Fall has officially arrived and with it comes gorgeous foliage in Columbus. Whether you're looking to explore one of our fantastic Metroparks or looking to stay closer to the city, fall color is everywhere for you to see this season. Ready your camera and your senses and don't miss these best places for fall color in Columbus.
Before we start to explore some of the best places to see changing leaves in Columbus and beyond, let's talk about peak fall foliage times in Ohio! Generally speaking, leaves begin to change in late September and peak during the month of October. Northern Ohio leaves begin to change first and Southern Ohio leaves follow by a few weeks. Plan a trip, find a hike, and scout fall color in Ohio with our interactive fall foliage map! Daily updates begin on September 1st.
Peak fall color season has just about arrived in Ohio. Most of Ohio's trees, including those in and around Columbus, are at "near peak" levels of color, according to the Ohio Department of Natural. Want to know best times & places to see fall colors in Ohio? ⇒ Peak predictions, where to see the fall foliage, + Ohio fall colors map 2025.
Fall Color information for the state of Ohio including Fall Color reports, foliage updates, featured locations and activities. Discover when Columbus fall foliage will peak, why the leaves change, and the best local spots to soak in autumn's colorful show. Fall in Columbus and Central Ohio offers some of the most beautiful drives you'll find in the entire state.
Whether you prefer riverside routes, forested byways, or historic scenic drives, there's a perfect path for you to enjoy the vibrant fall colors. Because of Ohio's dry summer, multiple species of trees have begun to change colors early resulting in sporadic foliage changes across the state, according to David Parrott, a fall color. Fall colors in Ohio are breathtaking.
If you're in the right park, fall can appeal to all of your senses - from the earthy, fresh smell of leaves to the crunchy sound of your steps on fallen foliage. You know it's truly autumn when the air feels crisp and the trees change from bright green and yellow to deep red and purple.