5 things we can’t wait for this fall in Dayton

Fall is officially here.

While we’re sad to see summer go, fall brings new hope.

Cool breezes, beautiful scenery, corny fun and haunts are just some of the fun that awaits.

Here are five things we are looking forward to this fall in Dayton.

1.) Picturesque fall hikes

There is no better time of year than now to soak up the natural beauty of our region while enjoying the crisp autumn air. There are so many gorgeous spots to choose from for a nature walk. Here are a few of our top picks:

John Bryan State Park: If you ask us, the best time of year to visit this state park in Yellow Springs is now. Hike along the Pittsburgh-Cincinnati Stagecoach Trail along the course of the Little Miami River that cuts through the limestone gorge.

Hills & Dales Metropark: Hike the 1.4-mile Adirondack Trail (orange), which includes a loop around beautiful Dogwood Pond, a picturesque waterfall and a boardwalk through a high-quality forested wetland.

Sugarcreek MetroPark offers a variety of scenic landscapes as hikers trek further along its many lengthy trails. Hike the green or orange trails to visit the Osage Orange Tunnel of trees and Three Sisters (three ancient white oak trees) at this park with a variety of trails.

Englewood MetroPark has three waterfalls with an amazing view of limestone dipping into a wide ravine. If you continue to Patty Falls, you'll see a large rocky waterfall, which is active year-round, sided by cascade stone.

Credit: Tom Gilliam Photography for Dayton.com

Credit: Tom Gilliam Photography for Dayton.com

2.) The Great Pumpkin

Nothing says fall family fun than a day at the pumpkin farm. Enjoy the outdoors, pick out your own pumpkins, indulge with some fall-flavored treats, pet some farm animals or get lost in a corn maze (more on that below). Some even offer apple picking.

A few of our favorite spots include Young’s Jersey Dairy, Niederman Family Farm, Tuken market and Brumbaugh Fruit Farm.

Credit: Tom Gilliam

Credit: Tom Gilliam

3) Dining al fresco

From gorgeous patios to the new weekend Out on 5th outdoor drinking and dining experience in the Oregon District, it’s the perfect season to enjoy a socially-distant patio meal.

Out on 5th is a roughly 0.2-mile stretch of East Fifth Street in the Oregon District converted into a new pedestrian mall from Friday evenings to Sunday nights through the end of October. Restaurants have used the area to offer expanded outdoor dining. This spot is also part of Dayton’s first Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area, meaning you can walk around with beverages on the streets and sidewalk.

Credit: JRDEE2

Credit: JRDEE2

4.) Halloween haunts

Though the haunted house experience may look a bit different this year in a pandemic, several of Southwest Ohio’s haunted attractions are still planning to offer modified frights this season. Land of Illusion is promising socially-distant scares this season. The Riverside Jaycees Haunted House is spooky and run by volunteers to help support a good cause. Brimstone Haunt, located on the grounds of the Ohio Renaissance Festival, will open this weekend.

Credit: David A. Moodie, contributing photographer

Credit: David A. Moodie, contributing photographer

5.) Corny fun

'Tis the season. There are dozens to choose from in the Dayton region, ranging from easy for the little ones to even a challenge for the smartest grown-ups. One maze to add to your must-try list is Tom’s Maze in Germantown. It’s been nominated as one of the top 10 corn mazes in the state. Apple Country Farm Market’s 7-acre maze paying tribute to local heroes in health care and law enforcement.

About the Author