I would have to say that fall is undoubtedly my favorite season. I desire to experience the beautiful vivid colors like here in Oak Openings Preserve and one of my favorite things to do this time of year is to go leaf-peeping. And while many people across the United States are traveling to Vermont my home state of Ohio has its share of scenic views.
Wildwood Preserves RR. Metz Visitor Center is a wonderful place to walk any time of year but Autumn is my favorite. The preserve is part of the Toledo Metroparks and was previously a family estate of Robert A. Stranahan, Senior.
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In Cuyahoga Valley National Park you can listen to the twittering of songbirds and watched a squirrel climb the skinniest of branches.
It's a quiet splendor there as the sun's rays gently peek through the trees. Shifting patterns of light flicker on sections of fast-flowing water.
Magee Marsh is a beautiful wildlife area and a mecca for birders. We enjoy visiting here due to the large population of birds that appear, singing as loud as they can, during the spring and fall migration. The visitors center is a must-see as they have a wonderful collection of preserved birds on display. Down the lane from the center is an observation (lookout) tower. Make sure to bring your binoculars and you will see plenty of waterfowl, country birds, and those moving through the area. A boardwalk can be accessed from the parking lot. The boardwalk runs through the woods and provides an awesome view of the wetland's close-up.
We have hiked many times at John Bryan State Park and the adjoining Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve. John Bryan is considered to be one of the most scenic state parks in western Ohio. And this park is dominated by a variety of majestic trees. Cottonwoods, Maples, Oaks, and Sycamores can be found here along the Little Miami River.
We frequently stop at the Indian Mill. This Mill was built in 1861 and rests in this beautiful location along CR 47- northeast of Upper Sandusky. Here, we listened to the waterfall and watched the leaves float along the Sandusky River. The site is managed by Wyandot County Historical Society.
There are many places throughout Ohio that we like to escape to and Hueston Woods State Park is one of them. We enjoy fossil hunting and our dogs like combing the beach and picking up sticks. If you are interested in staying at the park with dogs, there are pet-friendly cabins and each cabin has its own charcoal grill, fire pit ring, and picnic table. Pets, however, are not permitted in any rooms or cabins not designated "pet-friendly." In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, assistance dogs for visually, hearing impaired, or orthopedically challenged are permitted.
I love to spend time at Wildlife Refuges! As I walk this path towards my husband, at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, I get to see the great work that a refuge does for wildlife and learn more about the species that live there.
Bellefontaine is home to Ohio's highest elevation (Campbell Hill). The high point is visible from the road. There are parking spots at the school and from there you can walk up the hill. Our dog Buddy sat with me briefly and then he decided he had enough and it was time to explore.
I love spending time along the shore at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park. Tours of the Marblehead Lighthouse and on-site Keeper’s House Museum are held during the afternoon, six days a week from June-August. Below we are relaxing at the base of the lighthouse.
The tower’s history boasts the first female lighthouse keeper in the U.S.
What is your favorite fall destination?
