Hit the trails this fall in the Buckeye State
Staff report
COLUMBUS
Travel and togetherness can be found this fall on Ohio’s tourism trails.
Whether searching for warm drinks made from pumpkin, maple, ginger or caramel; a walk or bike ride amid vibrant fall foliage; or a ghostly encounter, it can all be found in the Buckeye State.
OhioTourism has listed several options at trails.ohio.org. Here is an overview:
Seasonal Tastes
Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail: One of Ohio’s most treasured edible traditions, the delectable peanut butter and chocolate treats can be found at 31 shops on the new Ohio Buckeye Candy Trail. Get the downloadable trail map to visit nearby locations.
Columbus Coffee Experience: Ohio’s coffee shops spice up the season with handcrafted, seasonal flavors including pumpkin spice and homemade baked goods. Sample a variety of drink.
Haunted Trails
Haunted Mansfield Trail: With six haunted sites, Mansfield has secured its title as the Haunted Capital of Ohio. Visit the Ohio State Reformatory, a castle-like former prison known for its paranormal activity, and the Renaissance Theatre, known for unexplainable footsteps, noises and figures seen in the night.
Trail of Terror: Feel your fears come to life on Lake Erie Shores and Islands’ Trail of Terror, featuring haunted houses, hayrides and thrill centers.
Ales and Spirits Trails
Columbus Ale Trail: As each tier of this 36-stop trail is completed, visitors will earn an Ohio-crafted Columbus Ale Trail tasting glass, ultimately collecting enough glasses to fill the trail completion prize – a flight locally crafted of reclaimed wood from The Ohio Taproom.
419 Ale Trail: From Kelleys Island and Findlay to Toledo and Maumee, the 419 Ale Trail delights taste buds at every one of its 17 northwest Ohio stops, including Bowling Green Beer Works, Put-in-Bay Brewery & Distillery and Upside Brewing.
Darke County Whiskey, Wine and Ale Trail: Travel through the rolling hills of Darke County, where six locations serve up flavorful cocktails, beer and wine. Get in the fall spirit by savoring flavors including the Autumn Leaves blend at The Winery at Versailles or the County Fair Caramel Apple Wine at A.R. Winery.
Cleveland Brewery Passport: Swing by any of the 30 participating breweries to pick up a Cleveland Brewery Passport, and then get to tasting for a chance to win prizes.
Fall Color Nature Trails
Lyons Fall Trail: Immerse yourself in breathtaking fall color while hiking, biking or walking this trail at Mohican State Park. Venture throughout the state park and nearby state forest or relax by the remarkable Clear Fork Gorge and Clear Fork River.
Shawnee State Forest: Known as “the Little Smokies of Ohio,” Shawnee is the state’s largest state forest at 60,000 acres. Climb the fire tower (one of five open to the public) to capture incredible fall foliage pictures. More than 60 miles of hiking, biking and bridle trails provide plenty of outdoor adventure.
Trail to Rockbridge: Home of the largest land bridge in Ohio, visitors can experience exquisite natural beauty on this trail at Rockbridge State Nature Preserve.