5 Fall Events in Ohio’s Parks

The onset of fall foliage is enough to draw us outside each year with the autumn chill, but the events happening at our state park, county park and city park systems add new ways to enjoy the season. Explore Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation to spy migrating birds, hike an iconic trail in the Hocking Hills and so much more this season as leaves of red, orange and yellow flutter down around you.

Fall Migration Bird Walk | Sept. 21
Local wildlife is constantly on the move as the seasons change, and our winged friends are no exception as they migrate south for warmer weather. During this one-hour walk through Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation, visitors have the chance to see birds during fall migration. This leisurely stroll begins at the Lagoon Picnic Area and is a perfect activity for those looking to get outside before autumn gets too chilly. Binoculars will be provided for this free 1.5-mile walk that covers both natural surface and boardwalk sections.

Go Wild! A Nature Fair | Sept. 27
Visit the Fairfield County Park District in Pickerington for this one-day event that is both informative and fun. Hosted in partnership with local farm and conservation project Coyote Run, the itinerary for the day is packed with a variety of activities and events including guided hikes, a pinecone craft, educational presentations and more. Hikes and presentations are available hourly, and guests can learn about clean water in our creek, enjoy a nature trivia game or take hikes with special guests, including Sheila Fagan from Columbus Audubon. Plus, enjoy food-truck eats from Zapata’s Street Food.

Malabar Farm Barn Dances | Sept. 27, Oct. 25
Take part in a local tradition at Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas. Free square- and line-dancing nights run Sept. 27 through Oct. 25., from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy the accompanying tunes of The Back Porch Swing Band as they set the stage for learning (or mastering) the steps. All are welcome, including beginners, to spend an evening enjoying music and dance in a continuation of a tradition here started by Louis Bromfield, the Pulitzer-winning author who purchased the Malabar property in 1938.


Apple & Honey Harvest Weekend | Sept. 27-28
Apple season is in its prime, and that makes it the perfect time to round up the kids and head to Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland for the Apple & Honey Harvest Weekend.  On Sept. 27 and 28, the Farmpark invites families to lace up their walking shoes to take a tour of The Johnny Appleseed Trail. Here, kids and families will learn the importance of bees and other pollinators in our lives as well as how honey is harvested. After the trail, enjoy all manner of harvest season fun, including apple butter-making, a 3-acre corn maze, kid-friendly crafts and much more.

Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike | Oct. 11
Take in the changing season in one of Ohio’s most scenic regions along the Grandma Gatewood trail in Hocking Hills State Park. On Oct. 11, those looking to get in some trail hiking this fall can take this 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls. The hike, which is on the difficult side, steps off at 9 a.m. and lasts four hours. Those who make the trek will be rewarded with a glimpse of the changing foliage as well as the other natural wonders this pocket of Ohio is lauded for.

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