9 Instagram Worthy Spots for Fall Foliage in Central Ohio

There is something so special about hiking through the woods when the leaves are turning in the fall. The light reflecting off the golden leaves just makes everything magical. There are a few spots locally that we visit each year that just shimmer in gold during peak foliage and we finally compiled a list of the locations to share with the world.

Blendon Woods Metro Park: Take the 2-mile Sugarbush Trail and you will pass through a woods that opens onto a meadow and at peak foliage everything glows golden.

Clear Creek Metro Park:  The .9-mile Lake Trail winds through woods and leads to an observation deck overlooking Lake Ramona. Take in the fall foliage that is especially impressive when selecting on the water.

Jeffrey Park: The little trail that wraps around the mansion and the paths that lead down to the river are stunning at peak foliage.

Highbanks Metro Park: Dripping Rock Trail at Highbanks Metro Park is a 2.6 mile loop that travels through the forest and along a creek. The sun dappling through the golden leaves is breathtaking.

Rockstall Nature Preserve: A 1.1 mile loop will take you through the woods, over creeks, and down a staircase into a holler. The holler is filled with beautiful open faced rock structures and flowing water.

Sharon Woods Metro Park: Take a walk on the 1-mile Edward S. Thomas Trail to experience leaves that turn a beautiful yellow and reddish-brown. Then head to the observation deck to view a big field where you might see deer grazing. 

Slate Run Metro Park: The Five Oaks Trail Loop at Slate Run Metro Park is a 1.5 mile gravel hike that goes through a steep ravine with black shale outcrops and is surrounded by tall trees with golden yellow leaves.

Thompson Park: Thompson Park is a neighborhood park located in Upper Arlington. On the west side of this park, there is a little stretch of a path that leads through a grove of maple trees that are absolutely stunning when they are turning in the fall.

Walnut Woods Metro Park: The Sweetgum Trail at Walnut Woods Metro Park is a 2.3 mile loop through the sweet gum trees, tall pine trees, and wildflower fields making this a beautiful hike anytime of year, but especially in the fall when the sweet gums are showing off.