9 Unforgettable Fall Getaways From Columbus
Columbus is the central hub of the state of Ohio, so many of its fall-based festivals and spectacles are a reasonable drive away. In mid-October, when the leaves are at their peak of change, all of the routes through the state are vibrant with reds, oranges, and yellows. From local festivals, state parks, and pumpkin shows to scenic exploration, the autumn season has unforgettable fall getaways in this slice of the Midwest.
Mohican State Park
Head about 72 miles northeast of Columbus via I-71 to reach Mohican State Park. This impressive land expanse offers breathtaking views of fall foliage and comes alive in a remarkable way for the autumn. Expect to be surrounded by yellows, reds, and oranges in a canopy painted by Mother Nature. Even the roadway to reach the state park is somewhat scenic, abandoning the bustling of Columbus to become distinctly rural.
Visitors to the park can make a day, or several of them, of appreciating all there is to see and do in this protected land. From hiking through the Lyons Falls Trail to kayaking the Mohican River, there is always something to see and do—especially once summer loses its grip on the Midwest.
Ohio Renaissance Festival - Waynesville, Ohio
If you are looking for a unique experience this fall season, you can appreciate what thousands have already seen and return to visit again, the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Waynesville might not be the largest community, but folks do not hesitate to hit I-71 (about 65 miles away) to dive into the past with jousting, costumes, and period-based entertainment when the festival rolls around.
Those attending the festival will not be disappointed by the wealth of things to do, from appreciating the craft of local artisans and food vendors to taking in battle reenactments. When you need a break from the festival, Waynesville is also a beautiful location to experience in the fall with its backdrop of autumn coloring.
Dawes Arboretum
Travelers can find Newark, Ohio, and its famed Dawes Arboretum by leaving the capital city and heading east for 35 miles via I-70. This massive expanse of 2,000 acres of flora and fauna represents multiple areas of the world and ecosystems, making it one of the best destinations to see how the fall changes hundreds of species of trees and plant life.
Those visiting the Arboretum can benefit from guided tours and educational programs, especially those focused on the behaviors of plants and foliage during the fall. You can also tour the grounds through scenic trails lining the property to appreciate the season's hues.
Historic Roscoe Village
When you combine the recreation of a 19th-century village with the iconic sights of Ohio in the fall, you get a result like none other. From Columbus and headed east on OH-16, travelers can find the historic Roscoe Village in about 80 miles of rural farmland and woodlands beaming with bright fall colors and hues.
The allure of this village is that you are literally stepping back in time, from costumed ‘residents’ in period clothing with roles at the community’s quaint shops like the Roscoe General Store or the Warehouse Steak N’ Stein. The village is open all year round, though its busiest time is during the fall’s Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival, featuring neat food options, crafts, and live music.
Circleville Pumpkin Show
Columbus residents and visitors eager to experience the fall for all its worth should be watching for the Circleville Pumpkin Show. This annual celebration of autumn is all things pumpkin, from giant crops from local farms to a host of pumpkin-focused foods, from pies to chili. Participants can also see parades, live music, entertainment, and their pick of local crafts.
The food stars at the festival include the two local businesses, Wittich’s Candy Shop and Lindsey’s Bakery. With the event surrounded by the backdrop of this otherwise small rural town, fall is all around you as you take this short, 30-mile drive south on US-23 to arrive.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
If you are looking for a bit of a drive, you can set off northeast from Columbus for 130 miles to find one of Ohio's gems, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Your route travels through many rural settings, giving you the full display of autumn on every side of your vehicle, boasting the reds, oranges, and yellows typical of the fall season.
When you arrive at the park, autumn is begging to be explored. From panoramic forest views to the historical Towpath Trail, you can see nature in a way you cannot anywhere else. Cuyahoga Valley National Park also features Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot waterfall surrounded by the vibrant hues of autumn during the fall months.
King’s Island (Halloween Haunt)
Fun for the entire family is roughly 80 miles southwest of Columbus on the sometimes-scenic and rural I-71 to King’s Island amusement park. This is a staple of Ohio, on the outskirts of Cincinnati, and operates through most months of the year, so when visiting in the fall, your arrival path is adorned with the best and brightest autumn colors.
The season caps off with the annual Halloween Haunt extravaganza, which seamlessly merges the vibe of fall festivals with spooky entertainment and excitement. While the park's primary attractions, rollercoasters, such as The Beast and Diamondback, are open during the event, you have the added fun of scare zones, live entertainment, and haunted mazes to bring even more of the spooky season into your life.
Holmes County Amish Country
Many look to the Amish Country of Holmes County as an escape from the bustle and pace of their daily lives. When the fall season is in full swing, this oasis of sorts 90 miles from Columbus via US-62 is alive with the bright colors of the changing leaves. Visiting this part of the state introduces you to a new way of life, such as stopping into the famous Lehman’s Hardware for a vast selection of non-electric tools or grabbing a plateful of comfort food at Der Dutchman.
Holmes County is deemed among the largest communities of its kind in the United States. The Amish Country is quintessential rural America, which makes it an excellent stop to experience autumn away from the demands of city life in Columbus.
Malabar Farm State Park
If you set off northeast on I-71 for around 70 miles, you will find Lucas, Ohio, and its star attraction, the Malabar Farm State Park. This whole community is significantly different from life in the bustle of Columbus, and here, the pace is slow, and people are looking around at the vibrant fall foliage through the hiking trails and woodland areas of the state park.
On the property, there is also the Malabar Farmhouse, home to Louis Bromfield, the author, for a time. If you arrive during the Harvest Festival, the park is even more alive with activities for the entire family, with hayrides, artisans, and entertainment.
If you are looking for ways to occupy your free time during a visibly appealing portion of the seasons, you can set out from Columbus in almost any direction for some fall fun. The Buckeye State of Ohio truly showcases the beauty of the autumn season, with countless rural routes brimming with fall foliage. From nature-based attractions like Mohican State Park to the iconic and unique Historic Roscoe Village, there is something that appeals to everyone in your party only a short drive from the city.
