Autumn is a time that many people seek out the changing fall colors in Ohio Amish Country. Imagine the photographs of covered bridges and Amish barns against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage. People often ask how to know the best time to schedule a trip to Berlin, Ohio for the fall colors. There are a couple helpful tools to assist with your planning:
- The Explore Fall Foliage Map has a handy sliding scale so you can see the predicted color for different parts of Ohio on specific days. The scale starts at “Little to No Color” and extends to “Past Peak Color.” According to this map’s estimates, “Peak Color” in Berlin will start around October 20 and end around October 30.
- The Farmer’s Almanac has a helpful animated map showing the predicted progression of the colors across the United States. The page also lists their choices for the top 21 places to see the fall foliage. Cuyahoga Valley National Park made the list and it is only about an hour north of Donna’s Premier Lodging. The entire drive will be filled with amazing views around every corner. Added bonus, if you need a short respite from your work day, take a few soothing minutes to just watch the colors spread across the map on the website.
You’ve Seen the Colors, Now What?
The fall foliage in Ohio Amish Country is spectacular and the area also celebrates the season with events and festivals. Many of the options have a spooky flair and all have a touch of local flavor. Add one of these fun activities to your Berlin fall foliage getaway.
- Charm Days – October 11-12, 2024: Charm, Ohio is approximately five miles from Donna’s Premier Lodging. Every year, they commemorate the fall season with a weekend long festival. Popular events at the festival include horseback games on Saturday morning and the Wooly Worm Derby where entrants use any means possible to encourage their wooly worm contestant to climb up the string first. Benefit lunch stands are spread throughout town so you will not go hungry. Fall in Charm truly is “charming.”
- The Farm at Walnut Creek Fall Festivals – October 11-12, October 14 (extra date for Columbus Day), October 18-19, and October 25-26, 2024: What is more iconic than a day at the farm in the fall. Walnut Creek has lots of activities planned for each weekend throughout the month. Festival weekends include a pumpkin slingshot, a horse-drawn wagon ride, Percheron Draft Horses helping to make molasses, and lots of food options. Note that the festival weekends are Fridays and Saturdays.
- Lantern Tours at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum – October 18-19, and 25-26, 2024. Do you love ghostly tales and legends? Do you love trains and railroads? This is the perfect combination of both. The 90-minute tour takes guests through the museum guided only by an oil lantern while a staff storyteller entertains everyone with local lore. Pro-tip: wear closed-toe shoes for this experience.
- Apple Butter Stirrin’ Festival in Historic Roscoe Village – October 18-20, 2024: When a fall festival has been organized for 53 straight years, you know it must be fun. 10,000 annual festival-goers cannot be wrong. The weekend boasts homemade apple butter, more than 100 craft and food vendors, and history and legend tours. The scenic Roscoe village is approximately a 30-minute drive from Donna’s Premier Lodging.
- Boo in the ‘Burg -- October 26, 2024: Millersburg knows that Halloween is not just for kids. Adults can sample wine and craft beer while listening to music by local band, Borderline. That same evening, you can take self-guided ghost walks through the Victorian House Museum. Members of the Ghost Guild will be available throughout the 28-room mansion to answer questions about paranormal activities and ghost encounters. This is not a haunted house activity but the stories you hear may still leave you spooked. It is a great activity to attend with someone who will hold your hand throughout the experience.
- “Sheep Thrills” and “Barn To Be Wild” at the Amish Country Theater – Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings until November 2, 2024: The couple that laughs together stays together and these shows are sure to make you laugh. These two shows feature acts such as a ventriloquist, juggler, comedian, and parody singers. Make it a fall Ohio Amish Country date evening with dinner before or after the show.
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Halloween Fall Trail Hike at Breitenbach Winery – October 25-26, 2024: Lace up your hiking shoes for a unique winery experience. The evening starts with a cellar tour. After learning more about Breitenbach wines, enjoy a glass while taking a walk along the hiking path. The evening ends with live music by an autumn campfire.






