The Ultimate Guide to Dresden's Fall Colors: 5 Places You Can't Miss
Welcome to Dresden, Ohio
If you are planning a trip to Dresden this weekend, you are in for a treat! Nestled along the Muskingum River, Dresden is a charming Ohio village surrounded by natural beauty and colorful foliage. Whether you are looking for a scenic drive, a relaxing hike, or a cozy spot to enjoy the view, Dresden has something for everyone. As you prepare for your road trip, we prepared a list of some scenic spots to stop and enjoy on your way to Dresden:
1. Dresden River Park
Dresden River Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the fall colors in Ohio. You can walk or bike along the paved trail that follows the Muskingum River and see the colorful leaves reflecting on the water. You can also visit the historic Lock #9 and learn about the lock system that dates back to the 1840s. You can relax and picnic at one of the shelters and grills in the park and admire the views of the river and the hills. You can also play some sports or games at the park’s facilities or go fishing or boating on the river. Dresden River Park has something for everyone who loves nature and history.
2. Ames Drive Overlook
If you, and your car, are up for it, take a steep ride up Ames Drive in the heart of Dresden and find a scenic overlook of the Village. Park right in front of the Inn at Dresden, once the home of the beloved Dave Longaberger and family, and take in the sights of changing colors and small town America.
3. Muskingum River State Park and The Water Cave
If you are looking for some adventure and history, you might want to check out the Muskingum River State Park and the Water Cave. The Muskingum River State Park is a water trail that follows the river for 112 miles, passing through a series of hand-operated locks and dams that date back to the 19th century. You can boat, fish, camp, hike, and learn about the area’s heritage along the way. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the colorful foliage that covers the hills and valleys along the river. The Water Cave is a natural sandstone cave near Lock #8 that has a pool of water inside. You can reach the cave by boat or by hiking along the river bank. The cave was once used as a hideout by Native Americans and early settlers.
4. Dillon State Park
This is a 2,285-acre park that offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, boating, golfing, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the hills from the observation tower. Just 20 minutes from Main Street Dresden, you can soak in the scenery that Ohio is known for.
5. Blackhand Gorge
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is a natural and historical treasure in Ohio. This 956-acre area features a 4-mile sandstone gorge cut by the Licking River. The gorge is named after a dark, hand-shaped petroglyph that was engraved on the cliff face by Native Americans, but was destroyed by canal builders in the 1820s. You can enjoy the fall foliage by walking or biking along the paved Blackhand Trail that follows the river and passes through a tunnel. You can also visit the historic Lock #16 of the Ohio-Erie Canal, explore the other trails that showcase the rugged topography and contrast with the vibrant leaves, and see the diverse flora and fauna of the preserve. Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve is a great place to enjoy nature and history in Ohio.
Photo by Ljubomir Risteski
BONUS STOP!
6. Woodbury Wildlife Area
The Woodbury Wildlife Area is a great place to visit if you want to experience the natural beauty and history of Ohio, perfect for any nature lover! Less than 30 minutes from Dresden, the area has a diverse mixture of habitat types, such as open land, brushland, woodland, wetlands, and ponds. You can enjoy the scenic views of the rolling hills, woodland trails, sandstone outcroppings, ponds, gazebos, bridges, and an outdoor amphitheater. You may also see a wide range of native and exotic plants and animals in the area, including white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, wild turkey, waterfowl, ruffed grouse, beaver, muskrat, raccoon, opossum, skunk, bass, bluegills, red-ear sunfish, and channel catfish.
Ohio is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, especially in the fall. As you plan your trip to come see us here in Dresden, we hope you get the chance to soak in some beautiful autumn colors and enjoy the fresh air before enjoying all that Dresden has to offer. With this guide, you can truly fall in love with Dresden!