Fall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) is nothing short of magical, with more than 100 species of trees bursting into shades of red, orange, and yellow. Spanning 140 miles of trails, the park provides one of the best autumn displays in Northeast Ohio.

FreshWater writer Rebecca Cahill ventured out to experience the beauty of fall at CVNP firsthand. After exploring the park, here are our top picks for the best leaf-peeping trails this October. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk, a more challenging hike, a place to take photos, or a fall picnic, we have you covered.

So lace up your boots, throw on a hoodie, and hit the trails for yourself—you won’t be disappointed.

Ledges Trail in fallBest peeping time

Peak color typically arrives around mid-October, though this can vary. Right now, in early October, the colors are already beginning to pop with the first hints of red, orange, and yellow.

“This year it could be a bit earlier because of the drought we’ve had,” explains Pamela Barnes, CVNP public information officer and community engagement supervisor. She explains that bright fall colors thrive in dry, sunny, and cool weather, while warmer or cloudier conditions tend to dull the hues.

As trees prepare for winter, they cut off nutrients to their leaves, allowing the hidden yellows and oranges to emerge. Sugars trapped in some leaves produce the rich, deep reds.

“The length of day is what really triggers the trees to drop their leaves,” Barnes explains. “Once we pass the fall equinox, the shorter days set everything in motion.”

As Autumn moves steadily toward Winter, the best scenes evolve as well. Each of these trails at CVNP are sure to provide the best views as the season progresses. Barnes guides us through the hikes.

Early October: Oak Hill Trail & Sylvan Pond

Perfect for: A peaceful walk to enjoy the seasonal colors.

Sylvan Pond Opened in 1983, Oak Hill Trail (3901 Oak Hill Rd, Peninsula) offers a serene, woodsy setting, including picnic areas, benches, bathrooms, and fishing ponds. This 1.5-mile inner loop trail is rated easy, ideal for beginners and families.

For those seeking more of a challenge, the outer loop—Plateau Trail—stretches 5.5 miles and features some hilly terrain.

We started our fall adventure here, and it was the perfect place to begin. “Oak Hill sits at the top of the valley, so it’s more of an upland hardwood forest—Beech, Maple, and Oak Hickory,” she explains. “The bright colors of the maples and oaks really stand out here.”

One of the best things about Oak Hill is its peacefulness. “If you want a place where you're not going to see a lot of other people, Oak Hill is a good choice,” Barnes adds.

During our walk, we spotted frogs, woodpeckers, and mushrooms along the trail. The highlight, though, was the reflection of the changing leaves on Sylvan Pond, about a half mile into the hike.

“You can do the longer loop or just take a short stroll to Sylvan Pond,” suggests Barnes. “It’s a great spot for families, especially with small children.”

Insider Tip: Visit during the week for extra solitude. When we went on a weekday morning, there were only six cars in the parking lot, and we didn’t see another person on the trail. However, Barnes notes that Oak Hill rarely fills up unless there’s a special event or school program.

Mid-October: Brandywine Falls and Brandywine Gorge Trail

Perfect for: Instagram-worthy photography and waterfall fans.

By mid-October, Fall colors are in full swing, and Brandywine Falls (8176 Brandywine Rd, Sagamore Hills) is the perfect place to experience nature’s color palette. We arrived in the late afternoon, although we were still a bit early in the season to see the peak colors. But the cascading falls framed by trees were a photographer’s dream, nonetheless.

Brandywine Falls“The view of the falls with the Fall colors is something you don’t want to miss. If you visit during the week—before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.—you’ll avoid the busiest times,” says Barnes.

The Brandywine Gorge Trail, built by volunteers in the early 1990s, is a 1.5-mile loop that offers stunning views of the falls and the gorge. Walking along the trail, the sound of rushing water and the cool fall air made the experience even more immersive.

As the leaves continue to drop throughout the month, more of the gorge and waterfall will come into view.

For those looking for a longer, more scenic hike, you can start at the Boston Trailhead, where the trail offers a solid workout. “The hike from Boston is lovely,” Barnes notes, “It has good uphill climbs and stairs.”

If you prefer a shorter walk, however, the boardwalk connected to the parking lot provides direct access to the falls without any hiking involved. The upper observation deck is accessible, and the lower one has stairs for a quick workout.

Insider Tip: For the best lighting and fewer crowds, visit in the late afternoon.

Ledges Overlook at sunsetLate October: Ledges Trail in Virginia Kendall

Perfect for: A meditative hike or a place to read a book, with sweeping views of the valley.

We wrapped up our fall tour at Ledges Trail (405 Truxell Rd, Peninsula), known for its rugged beauty and stunning views from Ledges Overlook. Late October is a great time to visit.

“When you walk down into the ledges, it's almost like you're taking a step back in time,” says Barnes of the towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and ferns that line the trail, creating a landscape that feels ancient. “You almost expect to see a dinosaur,” she jokes.

The Ledges Overlook offers panoramic views of the valley, making it a popular spot for sunrises and sunsets. The trail itself is a moderate 2.2 miles with stone steps and exposed tree roots, so use caution while hiking. Along the way, you’ll pass hemlocks, oaks, and hickories.

“The golden hour at Ledges is 100%—You can’t miss it,” Barnes says of this late October hike recommendation. She explains that the contrast between the ravine’s Hemlocks and the overlook’s hardwood forest creates a dramatic scene as the colors shift.

Insider Tip: Visit in the late afternoon with a picnic basket or a book and wait for the sun to set. You might even hear a round of applause from the crowd when the sun dips below the horizon.

Know Before You Go

While Fall is the perfect time for hiking—not too hot, not too cold—Barnes advises visitors to dress in layers and wear sturdy boots with ankle support. “Leaves can be slippery, and the trails can get rocky,” she warns. “Hiking poles are also great for stability, especially when frost sets in.”

Barnes also recommends packing extra layers in a bag. “It’s easy to take off a layer if you get warm, but if you’re cold and unprepared, it’s a different story,” she explains. “Wet clothing can lead to severe chills.”

Avoid wearing strong scents like perfume or cologne, especially on busy trails, and use headphones if you plan to listen to music—enjoying the natural sounds and smells is part of the experience.

“The smells take me back to childhood and the carefree times of playing in the leaves,” Barnes reflects. “You can hear the crunch of the leaves under your feet. And when you're the first person on the trail, it's all covered. You kind of have to shuffle through the leaves to make sure you're still on the trail.”

Remember to leave no trace. Stay on marked trails to protect the habitat, keep pets leashed, and take your trash with you—bins are available at trailheads.

While CVNP trails are well-marked, it’s always smart to bring a trail guide or download the AllTrails app. Or, you can buy the Trail Guide: Cuyahoga Valley National Park at any of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga National Park's Trail Mix stores, where all proceeds support the Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council, and helps keep the trails in great condition.

Happy hiking!