
As the temperatures start to dip and the leaves begin to change, there are few things more enjoyable than visiting a local bakery for a fresh-baked sweet treat. We're lucky to have so many top-notch bakeshops in the Northeast Ohio area. Here are a few of our favorites.
2307 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
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This super-cozy and charming bakery in the Cleveland Heights suburb prepares all of their baked goods onsite. Here you'll find lots of delicious sweet treats, including cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and pies. The option to get a whole cake or pie or purchase items by the slice makes The Sweet Fix the perfect option for special occasions and the random sweet craving. Some of the tastiest menu items include the strawberry cream cheese pound cake, peach cobbler, German chocolate cake, and Oreo pie. If you can't make it to the bakery, they also deliver through Doordash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.
2700 Lorian Ave., Cleveland, OH 44113
The home of fine European pastries, tortes, and Hungarian desserts, Farkas Pastry Shop is a must-visit location when you're in the Cleveland area. All of the bakery items here are hand-made using recipes that Attila Farkas and his father (a master pastry chef in Budapest) brought over from Hungary. Some of their most popular menu items include Napoleons, Dobos, and Linzers. Not sure what these are? Well, it's about time you found out! (You'll be glad you did). They also have a wide variety of traditional treats, including mocha mousse cups, chocolate rum squares, Amaretto squares, and more. Stop by once, and you'll quickly see why this shop has been a Cleveland tradition for over 45 years.
5732 Mayfield Rd., Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
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Translated as "The Sweet House," Casa Dolce specializes in made-from-scratch traditional cannolis and tiramisu. They also offer a wide variety of pastries, cakes, cookies, and prepared foods. But that's not all! You'll want to stop by for the fresh-baked bread made every morning. While you're there, make sure you pick up an apple fritter. Rumor has it they're the best in Northeast Ohio!
12101 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106
The original Presti's Bakery opened back in 1903 and has been a family tradition ever since. They moved into their current location in 1999, and, to this day, it remains an integral part of the city's Little Italy neighborhood. Here you'll find mouth-watering pastries, cakes, cookies, fresh-baked Italian bread, and a variety specialty breads. They also serve lemon ice, gelato, and soft-serve ice cream. Some of the tastiest options on the menu include custard puffs, rum baba, almond tarts, pecan rolls, fruit danishes, and cappuccino brownies.
13519 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
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Whether you're looking for a special-occasion cake or you just have a craving for something sweet, you'll love what you find at KB Confections. The menu features all of the traditional favorites, like cupcakes, cookies, and banana pudding, all made fresh daily. You can also relax with a delicious cup of coffee, a latte, or a blended drink. Call ahead to order a specialty cake, or stop by to see what kinds of tempting treats they have on hand.
5880 Ridge Rd., Parma, OH 44129
Colozza's Bakery has been one of the area's most popular bakeshops since 1975. Not only are they the go-to for stunning wedding cakes, but they also make amazing baked pastries, coffee cakes, pies, cookies, bread, and more. One thing that sets this bakery apart is their seasonal pastries. Throughout the year, they make special treats for holidays and occasions that aren't available any other time. This includes chocolate yule logs, Irish soda bread, pumpkin rolls, beignets, Potica nut roll, grape kuchen, and more! You'll definitely want to check out their website and plan ahead so you can make your holidays even more special.
12204 Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44120
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Everything at 3 Aprons Bakery and Cafe is made in small batches with intense attention to quality. There are various options here, including liege waffles, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, scones, bagels, cookies, cakes, pies, and rotating dessert bars. Don't have much of a sweet tooth? You'll love their mini-quiches, breakfast sammies, and Detroit-style pizza.
15842 Libby Rd., Maple Heights, OH 44137
This family-owned bakery has been serving the Cleveland area since 1949. They make all of their food from scratch, using only the finest ingredients and recipes that have been handed down for generations. They're best known for their specialty cakes, including Cassata cake (their signature item!), Italian ribbon cake, German chocolate cake, strawberry whipped cream cake, datenut, banana nut, and more!
That's not all! You'll also love their nut and poppyseed rolls, pies, cannolis, donuts, cookies, cupcakes, turnovers, and lemon ice. They offer small quantities of their products, which is a major benefit for many customers. Since you can purchase many of their items by the piece, so there's no need to feel guilty or worry that you'll eat the whole cake!
2267 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst, OH 44001
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This old-world bakery has been delivering tasty treats to area visitors since 1984. Kiedrowski's Bakery is home to the "World-Famous Snoogle," a Polish puff pastry wrapped in sweetened cream cheese and topped with a vanilla butter-bean glaze. They also sell Polish paczki during lent. In addition, you'll find plenty of traditional treats, including pastries, donuts, cookies, and breads. Kiedrowski's was voted "Best Bakery in America" in 2011, and they've won many other awards over the years. Visiting this bakery is just like stepping into your Grandmother's kitchen. Once you have a taste of their amazing treats, you'll wish you had found this local gem sooner.
Which of these mouth-watering treats will you try first?

As the days grow shorter, how do you keep your home light and full of cheer? Candles are a perfect solution to stave off winter gloom. With a seemingly endless variety of styles, colors and scents, you can use a different candle each day to suit the occasion, holiday, or mood. Start building your collection at these delightful specialty shops around Northeast Ohio.
9516 Diamond Centre Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
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Brighten your home while showing off your local pride with a purchase from Cleveland Candle Co. Their Cleveland Collection pays tribute to Great Lakes sunsets, Edgewater Park, snow, and other instantly identifiable features of the city. Buy them individually or get all seven in a pre-packaged assortment. Each month, a featured candle is offered at a 20 percent discount. Create your own one-of-a-kind scented candle in-store at the candle bar or via online instruction. All three locations of Cleveland Candle Co., including Coventry and Ohio City, open at 11 a.m. daily.
22935 Lorain Rd., Fairview Park, OH 44126
Josh Ruminski, the college student and entrepreneur who founded Happy Thoughts Candles, considers his company to be a social movement. While fighting his own mental health battles, Josh wanted to find a way to help others with their personal struggles. Each product is labeled with a positive saying to generate encouragement and conversation, while 20 percent of the company's proceeds are donated to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Candles come in dozens of refreshing scents, including rainwater, freshly-mown grass, and coffee, that are chosen for their relaxing, therapeutic qualities. Place orders online for pickup or delivery.
100 Park Ave., Suite 122, Beachwood, OH 44122
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Want to boost your green living points? Head to The Candle Studio to make or buy their eco-friendly soy candles. As a source of light that uses no energy, candles are naturally green, but soy burns much cleaner than traditional paraffin. The candle bar is stocked with more than 90 essential oils you can mix and match to create your own personalized scent. You can also use your choice to customize room sprays, body lotions, and other home and body products. If you prefer, shop the extensive inventory of pre-made scented items. The Studio is open Thursday through Sunday and reservations are required. Follow their Facebook page for information about events with their mobile candle pour bar.
533 Trelake Dr., Canal Fulton, OH 44614
Kim Galley, founder of Kinfolk Candles, proudly invites you to "Come Stick Your Nose in Our Business!" After spending years perfecting the optimum natural soy vegetable wax for container candles, Kim started her at-home business in 1998. The thriving business outgrew the family basement, and Kim moved Kinfolk Manufacturing to a roomier facility in Canal Fulton. Kinfolk's best-selling eight-ounce jar candle comes in 100 scents, with unique and whimsical options such as Chocolate Orchid, Fruit Loops, and Santa's Whiskers. A handy glossary provides helpful definitions of each scent. Follow their Facebook page for information about shops carrying Kinfolk Candles or place an order on their website.
1001 W. Main St., Sugarcreek, OH 44681
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Candles, vases, and other decor items let you give your home a seasonal facelift quickly and inexpensively. Located in the heart of Amish country, R Classic Elements makes it easy by changing their own inventory to correspond with the seasons. In 2010, owner Renee Miller decided to expand the shop's offering by making hand-poured soy candles in her home. Production eventually moved to the shop, and the line was named Shanesville Candles. The jar candles, which come in 8-ounce and 12-ounce sizes, feature homey scents such as Lush Linen, Zucchini Bread, and Mint Tea. Store hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. every day but Sunday.
1345 W. 78th St., #2048, Cleveland, OH 44102
In 2009, recent college graduate Sarah Sampsell went to work in her sister's eco-friendly skincare salon. When they couldn't find just the right candles to carry in the salon, Sarah decided to make them herself, and Sweet Dish & Darling was born. The quirky name refers to the original candles, which included a recipe for a "sweet dish." While the recipes are gone, the candles and their trademark burlap packages are still handmade. Candle styles include screw-top jars, enamelware mugs and tumblers, and travel tins. Try the best-selling Sea Salt & Amber or one of the other appealing scents such as Sunday Brunch, with notes of cinnamon, French toast, vanilla bean, and maple syrup. Order online for delivery (free shipping on orders of $75 or more) or select local pickup at their Cleveland workshop.
8125 Columbia Rd., Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
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Wildcrafted Aromatics has a goal to ensure all its products as eco-friendly as possible, even after they've been used. Candles are made with eco-soy and beeswax, eco-cotton, hemp wicks, and natural herbal dyes. Many come in reusable jars, tins, and upcycled glasses that may be reused after the candle has burned. Products come with minimal packaging that is 100-percent recyclable. One of their more popular products is the citronella lavender ceramic lamp, handcrafted from Lake Erie clay. Wildcrafted Aromatics is one of the vendors on display at The RIFT, a Cleveland shop showcasing local craftspeople selling homemade and repurposed items. "RIFT" stands for "Repurposed and Intended for Today." Hours are 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily except Sunday, when closing time is 5 p.m.
Cleveland is not generally considered a tropical location, but thanks to Tim & Laura Thornton, you can "bring home the beach." Inspired by sights on a trip to the Panama Canal, the couple came up with the concept for Cleveland Coconut Candles. Their signature product is candles poured into half or whole coconut shells sourced from a supplier in Florida. A wide ribbon-style wick creates a tiki-torch effect as the candle burns. The tropical theme is enhanced with scents such as Jamaica Me Crazy, a blend of pineapple, orange, honeydew melon, coconut, jasmine, rum, and vanilla. Many scents are also available as classic jar candles. Order on the website or follow them on Facebook for information about appearances at festivals and other local events.
Scientists tell us smell is our sense most closely linked to memory. What scent takes you back to a special time or event in your life?

You've probably used the expression "bird's-eye view" dozens of times, thinking it's just a metaphor. But thanks to the thrills of ziplining, you can gain a new appreciation of the landscape around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati as you "fly" high above it. Get your "bird's-eye view" of Ohio's colorful fall scenery with one of these popular ziplining tours.
Distance From: Cleveland (182 miles) | Columbus (43 miles) | Cincinnati (136 miles)
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Highly acclaimed by sources such as USA Today, Discovery Channel, and the New York Times, Hocking Hills Canopy Tours proudly bills itself as Ohio's first "world-class" zipline adventure. The attraction gets high marks for innovation and a commitment to safety while maintaining respect for the environment. In addition to the popular Original Tour, HHCT offers several specialty options, including night ziplining and kid-friendly adventures. Get a different perspective with one of the guided Segway® off-road nature tours. HHCT is open seven days a week.
Distance From: Cleveland (90 miles) | Columbus (68 miles) | Cincinnati (175 miles)
Located in Ohio's spectacular Mohican region, Tree Frog Canopy Tours recently made the top ten in USA Today's list of Best Aerial Adventure Parks. Tree Frog's 2.5-hour course is the only one in the state using a dual-cable system to provide a faster and smoother ride. Travel across more than 4,000 feet of cable as you ride seven ziplines and cross two skybridges. Each tour is led by two guides who create a safe environment and share fascinating information about the different sights. Tours are scheduled daily, with Mondays and Thursdays designated as "Kids' Days."
Distance From: Cleveland (19 miles) | Columbus (127 miles) | Cincinnati (233 miles)
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As the name implies, Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park recreates the storybook exploits of Tarzan and his faithful companion, Cheetah. Frolic through the forest at a height of 50 feet with their popular Treetop Adventure, which begins with a climb up a rope ladder and progresses through 40 exciting obstacles, including bridges, ziplines, and breathtaking Tarzan swings. Indulge your competitive spirit by combining your treetop tour with a ground-level session of axe throwing. Three-hour Treetop Adventure sessions are available Friday through Sunday, while hour-long axe-throwing sessions may be booked for Saturday and Sunday.
Distance From: Cleveland (141 miles) | Columbus (75 miles) | Cincinnati (178 miles)
If a ziplining safari isn't on your bucket list, it should be. The Wilds is an impressive and innovative conservation center dedicated to finding solutions for problems impacting wildlife and the environment. Part of their mission is educating the public with activities such as Wild Zipline Safari. A series of 10 ziplines provide incredible opportunities to view giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and other endangered species rarely seen in the United States. If you don't have the time for the full 2-1/2 hour tour, check out the Overlook version. This modified tour lasts 1-1/2 hours and doesn't actually enter the pastures, but still offers unparalleled views.
Distance From: Cleveland (134 miles) | Columbus (16 miles) | Cincinnati (120 miles)
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Urban ziplining? Yes, it's true. ZipZone Outdoor Adventures is an oasis of nature in the heart of Columbus. Situated on the grounds of Camp Mary Orton, ZipZone offers a two-hour tour over 20 acres of forest. The Adventure Park, opened in 2017, adds a new dimension to your ziplining experience. Choose from five different climbing courses, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, and make your way through the challenging elements. Guides provide 30-40 minutes of instruction beforehand, and all participants are locked to a lifeline cable with double-connected safety clips. Wee ones can join in the fun at the Kids Park, a modified version of the Adventure Park. Courses are only a few feet off the ground to make it easy for kids between aged 4 to 7. Canopy tours are offered Friday through Sunday, while Adventure Park and Kids Park are open Saturday and Sunday.
Distance From: Cleveland (191 miles) | Columbus (52 miles) | Cincinnati (152 miles)
As a kid, did you ever dream of joining the circus to perform on the high wire? The full course at Ultimate Zipline Adventures is even more satisfying than your childhood fantasy. After a training session, you'll head up into the trees to tackle 16 ziplines and 23 high rope activities, completing many of the obstacles while suspended in the air. Zipline purists may prefer the Apex course, which skips the first half of the full course. You'll still get a lot of action packed into seven zip lines, including a set of dual racing lines. Kids under the age of 10 have their own fully supervised course, which features three ziplines and 12 rope activities. Ultimate Zipline Adventures is open Wednesday through Sunday for all courses.
Distance From: Cleveland (176 miles) | Columbus (37 miles) | Cincinnati (137 miles)
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Regular ziplining not exciting enough for you? Valley Zipline Tours has the answer. Their course starts with five fairly conventional lines, ranging from 15 to 40 feet above ground. Then you move to the 1,000-foot-long "monster" line, which hovers 120 feet in the air. Speeds can reach up to 40 MPH. The next leg pits you head-to-head against another member of your group on side-by-side 700-foot racing lines. Finish your tour gliding at upwards of 50 MPH on the signature 1,400-foot line spanning the entire course. Newbies can opt for the Tree Top Tour, consisting of the first six lines of the main tour. Having too much fun to stop? Upgrade to the main tour on the spot. Mini Zip tours are available for kids aged 5-7.
Distance From: Cleveland (237 miles) | Columbus (95 miles) | Cincinnati (17 miles)
Feel the adrenaline rush of ziplining during any season of the year at Sports Plus Zipline Park. The family-friendly indoor facility houses three state-of-the-art ziplines that cover more than 200 feet. With ten 30-foot rock-climbing walls and 10,000 square feet of trampolines as well, you may never come back down to earth! Sports Plus is open Friday through Sunday with three available time slots each day.
From Superman to Captain Marvel, flying is the iconic superpower. If you could fly, where's the first place you would go?

Are your weekends sometimes so activity-packed that you welcome Monday's return to work just to catch your breath? As Mother Nature shows off her splendor one last time before winter sets in, fall is a great time to plan a restful weekend getaway far from the bright lights of the big city. Recharge your batteries at one of these delightful cabins within convenient distance from your home in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Distance From: Cleveland (198 miles) | Columbus (58 miles) | Cincinnati (138 miles)
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Getting back to nature doesn't have to mean giving up your favorite leisure-time amenities. The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls features charming 1840s cabins nestled deep in a natural setting that includes trees, caves, rock formations, and waterfalls. A log cabin also houses Kindred Spirits, the Inn's casual fine-dining restaurant with an open kitchen layout and seasonally enclosed patio. Enhance your feeling of serenity with a massage, body wrap, and other pampering treatments at the onsite spa. Visit the website for information on special packages and promotions.
Distance From: Cleveland (174 miles) | Columbus (92 miles) | Cincinnati (193 miles)
Get up close and personal with nature at the appropriately-named Antler Ridge Cabin. Sightings of deer, turkey, foxes, and other wildlife let you know you're miles away from the city. At night, sit on the deck and relax to the ambient sounds of owls, frogs, and crickets. Semi-guided deer and turkey hunting tours are offered in season. Antler Ridge has three luxury cabins, the newest of which sleeps up to 12 people. Amenities in all three include air conditioning, washer/dryer, TVs and DVD players, outdoor gas grills, and fully-equipped kitchens.
Distance From: Cleveland (190 miles) | Columbus (48 miles) | Cincinnati (127 miles)
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Looking for some quality time with your significant other? With four cabins built for two, Ash Ridge Cabins is designed with couples in mind. Located minutes from Hocking Hills State Park but far from urban life, Ash Ridge is a great place to enjoy outdoor activities by day followed by a quiet evening indoors. Furniture in all four cabins is custom-built by local Amish craftsmen. Maple Lane, Lovers Loft, and Sweetheart Cabins are equipped with brand-new game rooms and indoor hot tubs, while Cuddle Bug Cottage has a game room and open-air hot tub. Spacious windows in all units allow plenty of natural light along with spectacular views.
Distance From: Cleveland (78 miles) | Columbus (87 miles) | Cincinnati (194 miles)
Do you feel like it's impossible to truly get away in our wired world? With no TVs or WiFi service, Tranquil Acres Cabins lets you go off the grid and tune in to nature. The five cabins are situated at least 350 feet apart for a welcome sense of solitude. For larger groups, Sleepy Bear Cabin has a new basement suite that includes a second bathroom and kitchenette. Another recent addition is a pavilion overlooking the catch-and-release fishing pond. Spend the day exploring the nature trails on the grounds, then unwind in your private hot tub or sitting in front of your remote-controlled gas fireplace.
Distance From: Cleveland (83 miles) | Columbus (72 miles) | Cincinnati (179 miles)
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Like many areas in Northeast Ohio, Mohican State Park owes its spectacular scenery to the Ice Age. More than 14,000 years ago, glaciers traveled across the landscape, carving gorges and creating mineral and rock deposits. Mohican's centerpiece, Clear Fork Gorge, plummets 300 feet deep and measures more than 1,000 feet across at its top. The park has several recently remodeled two-bedroom cabins along the Clear Fork River, some where pets are permitted, that sleep up to six guests. Anglers flock to Mohican for largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill, white crappie, and brown trout. If you want more active pursuits, check out the park's numerous hiking and biking trails, some of which pass the Gorge as well as two waterfalls and a covered bridge.
Distance From: Cleveland (33 miles) | Columbus (157 miles) | Cincinnati (265 miles)
Anchored by a stunning 150-acre natural "kettle" lake, Punderson State Park offers a wide range of activities to satisfy all ages. Rent a boat at the marina for a day of fishing or sightseeing out on the water. If you want more lively pursuits, challenge family and friends to traditional golf, disc golf, volleyball, basketball, or horseshoes. Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike and hit the 11 miles of trails, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife or bird sightings. Each of the park's 26 cabins sleeps up to six guests and pets are allowed at some.
Distance From: Cleveland (114 miles) | Columbus (107 miles) | Cincinnati (211 miles)
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Could there be a more authentic name for a rustic cabin than Possum Lodge? While the cabin itself is in a woodsy, secluded setting, the location offers easy access to a diverse assortment of activities. Nearby Salt Fork State Park, bookended by two lakes, provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating. Zipline tours, wineries, and quaint towns to explore are all within a 30-minute drive. The roomy cabin is designed to be a "home away from home" with a luxurious great-room layout that includes a floor-to-ceiling wood-burning fireplace and satellite TV. Front and rear covered porches hold a gas grill and tavern-style seating so you can enjoy the views while dining or simply lounging with a cold drink and good book.
Distance From: Cleveland (79 miles) | Columbus (123 miles) | Cincinnati (235 miles)
Historic Marblehead Peninsula is one of Northeast Ohio's more popular getaway spots. Kaspar's Lake Breeze Cabins, located on the shores of Lake Erie, makes a comfortable home base for exploring the many attractions of the area. Marblehead Lighthouse stands guard less than a mile away, while legendary amusement park Cedar Point is visible directly across Sandusky Bay. Kelleys Island and South Bass Island, home of Put-In-Bay, are only an hour away by ferry. All cabins are fully furnished, including color TVs and free WiFi service. Ask about nightly rentals during fall months.
Distance From: Cleveland (75 miles) | Columbus (91 miles) | Cincinnati (207 miles)
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Amish Country is an appealing blend of culture, history and scenery. Immerse yourself in the full experience with a stay at Coblentz Country Cabins. Situated on a gentle hillside overlooking a pond, the cabins are less than 1/4-mile from downtown Berlin and its collection of antique malls, craft and gift shops, and vintage clothing boutiques. There's even a classic general store where you can find anything from gourmet food products to home decor items. Seven cabins offer lodging for up to 10 guests, with amenities including hot tubs, fireplaces, TVs, and full kitchens.
What's the one must-have item you take along on a country getaway?

Fall is a wonderful time of the year in Ohio. The cool autumn breeze, the spooky arrival of Halloween festivities, and the many community festivals make this our favorite season for living in Ohio. Of course, you can't mention fall in Ohio without noting the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves.
15610 Vaughn Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141
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Residents of Akron and Cleveland will agree that a trip to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park does wonders for the soul. A great place to reconnect with nature, there's so much to see and do in this national park that it's not surprising that it draws visitors from near and far each year. During the autumn, the Cuyahoga River weaves its way through rolling hills, farmland, and forests, glistening brightly as it collects falling leaves from the changing trees. With more than 125 miles of trail to hike, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-visit in autumn for anyone who loves to embrace the season's beauty.
Center Rd., Garrettsville, OH 44231
A few miles southeast of Cleveland is the Eagles Creek Nature Preserve which is full of Northeast Ohio's wonderfully diverse plants and animals. The landscape varies from marshes and swamps to woodlands and forests, offering a truly exceptional view into the many habitats that house such interesting biodiversity. Manageable trails lead you into this underrated gem, providing you with privacy and peace while you gaze at mix of yellows, reds, oranges, and browns that paint a stunning portrait.
12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool, OH 43920
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Do you want a little outdoor adventure to mix in with your sightseeing? Then head to Beaver Creek State Park to watch the leaves change as you cruise down the Little Beaver Creek on a canoe. If you'd rather stay on land, you can hike the many trails on foot, atop a mountain bike, or on horseback. Whichever you choose, make sure you bring your camera to photograph the dazzling colors of this rugged landscape.
16396 Tar Hollow Rd., Laurelville, OH 43135
Immerse yourself in the dense woodlands and deep ravines of Tar Hollow State Park as you get lost in the beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. A walk through Tar Hollow State Park will make you feel like you're in the wilderness worlds away from Columbus. Turkeys, turtles, skinks, snakes, and more call this area of Ohio home. A stroll through Tar Hollow's 604-acres offers a great way to see the changing of the leaves, only rivaled by the beautiful colors that spring back to life once winter ends.
400 W. Whittier St., Columbus, OH 43215
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Downtown Columbus may be a bustling cityscape, but the Scioto Audubon Metro Park offers an opportunity to get back in touch with nature just a few blocks from the skyscrapers. The park covers 120-acres of previously industrial land, now refreshed as a thriving oasis where wildlife flourishes. The views along the Scioto River, chirping of the birds, and miles of multi-use trails are ideal for working professionals who only have a small period of time to escape from the daily grind. Because it's so close to home, you can visit every weekend and watch as the landscape changes from green to bright reds.
834 Edgewater Dr., St. Marys, OH 45885
Where better to see the leaves change than from the water? The popular boating destination of Grand Lake St. Marys State Park is a beachside paradise where you can relax on or offshore and watch the trees transform around you. We think that this state park is a wonderful place to take the kids for an overnight stay, as fishing, hiking, hunting, and boating opportunities sit alongside volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, basketball courts, and an off-leash dog park.
4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663
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Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the Shawnee State Forest is a breathtaking place to become one with nature. Totaling 1100-acres of the 63,000-acre forest, Shawnee State Park is a fantastic place for a weekend getaway with the family. This state park is a popular place to hunt, fish, boat, and hike, offering you the opportunity to take in the changing of the leaves on the banks of the Ohio River. The Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center is within the forest, making it a perfect location to enjoy unspoiled nature during the day before returning to cozy creature comforts at night.
5083 Colerain Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45223
You don't have to leave Cincinnati's city limits to enjoy a getaway in nature. Mt. Airy Forest was one of the earliest urban reforestation projects in the country and now provides nearly 1500-acres of multi-use space for hiking, biking, picnicking, and more. Mt. Airy's accessibility isn't limited to its proximity to the city. The forest has an enclosed dog park for hikers to let their pets run free and also houses the state's sole public treehouse that is accessible for those using a wheelchair.
144 Lake Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601
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Equal distance between Cincinnati and Columbus, Scioto Trail State Park is a fantastic destination to watch the leaves change this autumn. This park is within the 9,000-acre Scioto Trail State Forest but only encompasses 218-acres, making it an easy state park to tackle in a single trip. Bordering the Scioto River, this area offers amazing views of the Scioto River Valley. Bring a fishing rod to cast a line in the river or pack up the camping gear and spend an early-fall evening enjoying the quiet swaying of the trees.
Where is your favorite spot around Ohio to see the leaves change?