Fall Fun for Families in Chillicothe & Ross County, Ohio
Events, Haunted Attractions & Fall Foliage
The fall season is finally upon us! This is good news for those who enjoy fall foliage, family friendly events, and haunted attractions. As the leaves begin to change and the air gets a little cooler, Ross County comes alive with fall fun. From haunted activities to a festival of leaves celebration, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of autumn in Chillicothe and throughout Ross County.
Whether you’re hunting for fall activities for families, planning a weekend getaway with friends, or looking for a spooky adventure, Ross County offers something for every kind of fall enthusiast. And with events happening throughout October, plus some of the area’s best opportunities to see fall foliage, it’s a great time to plan a visit and enjoy the season.
Fall Events in Chillicothe and Ross County
One of the best ways to experience fall fun is by planning your visit around one of the many seasonal events happening throughout the region.
Halloween and Haunted Attractions in October
Come October, the fall fun gets a little spookier, Ross County offers several Halloween experiences throughout the month, ranging from theatrical haunted attractions to family-friendly festivals and historical events.
The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain | October 1–31
For those who like their fall activities with plenty of scares, The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain is a must for October.
Taking place Thursdays through Saturdays throughout October, the experience brings the story of Dracula to life at Haunted Mountain. Visitors can experience theatrical entertainment, haunted attractions, and other spooky activities throughout the evening.
It’s an ideal choice for couples, friends, and families with older children who are looking for a Halloween adventure.
Make a night of it by enjoying dinner in Chillicothe before heading to Haunted Mountain, then staying overnight and exploring more of Ross County the next day.
Chillicothe Halloween Festival | October 9–11
Families looking for fall activities for families that are a little less frightening can head to the Chillicothe Halloween Festival at Yoctangee Park.
The festival brings Halloween-themed entertainment, food, vendors, activities, and plenty of seasonal fun to the community. It’s a great opportunity for families to celebrate Halloween together without making the entire experience about haunted attractions.
The festival also gives visitors a reason to spend a full weekend in Chillicothe. After enjoying the festival, explore downtown restaurants and attractions or plan an outdoor adventure before heading home.
Fall Festival of Leaves | October 16–18
October is also the perfect time to get out and enjoy southern Ohio’s famous fall scenery.
The Fall Festival of Leaves offers visitors another opportunity to experience the season with community events, vendors, food, entertainment, and plenty of colorful scenery surrounding the region.
For visitors coming from outside Ross County, this can be a great opportunity to combine festival activities with a scenic drive, a hike, or a visit to one of Chillicothe’s historic attractions.
Haunted Histories | October 24
For a spooky experience that focuses on history rather than traditional haunted-house scares, check out Haunted Histories.
This event explores some of the stranger stories connected to Ross County’s past, bringing together local history, ghost stories, and tales of the supernatural.
It’s an especially interesting choice for visitors who enjoy learning about the history behind the places they visit. Pair Haunted Histories with dinner downtown and an overnight stay for a unique fall evening in Chillicothe.
Five Places to See Fall Foliage in Ross County
Fall fun isn’t limited to festivals and Halloween events. Ross County’s wooded hills, valleys, trails, and historic landscapes make it an excellent destination for enjoying fall foliage.
Great Seal State Park
Great Seal State Park is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, and experiencing the natural landscape surrounding Chillicothe.
The park’s wooded trails and rolling terrain make it a great place to see autumn colors while getting outside. Families with older children can spend the day exploring the trails, while visitors looking for a quieter experience can simply enjoy the scenery.
For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s one of the best places to add some active fall fun to a Ross County itinerary.
Earl H. Barnhart “Buzzard’s Roost” Nature Preserve
For a spectacular scenic view, visit the Earl H. Barnhart “Buzzard’s Roost” Nature Preserve.
The Lookout Trail leads to an overlook featuring dramatic vertical cliffs of sandstone and shale that descend into the Paint Creek Gorge. In autumn, the surrounding landscape provides an especially beautiful backdrop of changing leaves.
Bring your camera, pack some water, and take your time enjoying the view.
Scioto Trail State Park
Scioto Trail State Park is another excellent destination for experiencing fall foliage in southern Ohio.
Its wooded landscape and hiking opportunities provide plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the changing colors. It’s a good choice for visitors looking for a peaceful outdoor adventure away from the busier fall events.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Fall is also a beautiful time to explore Hopewell Culture National Historical Park.
The park’s ancient earthworks provide a unique setting for a fall walk, combining Ohio history and archaeology with the changing autumn landscape. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making the park an especially meaningful stop for families interested in history and culture.
For families looking for fall activities for families that are both educational and outdoors, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park is a great addition to the itinerary.
Tar Hollow State Park
For a more immersive outdoor experience, head to Tar Hollow State Park.
With its forested landscape, trails, and peaceful surroundings, Tar Hollow is an excellent place to slow down and enjoy the season. Pack a picnic, explore the trails, and spend an afternoon taking in the fall colors.
Paint Creek State Park
Don’t overlook Paint Creek State Park when planning your fall adventure.
The park offers another opportunity to enjoy southern Ohio’s natural scenery, with water, wooded areas, and outdoor recreation creating a beautiful setting for an autumn day.
Consider adding Paint Creek to a scenic fall driving route through the region.
Plan a Fall Weekend in Ross County
With so many events and outdoor destinations to choose from, it’s easy to turn a single activity into an entire fall weekend.
Families could spend a Saturday exploring Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, enjoying lunch downtown, and attending the Chillicothe Halloween Festival before settling in for the night. Couples or groups of friends could explore downtown, enjoy dinner, haunted attraction, and spend the next day hiking among the fall foliage.
And for visitors who want a combination of history and outdoor adventure, a day exploring Chillicothe’s historic attractions followed by a scenic hike is an easy way to experience several different kinds of fall fun in one trip.
Make the Most of Fall fun in Chillicothe and Ross County
From haunted attractions and Halloween celebrations to Fall hikes and sites, Ross County offers plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season.
Whether you’re searching for fall activities for families, planning a spooky night out, or simply want to see the leaves change across southern Ohio, you’ll find plenty of ways to experience fall fun in Chillicothe and throughout Ross County.
Plan your visit around a seasonal event, explore the area’s scenic trails, enjoy a meal downtown, and stay overnight to make the most of everything the region has to offer.
Ready to plan your fall adventure? Explore more events, things to do, places to eat, and places to stay in Chillicothe and Ross County, Ohio, and start planning your autumn getaway.