Color us gone: 10 fall escapes within a few hours
STEUBENVILLE — A tank of gas, a free day and a good pair of walking shoes may be all Ohio Valley residents need to find some of autumn’s best scenery. From waterfalls tucked into wooded gorges to mountain overlooks blanketed in fall color, 10 destinations in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania offer opportunities to enjoy the season within about three hours of home.
For local residents, a day trip can provide a welcome break without the expense of an overnight stay. Some destinations are close enough for a spontaneous afternoon outing, while others are better suited for a full day of hiking, sightseeing and exploring.
Driving times are approximate from the Steubenville-Weirton area and vary depending on the starting point, route and destination within each park.
1. Oglebay Park — Wheeling, West Virginia
Driving distance: Under 1 hour.
Located just outside Wheeling, Oglebay Park offers wooded trails, gardens and scenic overlooks that make it an easy choice for a fall outing close to home. Visitors can enjoy the changing leaves while exploring the grounds or taking a relaxing drive through the park.
Website: oglebay.com
2. Coopers Rock State Forest — Near Morgantown, West Virginia
Driving distance: Under 2 hours.
Coopers Rock State Forest is known for its expansive overlook of the Cheat River Gorge, where wooded hillsides put on a colorful display each autumn. Hiking trails wind through the forest, offering opportunities to take in the scenery at a slower pace.
Website: wvstateparks.com
3. Blackwater Falls State Park — Davis, West Virginia
Driving distance: Under 3 hours.
Blackwater Falls State Park combines mountain scenery, forest trails and one of West Virginia’s best-known waterfalls. The surrounding forest takes on added color in autumn, although its higher elevation can mean foliage changes earlier than in the Ohio Valley.
Website: wvstateparks.com
4. Cuyahoga Valley National Park — Northeast Ohio
Driving distance: Under 3 hours.
Between Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers forested trails, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and historic sites. Visitors can hike, bike or explore sections of the park by car while taking in the fall colors.
Website: nps.gov/cuva
5. Mill Creek Park — Youngstown, Ohio
Driving distance: Under 2 hours.
Mill Creek Park offers a nearby option for residents looking for autumn scenery without committing to a long drive. The expansive park features wooded trails, lakes, gardens and picturesque bridges, giving visitors plenty of places to enjoy the changing leaves.
Website: millcreekmetroparks.org
6. Hocking Hills State Park — Logan, Ohio
Driving distance: Under 3 hours.
Hocking Hills is known for its sandstone cliffs, caves, waterfalls and forested hiking trails. Autumn color adds to the scenery around popular destinations such as Old Man’s Cave and Ash Cave. Visitors should allow time for hiking and check trail conditions before leaving home.
Website: hockinghillsstatepark.com
7. Ohiopyle State Park — Pennsylvania
Driving distance: Under 3 hours.
Located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, Ohiopyle State Park features waterfalls, river scenery and wooded trails that become especially colorful in fall. The Youghiogheny River runs through the area, adding another scenic element to the landscape.
Website: pa.gov — Ohiopyle State Park
8. Fallingwater — Mill Run, Pennsylvania
Driving distance: Under 3 hours.
Fallingwater, the landmark house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, is set above a waterfall in a wooded landscape. The surrounding forest makes the property an appealing autumn destination, but tours require advance planning and reservations are recommended.
Website: fallingwater.org
9. McConnells Mill State Park — Portersville, Pennsylvania
Driving distance: Under 2 hours.
McConnells Mill State Park offers a rugged setting with a historic gristmill, a covered bridge, rocky gorge scenery and hiking trails. The Slippery Rock Creek gorge is particularly striking when the surrounding trees begin to change color.
Website: pa.gov — McConnells Mill State Park
10. Presque Isle State Park — Erie, Pennsylvania
Driving distance: Under 3 hours.
For a different kind of fall outing, Presque Isle State Park extends into Lake Erie and offers beaches, wetlands, wooded areas and views across the water. Visitors can explore the peninsula by car, bike or on foot while enjoying the cooler weather and seasonal scenery.
Website: pa.gov — Presque Isle State Park
Fall foliage timing varies with weather and elevation, so check recent reports and park updates before leaving. Confirm operating hours, trail conditions and any tour reservations, particularly late in the season.
