I love fall and fall in Cleveland makes me so happy. The weather is still warm enough to enjoy being outside, the sunsets are beautiful and there are so many fun things to do. From apple picking to different markets and events there is something for everyone in Cleveland.
Here are some of my favorite things to do in and around Cleveland in the fall. I plan on continuing to add to this as I visit additional places. I would love suggestions as well of places you enjoy and I should visit.
Apple picking/fall markets:
Patterson fruit farm, in Chesterland, Ohio is one of my favorite places all year long but it’s a must visit in the fall. People take family fall photos here, pick out pumpkins and fall decor, buy baked goods and of course apple picking. They have a separate location with a fall festival for the kiddos that has tractor rides and a play area. I have a separate full write up because I love this place so much! Make sure to grab a donut or fritter and a coffee and go sit by the overlook to enjoy the changing leaves and the view. Check out my full review https://justaclevelandgirl.com/pattersons-fruit-farm/
Szalay’s farm and market in Peninsula, Ohio has a wonderful market all fall long. They have some great eats they are known for like their corn on the cob and ice cream. The corn was in fact fabulous! The market is open with produce, pumpkins and mums. They have a corn maze across the street that costs $6. They are CASH only.
Brant’s Apple Orchard in Ashtabula, Ohio is a little further of a drive from Cleveland but so worth the drive. They are open Tuesday-Sunday 10-7 during the fall season. You can pick apples or just grab some from the market. Their market also has cider, baked goods, coffee, slushies and food. They have a specialty soup that changes every day and they only carry their pulled pork sandwiches on the weekend, but it’s a must try item. Check out my full review https://justaclevelandgirl.com/brants-apple-orchard/
Hiking/beautiful fall views
I really enjoy hiking but fall time is my favorite. The colors and views in and around Cleveland parks is gorgeous. Here are some of my favorite parks to hike at during the fall.
Squire’s Castle-North Chagrin Reservation: This park is located is three different cities but the Squire’s Castle portion is in Willoughby Hills. It is run by the Cleveland Metroparks. The castle with the changing trees all around it is beautiful. There are paths around the castle or you can enjoy a picnic or some games in the field in front of the castle. I will admit I have not done a lot of exploring in the rest of the park and do have it on my list.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This is the one National park we have in Ohio and it is huge. This is another park I’ve started exploring but have so many other stops to make. I was there when the trees were barely starting to change. My top two areas so far are the Brandywine Falls area which does have some trails and a main paved path to see the falls. The Ledges area trails are my second favorite. The Ledges Overlook has gorgeous views of the park. We sat up there looking out and relaxing for quite some time. It was the perfect break.
Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, Ohio is another top park to visit during the fall. This is one of the only places that is not free admission. It is $21 for adults and $15 for kids but the cost is worth it in my opinion. You could spend a good portion of your day there exploring the multiple trails. September 19th thru November 1st they have the skeleton grove for fall and then the emergent tower and canopy walk, which are open most of the year, are a perfect way to enjoy the fall colors.
Chapin Forest Reservation in Kirtland, Ohio is another great park to hike. It consists of the Sharon Conglomerate ledges where on a clear day you can see Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. The colors in the fall are beautiful.
Chagrin River park, a Lake Metropark in Willoughby, Ohio has the chagrin river running through it and beautiful views of all the fall colors. It also has some amazing sunsets.
Euclid Creek Reservation added a bridge over the creek and a new path. The new path takes you up above the park where you are looking down on some gorgeous views.
Ashtabula and Eastern Lake County are known for their covered bridge tour. They typically host a weekend where you can tour all the bridges and they have a meet up at the Harpersfield Bridge. I have never done the full tour but did check out Smolen Gulf and the area was beautiful. I’m hoping one year I’ll be able to complete the full tour.
I also enjoy the wineries this time of year. Most of them have gorgeous properties to enjoy, fall menus and the weather typically is still warm enough to enjoy their patios. Vincent William sits right on Lake Erie so not only do you get to enjoy the changing leaves but also the beautiful lake. Hundley Cellars has some of the best brownies and a wide array of wine. Stonegait Winery has some great pizza and other food options and has some bourbon and beer options if you are not a wine drinker. South River Winery, Red Eagle Distillery and The Black Door Tavern all sit on the same property giving you some options and an amazing view as the property is gorgeous. Regal Vineyards Adventure Farm is a haunted winery that also hosts a fall festival and Hallofest which do require a ticket. I have not checked this out but it’s on my list.
Do you wish adults could still trick or treat? Well out at the wineries you can so just that and it’s only for adults. 7 wineries/distilleries, Grand River Cellars, Debonne, Cask 307, South River Vineyard, Red Eagle Distillery, Black Door Tavern and Corkscrew Taphouse host a trick or treat trail throughout all of October. They offer a food and beverage option and it’s $10 at each location.
I can’t wait to continue to experience and check out all Cleveland has to offer for the fall. I’m always looking for recommendations. Any places I need to check out??!! Where are your favorite fall spots?