A Fall Road Trip To Wayne County

Wayne County, Ohio, makes for a perfect fall getaway, with colorful hills, quiet backroads, lively farms and historic towns. By mid-October, the mix of hardwood forests and farmland glows gold and crimson. Whether for a day or a weekend, you can fill your time with scenic walks, farm-fresh treats and local history. 

Timing Your Visit
Peak color usually arrives from late September to mid-October. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources posts weekly updates to help you plan your ideal time to visit. Even before or after the colors peak, the countryside offers a beautiful, scenic drive. 

Nature and Outdoors
Start in Wooster at Secrest Arboretum on the Ohio State University campus. Free to visit, the arboretum offers paved and gravel paths that wind past hundreds of trees that put on a vivid show each fall. 

Head 15 minutes north to Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve near Marshallville, where you will find a 1.5-mile boardwalk that runs through an old-growth forest of towering oaks and maples. In October, the view overhead is stunning. 

For something quieter, head south to Brown’s Lake Bog Preserve near Shreve. A short boardwalk leads to a bog surrounded by trees reflected in still water. Space is limited, so be sure to arrive early. Birdwatchers can also stop at Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area, located east of Shreve, to see migrating waterfowl. 

Family-Friendly Stops
A visit to Ramseyer Farms is a fall tradition. From early September through the end of October, the farm offers corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin picking and over 50 outdoor activities. Weekday visits are less crowded, while weekend tickets often sell out. 

Apple season is another highlight. Rittman Orchards shares weekly updates on ripe varieties and sells cider, baked goods and produce in its market. Bauman Orchards hosts fall weekends with pick-your-own fruit, wagon rides and live music. 

History & Local Culture
In Wooster, the Wayne County Historical Society offers tours of restored buildings and exhibits on Saturdays. In Orrville, the Orrville Railroad Heritage Society welcomes visitors to its depot and sometimes offers seasonal train rides. 

Food and Drink 
For something sweet, stop at Hartzler Family Dairy for some homemade ice cream. Downtown Wooster offers hearty dinners at The City Square Steakhouse or Broken Rocks Café & Bakery. Beer lovers can unwind at JAFB Wooster Brewery, which features rotating taps and occasional food trucks. 

Scenic Driving 
Link your stops with stretches of the Lincoln Highway Historic Byway through Dalton and Wooster, then loop south along the Amish Country Byway. Cyclists can ride the Holmes County Trail between Fredericksburg and Killbuck, where bikes and Amish buggies share the path. 

Practical Tips 
Fall weekends are busiest at both farms and orchards, so be sure to buy tickets ahead and consider visiting on a weekday for lighter crowds. Cell service is spotty south of Shreve, so it is recommended that travelers download maps in advance. Many outdoor stops are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. 

A fall visit to Wayne County can consist of a day trip to orchards, trails and small towns, but staying overnight offers more. Watch the sunset over the hills, enjoy a relaxed dinner and wake to a quiet morning with another day to explore. 

For more information, visit Visit Wayne County.