🍁 Fall in Love with Portsmouth-Scioto County: A Perfect Autumn Getaway 🍂
- Nathan Welch
- Sep 5
- 5 min read
When the air turns crisp and the hills of southern Ohio erupt into fiery shades of red, gold, and orange, there’s no better time to visit Portsmouth and Scioto County. Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River and surrounded by the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this charming region comes alive in the fall — offering a picture-perfect escape for nature lovers, history buffs, and small-town explorers alike.
🍂 Why Visit in the Fall?
Fall in Scioto County is more than just a change in season — it’s a full sensory experience. From scenic drives through forested hills to sipping warm cider at local farms, this time of year offers something truly special:
Peak Fall Foliage: The region’s natural beauty is on full display, especially in Shawnee State Park, Shawnee State Forest, and around Tremper Mound Preserve, where vibrant leaves create a painter’s palette of color. Mid to late October is usually peak season, making it the ideal time for leaf-peeping, photography, and outdoor adventures.
Cooler Temperatures: Perfect for hiking, outdoor festivals, and cozying up in a local café without the summer heat or winter chill.
Seasonal Events & Festivals: Fall festivals, farmers markets, and harvest-themed events abound — many with live music, handmade crafts, and plenty of pumpkin-flavored treats.
🏞️ Outdoor Adventures: Where Fall Puts on a Show
There’s no better place to experience the brilliance of autumn than in the wild, rolling hills of Scioto County. The landscape here is a hidden treasure — where the foothills of the Appalachians rise and fall like ocean waves, blanketed in dense hardwood forests that light up with color in the fall.
Shawnee State Park, nestled at the heart of Shawnee State Forest, offers endless opportunities to explore the outdoors. Together, they comprise tens of thousands of acres of natural beauty. As the leaves begin to turn in late September and reach their peak by mid to late October, the forest canopy explodes into a breathtaking patchwork of fiery reds, golden yellows, and deep russet oranges.
Whether you’re hiking a quiet woodland trail, riding along a backroad with your windows down, or relaxing by a campfire under the stars, the scenery feels almost cinematic. Misty mornings bring a soft glow to the valleys, and the rustling of leaves in the cool breeze adds to the peaceful rhythm of the season.
Some of the best leaf-peeping experiences include:
Lookout Trail at Shawnee State Park – A moderate hike that rewards visitors with panoramic views of the forested hills and valleys. In the fall, it becomes a vibrant sea of color stretching as far as the eye can see.
Tremper Mound Preserve & Huckleberry Ridge Trail (Fairybell Trail) – This peaceful preserve near the Scioto River is home to the ancient Tremper Mound, built by the Adena people. Today, it's also the site of the scenic Huckleberry Ridge Trail, affectionately known as the Fairybell Trail. As you climb through quiet woods filled with seasonal color, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Scioto River Valley below — a golden tapestry of farmland, forests, and rolling hills stretching into the distance.
Forest Road Scenic Drives – Winding through Shawnee State Forest, these gravel and paved roads are perfect for an autumn day trip. Be sure to bring your camera — every bend in the road reveals a new vista.
Campgrounds and Cabins – Whether you prefer tent camping under the stars or a cozy cabin getaway, fall nights in the forest are crisp, quiet, and full of charm. Watch the leaves drift down around your fire pit while deer move silently through the trees.
The Scenic Scioto Heritage Trail ties many of these landscapes together with stops at historic landmarks, scenic overlooks, and charming country roads — making it one of Ohio’s best fall drives.
🏛️ Explore Historic Portsmouth
Downtown Portsmouth is a treasure trove of history and small-town charm. Take a stroll along the Portsmouth Floodwall Murals, a mile-long series of hand-painted murals that bring the region’s past to life — especially striking with fall leaves swirling around your feet.
Pop into local shops for unique finds, or enjoy a cozy meal at a downtown eatery. Whether it’s a cup of locally roasted coffee or a hearty farm-to-table dinner, Portsmouth’s food scene is all about comfort and local flavor.
Just a short distance from downtown, Greenlawn Cemetery offers another dimension of local history. One of the oldest cemeteries in the region, it’s especially atmospheric in the fall, when mature trees drop their golden leaves over timeworn headstones. In mid-October, Greenlawn hosts “The Story of Us” — a live drama experience where actors portray notable figures from Portsmouth’s past, telling their stories in a guided, lantern-lit tour. It’s a moving and immersive way to connect with the lives and legacies that shaped the community.
🎉 Fall Festivals & Family Fun (By Date)
Rarden Whitetail Deer Festival (First Weekend After Labor Day): This beloved small-town event celebrates the region’s hunting heritage with a parade, live music, craft booths, and plenty of great food. A highlight of western Scioto County, it brings together community pride and down-home fun.
St. Mary’s International Festival (Mid-September): Celebrate global cultures right in downtown Portsmouth! This lively festival features authentic international cuisine, music, dancing, and family-friendly entertainment. It’s a flavorful, festive way to experience the community’s diversity.
John Roger Simon Sorghum Festival (Late September): Travel back in time with traditional sorghum-making demonstrations, bluegrass music, local crafts, and Appalachian storytelling. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the region’s agricultural roots and a fall favorite among locals.
Portsmouth Oktoberfest (First Weekend in October): A downtown celebration of German food, beer, and music — complete with polka bands, craft vendors, and fun for the whole family. Grab a bratwurst, dance in the streets, and enjoy the festive autumn atmosphere.
Noble Family Farms (Open throughout the fall season): Enjoy classic fall fun with a corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and plenty of homemade treats. This family-owned farm is a favorite for kids and adults alike, offering a peaceful escape to the countryside.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Choose from charming bed-and-breakfasts, cozy cabins near Shawnee Forest, or convenient downtown hotels close to dining and shopping. For a rustic experience, consider booking a fall weekend getaway at the Shawnee State Park Lodge, where you can enjoy campfires, stargazing, and morning mist over the hills.
🌽 A Hidden Gem in Ohio
Portsmouth and Scioto County might not be on every traveler’s radar, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. In fall, it feels like your own private corner of Ohio — quiet, beautiful, and brimming with heart.
Whether you’re hiking through golden forests, enjoying sorghum and sweet tea at a harvest festival, wandering through a lantern-lit cemetery tour, or exploring the murals of historic Portsmouth, you’ll find that fall here isn’t just a season — it’s an experience.
Plan your visit today and discover why fall in Portsmouth-Scioto County is one of Ohio’s best-kept secrets. 🍁