towns dotting your trek. ohioriverscenicbyway.org.
Drive: Blue Ridge Mountain Parkway
Choose your own adventure among the winding 469 miles that connect the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the Shenandoah National Park. There are plenty of biking and hiking trails along the way as well as many unique stops, including historic sites, museums, orchards, outdoor tours, wineries and vineyards. Since leaves begin changing color at the highest peak of elevation, it’s suggested to travel anywhere from mid to late October. blueridgeparkway.org.
