🥾6 Fall Hikes To Explore in Lake County
Chair Factory Falls Trail - Ellen Hochschild
Fall Sweet Fall
What better way to enjoy the season than to immerse yourself IN the season? Traverse the trails, explore the woods, cross bridges and reach new heights this fall with our six hikes to explore in Lake County, OH!
As the leaves change in northeast Ohio, the Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden will be the top spots to view peak fall color! Stay up-to-date on which trees are showcasing their fall color best as the season progresses through their Color Watch 2024 tracker.
1)Chapin Forest Reservation overlook
🗺️ 9938 Chillicothe Rd. (Rt. 306)Kirtland, Ohio 44094
Hours6:00 AM - 11:00 PM
We are starting off strong with one of the best scenic overlooks in Lake County, along the Lucky Stone Loop Trail. Chapin Forest Reservation overlook is a beautiful forested park where you can enjoy Lake Erie and Cleveland skylines!
Pro Tip: Feel free to hike under the lights during winter at Chapin Forest Reservation! A mile of trail lights will be turned on on the Arbor Lane Loop Trail (Hobart Road entrance) each evening from dusk until park closes, regardless of ski conditions!
2) Skok Meadow at Girdled Road
🗺️12415 Concord Hambden Rd, Painesville, OH 44077
Experience the beauty of dense forests, fields and wetlands! You can’t help but get lost in thought walking the trails at Girdled Road! Enjoy a mile-loop through a wildflower field and if you’re brave go across the suspension bridge to the connecting 6.5 miles of trails.
Pro Tip: Enjoy true backcountry camping at Girdled Road Reservation Campsite.
3) Hach Otis State Nature Preserve
🗺️37142 Skyline Drive Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Hach-Otis Sanctuary is an 130-acre forested tract overlooking the beautiful Chagrin State Scenic River valley! The preserve has been protected as a bird sanctuary since 1944 and is a premier birding hot-spot! Listen to the crunch of the rustling leaves as you explore the forest and discover the bluffs overlooking the Chagrin State Scene river re-cutting an old valley.
Pro Tip: Visit during peak Fall Color to witness breathtaking views from above.
4) Hogback Ridge
🗺️4700 Emerson Rd, Madison, OH 44057
According to Lake Metroparks, Hogback Ridge Park is named for its most prominent natural feature: a high narrow ridge of land bounded on two sides by steep valleys. The trail system includes a 1,300-foot accessible boardwalk and overlook deck, gravel trails and timber steps that lead down into the floodplain. These trails lead through a variety of habitats and varying terrain.
5) Squires Castle
🗺️2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
This stunning old gatehouse from the 19th century is modeled after German and English baronial castles and is a unique feature of the North Chagrin Reservation! Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, hike the trails, and embrace the history of this beautiful area!
6) The Holden Arboretum
🗺️9550 Sperry Rd, Kirtland, OH 44094
The Holden Arboretum is a spectacular living museum on 3,500+ acres 25 minutes east of Cleveland. Climb the 120 foot Emergent Tower or hike through dozens of trails and enjoy the stunning fall display!
Are you interested in joining our list? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with Tour Lake County~