There’s a crisp snap in the air, school is in full swing and PSLs are back on the menu at every cafe – it’s unmistakably autumn, the time of year that is a real treat for the senses.
With its location alongside the Ohio River, close proximity to bustling Cincinnati, charming small towns and stunning landscapes, Clermont County is the perfect place to revel in the beauty and bounty of fall. And no matter where you’re going, the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.
That’s especially true in mid- to late-October which is prime leaf-peeping season in Southwest Ohio. When the landscape is watercolored in red, orange and gold, East Fork State Park in Bethel is the place to be. It’s one of the state’s largest parks and features more hiking trails than any other Ohio State Park, ranging in distance from .5 to 33 miles long, and dotted with rugged hills, sweeping meadows and a tranquil lake. It’s the perfect place to take in the beauty of the fall landscape with a scenic drive, a walk through the woods or a free guided hike with a naturalist.
Nearby, Stonelick State Park offers equally gorgeous views with shorter trails on more level terrains during the day and popular stargazing events hosted by the Cincinnati Observatory at night. Check out the fall foliage report from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before you go to discover the best times to see the colors this year.
Want to take in the vibrant colors from a different vantage point? Paddle a kayak down the picturesque Little Miami River at Sycamore Park & Wilson Nature Preserve, both part of the Clermont County Park District. There’s also a paved storybook trail along the river that’s perfect for families with little ones.
Autumn also means it’s prime time for apple picking, pumpkin patches and cozy hayrides. Loveland’s Blooms & Berries Farm Market & Garden Center offers a bushel of family-friendly activities including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, a petting zoo, hayrides, train rides and loads of special events all month long.
