6 Scenic Fall Road Trips in Ohio That Make for a Perfect Couple’s Getaway

Ohio has more to offer in autumn than many people realize. Rolling hills, historic towns, and forested byways come alive with color from late September through October. For couples, it’s the perfect excuse to hit the road, slow down, and share the season together. Here are some of the most romantic fall drives in Ohio, each with stops that make a short trip feel like a getaway.

1. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

There’s something unforgettable about the moment you round a curve on Route 374 and spot the first golden leaves blanketing the forest floor. Hocking Hills Scenic Byway always feels like a hidden world in fall, especially for couples who want to reconnect with nature, and each other.

Start the drive at Ash Cave, where a broad, shallow waterfall drops from a sandstone recess. The air gets crisp here, and the trees create a canopy of red, orange, and yellow overhead. I love pausing for a photo at Old Man’s Cave or just listening to the steady sound of water flowing below.

Cabins tucked among the trees seem made for two, inviting you to linger by a fireplace as daylight fades. It’s not just the hikes that make it special, the entire region feels welcoming, from small-town diners to friendly park staff. If you’re looking for a weekend that feels both adventurous and peaceful, Hocking Hills delivers every autumn, making it a true Ohio favorite.

2. Amish Country Byway (Holmes County)

Few places slow time like Holmes County in autumn. The Amish Country Byway offers a quiet kind of romance, with roads lined by pumpkin patches, quilt shops, and fields rimmed with fiery foliage.

I find the sound of horse hooves on pavement oddly calming as buggies pass by. Couples can stop at family-run bakeries for warm cinnamon rolls, or duck into shops for handmade furniture and crafts. Covered bridges add a nostalgic touch, especially when framed by the season’s colors.

Bed-and-breakfasts here come with homemade breakfasts, think fresh eggs, preserves, and breads you’ll remember long after the trip. If you appreciate a slower pace and simple moments together, this part of Ohio feels like stepping into a living postcard each fall.

3. Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail

I always find the Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail uniquely calming, especially as the wind carries a hint of lake air mixed with the scent of fallen leaves. The shoreline glows with autumn color, making every overlook feel photo-worthy.

Along this route, couples can visit Marblehead Lighthouse or stop at small towns like Vermilion, each with its own charm. Strolling the beach with your partner, hearing the soft rush of waves, feels like a gentle reset from daily routines. The lake isn’t just a backdrop, it’s a reminder that Ohio has its own coastal escapes.

Many local shops offer seasonal treats and unique finds, perfect for a cozy afternoon. Walking hand-in-hand on the boardwalk or pausing at a quiet overlook, it’s easy to see why this drive remains a top pick for fall weekends. You’ll find autumn at its best where woods meet water.

4. Wayne National Forest Loop

Sometimes, the best couple’s trip is the one with no crowds. That’s why I love the Wayne National Forest Loop. The sense of quiet here is different, every bend brings a new view, every stop feels like it’s just for you and your partner.

Start in Athens or Nelsonville, where local cafes serve up hearty breakfasts before you set out. The drive itself is a patchwork of reds and golds, with old bridges and forested hills stretching out on all sides. It’s a place where you can stop for a picnic or wander trails without seeing another soul.

Autumn is when the forest is at its most vibrant, and the air feels clean and crisp. If you’re after a getaway that feels off-the-beaten-path but still cozy, this loop in southeastern Ohio quietly delivers every time.

5. Cuyahoga Valley National Park Scenic Drive

One of my favorite things about Cuyahoga Valley National Park is how it blends natural beauty with a sense of history. The Riverview Road drive, especially in October, feels like a moving postcard, thanks to the explosion of colors along the hillsides.

Couples can park at Brandywine Falls for a short walk beneath towering maples, or hop on rented bikes for a leisurely ride along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. The sound of the train whistle adds a touch of nostalgia to every visit. Small towns like Peninsula offer friendly spots for coffee or a late lunch.

Some weekends, art festivals or farmers markets pop up, adding a surprise to your trip. For a mix of outdoor adventure and local flavor, Cuyahoga Valley is a spot you’ll want to return to during Ohio’s fall season.

6. Shawnee Forest Country Byway (Southern Ohio)

Shawnee Forest Country Byway feels like a true escape, especially when the leaves turn and sunlight flickers through the trees. This byway covers some of the most remote, rolling hills in Ohio, making it perfect for couples who enjoy a quiet getaway.

Many lodges and cabins here come with porches that overlook the hills, so you can sip coffee together as the fog lifts in the morning. Hiking trails crisscross the area, leading to rock outcrops and hidden streams. It’s easy to lose track of time between long walks and evenings spent by the fire.

Locals call this area “Ohio’s Little Smokies,” a nod to its wild feel and layered ridges. If you want to spend a weekend feeling closer, to nature and each other, this part of southern Ohio never disappoints.