The Least-Crowded Towns In Ohio To Catch Fall Foliage

As the leaves begin to change, visitors want to escape the biggest crowds and immerse themself in Ohio's spectacular fall colors. Some of the state's most scenic areas for leaf peeping can get overrun on weekends. However, in between the Appalachian hills and river valleys, lie small towns waiting to be discovered. Steeped in historic architecture and rustic design, provide for the viewings of the leaves changing. From college villages, like Athens in southeast Ohio's forests, to river getaways, like Marietta along the Ohio border, each town offers unique cultural amenities and outdoor spaces to allow you to see the leaves change in fiery foliage hues.  

Wherever the journey leads travelers across the Buckeye State, relaxing amid the peaceful scenery of a small town in Ohio, is sure to provide lasting memories of the season. With quaint main streets, artisans, musicians, and friendly locals to encounter, the experiences in these hidden gems will stay with visitors long after autumn's colors fade. 

Athens

The town of Athens is in southeast Ohio amid the Appalachian hills and miles of forested trails. Athens is also home to Ohio University. As an early "hotspot" for fall colors, you'll find vibrant foliage here in early October. Driving along State Route 555 through Wayne National Forest, you’ll find where sugar maple, hickory, and dogwood trees explode in shades of burnt orange and bright red against the forest-green background. There are trails around The Ridges, an abandoned mental hospital campus that’s now part of the university, for a colorful hike. Established in downtown Athens, present are local coffee shops, brewpubs, and shops that are less busy during the weekday. Nearby in presence is the Athens Farmers Market, which is open on Saturday mornings for seasonal produce, souvenirs, and live music. 

Yellow Springs

A progressive village 20 miles northeast of Dayton, Yellow Springs offers a charming downtown, art galleries, and vibrant culture. In late October, the surrounding woods reach their peak and are painted in fiery colors. In view of the Young's Jersey Dairy farm are the panoramic views of the trees across rolling pastures and hills. Trails at John Bryan State Park, named after a famous abolitionist, are lined with sugar maple and beech trees. Discovered within are the eclectic shops in the village center, like the Antioch Book Collective co-op, is The Winds Cafe, featuring vegetarian fare amongst locals. The Little Art Theatre, one of the oldest continuously operating cinema houses in the US, plays during weekends. 

Nelsonville

These small town charms don't get much smaller than Nelsonville, anchored alongside the Hocking River in southeast Ohio. In early November, as the forested hills glow in shades of orange, red, and yellow, in view is a scenic drive along Route 33 to spot fall foliage framed by sandstone cliffs and towering trees. Hiking trails like Tar Hollow State Forest or Hocking Hills State Park are located just outside of town. The rustic barns and farming scenes are framed by fields of changing leaves. Popular shops in historic Uptown Nelsonville are on Water Street, neighboring the Rhapsody Restaurant with pub fare and craft beer under the stars. 

Loudonville

The expansive farm country of Ashland County, Loudonville attracts travelers for autumn getaways. Late October gives experience to fall colors at their height, from sugar maples turning brilliant scarlet to hickories glowing golden-yellow. Downtown Loudonville on Friday nights include shops staying open late and special events being scheduled. Unique antiques, crafts, and decor at stores like Antique Emporium also draws in shoppers. Covered Bridge Scenic Byway gives the view of the colorful countryside dotted with barns and structures. The  leaves reflected in the water of nearby Pleasant Hill Lake or Mohican State Park make for a picture-perfect moment. Local dining favorites, such as Black Fork Bistro, serve homestyle comfort food in a laid back atmosphere. 

Wooster

Wooster, a college town an hour south of Cleveland, offers quintessential Ohio autumn scenery and activities without the big crowds. In  mid-October, as the changing colors reach their peak in Wayne County, the College of Wooster campus is towering with trees ablaze in shades of crimson and burnt orange. Christmas Run Park presents an opportunity to spot leaves whirling in the breeze. From Cochran Trail to Lake Island Park, there are panoramic views of the rustic countryside dressed in fall foliage. Wooster Farmers’ Market on Saturdays are for seasonal produce and goods. Craft beers and pub fares downtown at Heck's Café neighbors the scenic Lowellville Park. In close proximity is Wooster Creek, a common viewing point among travelers before the light fades on the colors.

Marietta

Well-preserved history amid fall foliage in this charming Ohio River town are widespread. In mid-November, trees along the river and in surrounding hills transform into a kaleidoscope of amber, scarlet, and gold hues. Surrounding Route 7 and cutting through Valley Gem Scenic Byway you can spot farms and houses tucked into colorful woodlands. Hikes at Barnesville Beach Wildlife Area reveal vistas of the river valley awash in foliage colors. Discoverable is the 19th century life at Burr Oak Covered Bridge or Campus Martius Museum. Regional artisans' wares at River City Marietta Farmers Market are established on Saturdays. Downtown at Austyn's Restaurant or Valley Gem Sternwheeler are river views as dusk falls on the changing colors. 

Chagrin Falls

In autumn, the Chagrin River is embraced by multicolored leaves and small town surroundings. Chagrin Falls in late October is when maple trees line the river and hills erupt in brilliant shades of crimson and pumpkin. Alongside the Eaglewood Trail and Fowles Path by the river, are red and gold leaves fluttering in the breeze. Local galleries, boutiques and gourmet shops in the village along Riverside Drive and Main Street are frequented by shoppers. Wood-fired pizza or craft brews at Figlio or Cornerstone Pub are relished by locals and tourists alike. On weekends, outdoor concerts and plays at the historic Downtown Theatre pairs well with watching the leaves drift by from the footbridge as dusk darkens their hues. 

Granville

A historic village situated between Columbus and Zanesville, Granville transforms into a rustic tableau dressed in autumn's fiery colors. In early November the sugar maples turn vivid shades of scarlet and orange throughout the Denison University campus and surrounding Appalachian woods. Downtown presents Victorian architecture accented by flaming foliage. The 1.0-mile loop trail at Big Walnut Metro Park features panoramic views over changing woodlands. Colorful treescape backdrops paired with Granville's quaint shops and boutiques provide additional recreation. Savored wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and artisan pies at Deli Ohio are also available. Craft cocktails are up for grabs at The Red Brick Tavern amid collegiate and local crowds smaller than in bigger Columbus suburbs. 

Logan

Hocking County's tucked away gem, Logan, is surrounded by beautiful autumn scenery ripe for exploration. Late October brings maple leaves to their fiery peaks along with dogwoods turning brilliant shades of crimson and orange. Trails winding through Wayne National Forest, like Thunder Ridge or Larry's Creek, reveal picturesque vistas over rolling woodlands dressed in autumn hues. Along Route 33, you’ll spot farms, fields, and forests dotted with farm stands selling seasonal produce and pumpkins. Downtown Logan along S. Chase and E. Columbus Street lines with charming architecture, with shops like Grant Street Antiques and Main Street Cafe—popular amid friendly locals. Hocking River offers foliage reflections of fall colors in the peaceful waters. 

Hocking Hills

While Hocking Hills State Park gets crowded on fall weekends, lesser visited areas offer seclusion to take in the dazzling colors. In mid-October, when trees throughout this region reach their zenith of red, orange and yellow, trails like Cantwell Cliffs or Old Man's Cave give  breathtaking forest vistas dusted with autumn leaves fluttering in the gentle breezes. Driving  north along Route 681 past Conkle's Hollow takes you to lesser known areas, like Ash Cave and Cedar Falls, marked only by their natural beauty dressed in fall finery. Picnics at grounds such as Whispering Cave provide breathtaking forest views. Local postings for guided hikes and paddles to spots hidden from the crowds are also available. Cozy lodges on the outskirts offer refuge and comforts to unwind surrounded by nature's autumnal splendor.  

Wherever you choose to catch the fall colors across Ohio, these least populated small towns offer rural beauty, charming character, and quintessential season scenery without the big crowds of larger cities and heavily visited spots. The suggestions here will lead to discovering Ohio's breathtaking seasonal transformations in peace amid a backdrop of historic structures, colors, and embracing small town vibes. You'll leave grateful to have avoided the biggest crowds, instead finding intimacy with nature's passage through quiet rural landscapes. The places and faces encountered will forever remind you of the simple pleasures of escaping into Ohio's classic fall splendor off the beaten path.