Autumn is the most magical time of the year to take a hike in Ohio. (Be sure to check out this list of trails for spectacular fall color.) Even after much of the state’s foliage has peaked, the fall color at Shawnee State Park in southern Ohio lingers for another week or two. If you’re looking for a trail that still features plenty of yellows, reds and oranges, consider taking the Lookout Trail at Shawnee State Park in West Portsmouth, Ohio.
Right across the street from Roosevelt Lake within Shawnee State Park, you’ll find a scenic trail that’s perfect for a short day hike.
April Dray/Only In Your State You’ll find it along Township Hwy 99 in West Portsmouth, Ohio.
The trailhead for the 2-mile Lookout Trail loop starts at the bottom of a wooded hill.
April Dray/Only In Your State Note: The Lookout Trail is rated as moderate and isn’t ideal for families with small children.
The trek uphill can be steep in some parts. Be mindful of tree roots and wet leaves that can make the journey difficult.
April Dray/Only In Your State To view a map of the park’s trails and campground in a separate tab or window, click here
Take some time to enjoy the uphill journey and take in the surrounding views. Even before you reach the lookout point, you’ll be enchanted by the fall foliage.
April Dray/Only In Your State Depending on how often you stop and rest along the way, the hike will take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.
About 0.7-miles into the trail, you’ll stumble up a covered bench that’s perfectly positioned in front of the lookout.
April Dray/Only In Your State It’s the perfect place to rest and take in the sweeping views.
Best viewed in the fall, the lookout point is perfectly framed by colorful foliage. You can see for miles and miles.
April Dray/Only In Your State There’s simply nothing more stunning than state forest fall foliage. Be sure to snap a photo or two!
From here, the loop continues. Just follow the bright pink markers and stick to the trail.
April Dray/Only In Your State As you’ve probably guessed, the journey downhill will seem quicker.
The trail overlooks a ravine for much of the hike, so the scenery is still beautiful even after you’ve taken in the views at the lookout point.
April Dray/Only In Your State Peak time for Shawnee State Park fall foliage is late October and early November, so even if it’s late in the season, there will likely be plenty of fall color.
Have you ever hiked at Shawnee State Park? If so, what’s your favorite trail? Share your thoughts, recommendations and photos with us!
April Dray/Only In Your State
You’ll find it along Township Hwy 99 in West Portsmouth, Ohio.
Note: The Lookout Trail is rated as moderate and isn’t ideal for families with small children.
To view a map of the park’s trails and campground in a separate tab or window, click here
Depending on how often you stop and rest along the way, the hike will take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half.
It’s the perfect place to rest and take in the sweeping views.
There’s simply nothing more stunning than state forest fall foliage. Be sure to snap a photo or two!
As you’ve probably guessed, the journey downhill will seem quicker.
Peak time for Shawnee State Park fall foliage is late October and early November, so even if it’s late in the season, there will likely be plenty of fall color.
For more great fall color hikes in Ohio, check out our previous article: 8 Beautiful And Colorful Trails You’ll Want To Hike In Ohio This Fall.
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Address: Township Hwy 99, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA
