Ohio road named one of the best spots in the Midwest for a scenic fall drive
Ah, fall. If you’re a nature lover, you’ve likely been looking forward to colorful fall foliage, pumpkin spice lattes (store-bought or homemade recipes) and all things related to this breezy, colorful season.
Nature hikes can be a great idea—but scenic drives are even better. The Midwest is home to areas that have beautiful artwork created by nature, and Ohio has a road that can make you feel like a main character in a movie that takes place during autumn.
Ready to take a road trip that’s pleasing to the eyes? Here’s where you should plan your next scenic drive in the Midwest.
1. Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio is one of the best places in the Midwest for a scenic fall drive
The Points Guy recently wrote about five of the most scenic fall drives. The site presented the list in no particular order, but we're starting close to home with Hocking Hills State Park.
Located near Logan in Southeast Ohio, Hocking Hills State Park is a favorite place to hike and enjoy time in nature for many Ohioans, but it’s also home to roads for that scenic drive you’ve been looking forward to all year.
The drive is a must-do part of the Hocking Hills experience if you plan to head there during the fall. As you pass through State Route 374, the journey will provide a scenic road trip with colorful foliage backdrops with waterfalls and caves.
If you didn’t know already, the 2,356-acre Hocking Hills State Park is home to the best hiking trails in the nation in USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice 2024, per a story from the Columbus Dispatch.
The park was also named one of the top destinations worldwide in Forbes' Best Places to Travel in 2023 list. It topped U.S. News & World Report's Best Places to Visit in Ohio the same year.
Hocking Hills offers seven hiking trails, with Whispering Cave being the longest. The other trails range from a quarter-mile to two miles in length, and from easy to difficult. Apart from hiking, Hocking Hills offers boating and fishing at Rose Lake, mountain biking on two 2-mile trails, hunting in designated areas, stargazing at John Glenn Astronomy Park, and an archery range, among others.
2. The shoreline in West Michigan
Heading North from Ohio? Interstate 196 and U.S. 31 were known as the historic West Michigan Pike route, connecting several Michigan towns to the Canadian border.
At St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, vineyards of burgundy and gold cascade all throughout the journey down to South Haven, where there are twelve beaches, according to The Points Guy.
3. Brown County, Indiana
Westward from Ohio is another beloved Midwestern state that’s perfect for a day trip (but you can stay longer if you’d like).
Take a serene drive to Brown County State Park in Brown County, Indiana, located south of Indianapolis and west of Cincinnati.
These forests contain an array of different trees, including sycamores, oaks and maples with multicolored greenery ideal for a nature walk.
This park in Brown County is known for its lovely hiking trails. If you pass by a lake on your walk, you’ll probably see the beautiful autumn colors reflecting on the tranquil waters.
4. Minnesota's Mississippi River headwaters
If you’re looking to go a little farther for an autumn-themed getaway, Minnesota has spectacular headwaters at Itasca State Park.
While you drive across the river, the fall foliage is stroked with hues like tangerine, maroon, and ocher next to Lake Itasca. The region includes additional areas excellent for some fall foliage sightseeing, such as Lake Bemidji State Park, Brainerd Lakes Area, and Quarry Park & Nature Preserve.
5. Great River Road in Iowa
Yes, the drive to Iowa will definitely be longer, but it'll be so worth it.
Iowa's state parks contain a multicolored array of trees, like black walnut and hickory.
Alongside the Great River Road is a notable state park called Lake MacBride, located west of the Mississippi close to Iowa City. It's not only perfect for a peaceful trek, but you can also learn about the significance of the lake. If you plan to go north, there are many other areas for pleasing fall foliage, like Mines of Spain State Recreation Area and Pikes Peak State Park.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: See the Ohio road named among the 5 best scenic fall drives in the Midwest