Where to Catch an Ohio Sunset This Fall

There’s something special about watching the day wind down outdoors, especially in autumn, when cooler temperatures and changing leaves add an extra layer to the scenery. From a spot near a historic landmark along the Lake Erie shore to a famous overlook in Cuyahoga Valley National Park to lesser known locations with views of cities and rivers, slow down and take in the sunset this autumn at one of these five spots.

Mount Pleasant in Rising Park | Lancaster: Watch the sun go down over Lancaster and the surrounding countryside from Mount Pleasant. The Blackhand sandstone relief sits nearly 300 feet above the city. Access Mount Pleasant from the moderate, less than 1 mile Mount Pleasant trail. 1100 N. High St., Lancaster 43130, lancasterparks.com

Airplane Rock in Hocking State Forest | Rockbridge: Catch a sunset within this lesser-known stone outcropping and see panoramic views across Hocking Hills’ treetops. Access Airplane Rock from the trailhead at the end of the parking area. The route is 1.8 miles one way, with hills along the trail and is part of the Buckeye Trail. Hocking State Forest, 17741 Hockman Rd. Rockbridge 43149, ohiodnr.gov

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park | Marblehead: With a grand view of the western horizon, Lake Erie provides a classic sunset backdrop. Catch a photogenic sunset beside the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes. Access the lighthouse from the parking lot. 110 Lighthouse Dr., Marblehead 43440, ohiodnr.gov

Larz Anderson Park | Cincinnati: Tucked away in Cincinnati’s Hyde Park neighborhood above Columbia Parkway, this hillside park offers views overlooking the Ohio River and Cincinnati skyline. Settle in for an urban sunset surrounded by greenery. Access the park from free side street parking. 2905 Golden Ave. Cincinnati 45226, cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks

Ledges Overlook in Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Peninsula: Located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Ledges Overlook offers western views surrounded by sandstone cliffs and forested foothills. Watch the sunset over the open space between Akron and Cleveland. Access the overlook on the 1.8-mile Ledges Trail loop. 701 Truxell Rd., Peninsula 44264, nps.gov/cuva

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