September 3, 2025 @ 5:00 pm – September 6, 2025 @ 11:00 pm

The Ohio Hill Country Festival is held in Wellston, Jackson County, southeast Ohio, on the first Wednesday through Saturday following Labor Day.

The festival starts at 5 pm on Wednesday when the rides and art show open.

Throughout the festival, there is an art show, the Little Miss Queen Contest, the Junior Miss Queen Contest, a quilt, needlework, and craft show, karaoke sessions, a car and motorcycle show, a baby contest, and more.

The Grand Finale Parade takes place at 6.30 pm on Saturday.

Live music and entertainment, and fairground rides are provided throughout the opening hours.

Festival Hours:

• Wednesday: 5 pm – 9 pm
• Thursday: Noon – 9 pm
• Friday: Noon – 9 pm
• Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm

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September 16, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – September 20, 2025 @ 11:00 pm

The annual Jackson Apple Festival is a fun autumn event that will take over the downtown streets of Jackson for 5 days in September.

If you are looking for a day of fun for the entire family, look no further than the Jackson Apple Festival! Savor the deliciousness of all things apples! Adults and kids alike will enjoy seeing animals from the Columbus Zoo. There will be rides and a parade, too!

Jackson Apple Festival has the largest lighted parade in Ohio and also features over 20 marching bands, so you won’t want to miss it. 

For those who like sports, a volleyball tournament is planned, and car enthusiasts can check out the cool cars at the car show. 

There will be races, contests, and live music!

While you’re there, be sure to check out the craft show, festival art show, and quilt show.

Please note that no bicycles, skates, scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, or live animals are allowed in the festival area. 

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About State Parks in Southeast Ohio

All state parks in Ohio are maintained by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). They are also all free to enter, with no parking fees. Across the state, parks vary greatly in their landscape, facilities, and activities. The state parks in southeast Ohio are mostly rambling, rocky, and hilly with many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

In this list, we are giving the addresses and contact details, the size of the park, and the facilities and activities available at each location. Please note that if you wish to fish or hunt, a license is usually required.

Map of State Parks in Southeast Ohio

Hocking Hills State Park

Situated in Logan, Hocking County

• Address: 19852 State Rte 664, Logan, Ohio 43138
• Phone: 740-385-6842 | Website | Facebook

Lake Logan State Park

Situated in Logan, Hocking County

• Address: 30442 Lake Logan Rd, Logan, Ohio 43138
• Phone: 740-385-6842 | Website
• Check out our article about Lake Logan!

Tar Hollow State Park

Situated in Laurelville, Hocking County

• Address: 16396 Tar Hollow Rd, Laurelville, Ohio 43135
• Phone: 740-887-4818 | Website | Facebook

Lake Hope State Park

Situated in McArthur, Vinton County

• Address: 27331 State Rte 278, McArthur, Ohio 45651
• Phone: 740-596-4938 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Lake Hope State Park!

Great Seal State Park

Situated in Chillicothe, Ross County

• Address: 4908 Marietta Rd, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
• Phone: 740-887-4818 | Website
• Check out our article about Great Seal State Park!

Scioto Trail State Park

Situated in Chillicothe, Ross County

• Address: 144 Lake Rd, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
• Phone: 740-887-4818 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Scioto Trail State Park!

Paint Creek State Park

Situated in Bainbridge, Ross County

• Address: 280 Taylor Rd, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612
• Phone: 937-393-4284 | Website

Pike Lake State Park

Situated in Bainbridge, Ross County

• Address: 1847 Pike Lake Rd, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612
• Phone: 740-493-2212 | Website | Facebook

Lake White State Park

Situated in Waverly, Pike County

• Address: 2767 State Rte 551, Waverly, Ohio 45690
• Phone: 740-493-2212 | Website

Shawnee State Park

Situated in West Portsmouth, Scioto County

• Address: 4404 State Rte 125, West Portsmouth, Ohio 45663
• Phone: 740-858-6652 | Website
• Check out our article about Shawnee State Park!

Lake Alma State Park

Situated in Wellston, Jackson County

• Address: 422 Lake Alma Rd, Wellston, Ohio 45692
• Phone: 740-384-4474 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Lake Alma State Park!

Jackson Lake State Park

Situated in Oak Hill, Jackson County

• Address: 921 Tommy Been Rd, Oak Hill, Ohio 45656
• Phone: 740-682-6197 | Website

Forked Run State Park

Situated in Reedsville, Meigs County

• Address: 63300 State Rte 124, Reedsville, Ohio 45772
• Phone: 740-378-6206 | Website
• Check out our article about Forked Run State Park!

Burr Oak State Park

Situated in Glouster, Athens County

• Address: 10220 Burr Oak Lodge Rd, Glouster, Ohio 45732
• Phone: 740-767-3570 | Website | Facebook

Stroud’s Run State Park

Situated in Athens, Athens County

• Address: 11661 State Park Rd, Athens, Ohio 45701
• Phone: 740-767-3570 | Website

Jesse Owens State Park

Situated in McConnelsville, Morgan County

• Address: 4470 E State Rte 78, McConnelsville, Ohio 43756
• Phone: 740-453-4377 | Website | Facebook

Wolf Run State Park

Situated in Caldwell, Noble County

• Address: 16170 Wolf Run Rd, Caldwell, Ohio 43724
• Phone: 740-732-5035 | Website
• Check out our article about Wolf Run State Park!

Blue Rock State Park

Situated in Blue Rock, Muskingum County

• Address: 7924 Cutler Lake Rd, Blue Rock, Ohio 43720-9728
• Phone:740-453-4377 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Blue Rock State Park!

Dillon State Park

Situated in Nashport, Muskingum County

• Address: 5265 Dillon Hills Dr, Nashport, Ohio 43830-9568
• Phone: 740-453-4377 | Website | Facebook
• Check out our article about Dillon State Park!

Muskingum River State Park

Situated in Zanesville, Muskingum County

This state park is 112 miles along the Muskingum River at Zanesville to the Ohio River at Marietta with a series of 11 locks, 10 of which are in operation. This navigation system is on the National Register of Historic Places.

• Address: 1390 Ellis Dam Rd, Zanesville, Ohio 43701
• Phone: 740-453-4377 | Website | Facebook

Salt Fork State Park

Situated in Lore City, Guernsey County

• Address: 14755 Cadiz Rd, Lore City, Ohio 43755
• Phone: 740-439-3521 | Website | Facebook

Barkcamp State Park

Situated in Belmont, Belmont County

• Address: 65330 Barkcamp Rd, Belmont, Ohio 43718-9733
• Phone: 740-484-4064 | Website

Ohio State Parks

Check out our other regional lists of Ohio state parks:

• Central
• Northeast
• Northwest
• Southwest

Let’s Visit State Parks in Southeast Ohio!

Have you visited any of the 22 state parks in southeast Ohio? Which is your favorite? We would love to know! Leave a comment below and share your experiences with us.

Do you wonder how to keep your kids amused during school vacation times? We have some suggestions for you!

• Things to Do in Ohio with Kids
• Indoor Water Parks in Ohio
• Indoor Playgrounds in Ohio
• Resorts in Ohio

You can be sure kids and adults will have a blast at these places in Ohio!

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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About Fall Festivals in Ohio

There is a lot happening in Ohio in the fall. It is the harvest season, and the communities take advantage of this time to put on fall festivals. Here we share some of the best ones around the state.

Check out our Event Calendar for all fall events and events in Ohio throughout the year.

Map of Fall Festivals in Ohio

The Jackson Apple Festival

Jackson County, Southeast Ohio

This festival takes place in the heart of Jacksonville and it is so popular that downtown is closed off due to the sheer number of visitors.

• Address: Downtown Jackson, Ohio 45640
• Phone: 740-288-6714 | Website | Facebook

The Ohio Swiss Festival

Tuscarawas County, Northeast Ohio

Downtown Sugarcreek the last weekend in September is the place to be if you want to enjoy a super fall festival. This annual festival has been in place since 1953 and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Sugarcreek has deep Swiss roots, so it is only natural that this festival has a strong Swiss theme. Did you know that Sugarcreek has the largest cuckoo clock in the world?

• Address: Downtown Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681
• Phone: 330-852-4113 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ohio Heritage Days

Richland County, Northeast Ohio

Ohio Heritage Days are located in the lovely Malabar Farm State Park. This fall festival is a little different as it is focused more on education and it is a bit like a museum tour. Historical reenactments and demonstrations take place, so it is quite a fun festival to visit.

• Address: 4050 Bromfield Road, Lucas, Ohio 44843
• Phone: 419-892-2784 | Website

Ashtabula County Covered Bridge Festival

Ashtabula County, Northeast Ohio

This fall festival is also a bit different as the focus is on covered bridges. There are many free activities for people to participate in. The kids will also be entertained as there is live entertainment, food, drink, crafts, and games. Not forgetting adults, there are different contests, and one of the contests that is great fun is the troll costume contest.

• Address: 25 W Jefferson St, Jefferson, Ohio 44047
• Phone: 440-576-3769 | Website | Facebook

Fall Festival of Leaves

Ross County, Southeast Ohio

The Fall Festival of Leaves is based in Bainbridge and this is known as Leaf Country for the beautiful fall leaf colors. On the third weekend of October, a family-friendly festival takes place.

• Address: 104 North Maple Street Box 571, Bainbridge, Ohio 45612
• Website | Facebook

The Circleville Pumpkin Show

Pickaway County, Central Ohio

This is a great festival, particularly if you are a pumpkin fan! Some of the world’s biggest pumpkins come to town and some of them are huge. An example of this was the pumpkin that was on display in 2021. It came in at a whopping 1,850 pounds.

• Address: 159 East Franklin Street, Circleville, Ohio 43113
• Phone: 740-474-7000 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Black Walnut Festival

Preble County, Southwest Ohio

Camden has been playing host to this fall festival for over 30 years. This festival takes place in mid-October and has lots of activities and events going on. A highlight of this festival is the food vendors. Some of the food on offer here is amazing. There is an emphasis on fall food like pumpkins and corn, but there are also favorites like ice cream and baked goods.

• Address: 56 West Central, Camden, Ohio 45311
• Phone: 937-452-7547 | Website | Facebook

Apple Butter Fest

Wood County, Northwest Ohio

This annual festival has been held here since 1977. It is very busy and boasts over 40,000 visitors each year. Thousands of ‘a half-pint of apple butter‘ are crafted each year for the visitors. Some of the activities include the classic car show, crafts, arts, live music, and reenactments from historical events.

• Address: Downtown Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522
• Website | Facebook

Bob Evans Farm Festival

Gallia County, Southeast Ohio

The Bob Evans Farm Festival is in mid-October. Food and drink on offer includes soup, cheeses, cider, and apple dumplings. There is live country music, Reno Family Horseshoe Pitching, Great Lakes Timber Show, and the Taps in Motion Cloggers.

• Address: 10854 OH-588, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674
• Phone: 740-245-5324 | Website | Facebook | Instagram

Ohio Sauerkraut Festival

Warren County, Southwest Ohio

The Ohio Sauerkraut Festival takes place during the second weekend of October. The entire downtown area of Waynesville is tuned into a large sauerkraut area. Over 7 tons of sauerkraut is served up at this festival. This is a very popular festival and it attracts over 350,000 visitors each year.

• Address: Main Street, Downtown Waynesville
• Phone: 513-897-8855 | Website | Facebook

Let’s Visit Fall Festivals in Ohio!

Have you visited any of the Fall Festivals of Ohio? We would love to hear what fun you have experienced during these festivals. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts!

If you are looking for some other fantastic places in Ohio, we suggest: Things To Do In Dublin Ohio, Things To Do In Toledo Ohio, and Lake Erie Lighthouses.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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About Covered Bridges in Ohio

There are over 125 covered bridges remaining in Ohio, there were once 3,500 of them! The idea of covering bridges was to protect the woodwork of the bridge against the weather.

Many of the original bridges have been destroyed, or neglected so badly that renovation was impossible. However, some of these badly neglected bridges have been faithfully reconstructed – usually in the same place, but sometimes they are moved.

Half of the counties of Ohio have at least one bridge, and Ashtabula County has the most covered bridges, with 17.

Map of Covered Bridges in Ohio

Smolen Gulf Bridge

Smolen Gulf Bridge is the longest covered bridge not just in Ohio, but in the entire United States. This impressive bridge has a span of 613 feet. It is over 90 ft above the gulf area of the Ashtabula River, so it has an impressive drop as well. Visitors can drive across this bridge, but it is best to see it when parked.

• Address: 7001 State Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
• Parking: Parking at the Indian Trails Park pavilion
• Website

State Road Covered Bridge

If you want to visit a covered bridge surrounded by natural beauty, this is the bridge for you. The State Road Covered Bridge is situated in the middle of a gorgeous park with lots of beautiful trees and wildlife. You can drive over this bridge, and there is parking available also. Visitors also have access to the creek below the bridge.

• Address: 5899 State Road, Conneaut, Ohio 44030
• Parking: Roadside parking
• Website

Newton Falls Bridge

This is the second oldest covered bridge in Ohio and the last surviving covered bridge in Trumbull County. It was built in 1831, and the design of this bridge is the lattice style. This design and construction method was extremely popular in the Victorian era.

• Address: River Street, Newton Falls, Ohio 44444
• Parking: Paved parking
• Website

Benetka Road Covered Bridge

The Benetka Road Covered Bridge is a stunning structure, constructed over 120 years ago in the 1890s. This bridge has been a local favorite with visitors for years and was last renovated in the mid-1980s. The span of this bridge is over 135 feet, so it is a gentle walk, or you can drive over it.

• Address: 4500 Benetka Road, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
• Parking: Roadside parking
• Website

Windsor Mills Covered Bridge

Windsor Mills Bridge is a historic landmark. This bridge spans Phelps Creek. It is a nice bridge, painted a yellow color that fits in with its surroundings.

Windsor Mills Covered Bridge, built in 1867, has two center supports, one of locally quarried sandstone and the other of creek stone.

• Address: 7696 Warner Hollow Rd, Windsor, Ohio 44099
• Parking: Roadside parking
• Website

Pottersburg Covered Bridge

The Pottersburg Bridge also goes by the name of the Upper Darby Bridge. This bright red bridge was used to cross the Big Darby Creek when it was first built in the 1930s. It was moved to its current location in 2006 and was renovated at the same time. This is a very pretty bridge that is easy to park by. Visitors often stop here to go on walks, picnic, and also take photos.

• Address: 7141 Inskeep-Cratty Road, North Lewisburg, Ohio 43060
• Parking: Paved parking lot
• Facebook (Unofficial page)

Netcher Road Covered Bridge

This is a nice bridge that is based on the old Neo-Victorian design. This bridge is 110 feet long and over 22 feet wide, and you can drive over it. The bridge goes over Mill Creek in Jefferson Township. It features a timber arch with inverted Haupt walls

• Address: 1544 Netcher Rd, Jefferson, Ohio 44047
• Parking: Limited Roadside parking
• Website

Eldean Covered Bridge

This historic bridge, built in 1860, is in Troy, Ohio, and spans the Great Miami River. This is quite a long bridge at over 220 feet. The bridge has a bike path, and there is parking, a port-a-potty, and a picnic shelter. Hiking is also available, as there is beautiful countryside around this bridge.

• Address: Corner of N County Rd 25A and Eldean Rd, Troy, Ohio 45373
• Parking: Parking is available in the park that is adjacent to the bridge
• Website

Lanterman’s Mill Covered Bridge

Lanterman´s Mill Bridge was built in 1989. Lanterman’s Mill is a beautiful place. The current bridge crosses Mill Creek near the mill and has a span of 96 feet.

There has been a bridge here since the 1800s, used by the locals when they were bringing their grain to the mill.

• Address: 1001 Canfield Rd. (SR 62) Youngstown, Ohio 44511
• Parking: There is a good quality parking lot available
• Website
• Check out our article about Lanterman’s Mill!

Spain Creek Covered Bridge

This is one of the shorter covered bridges that can be found in Ohio as it is only 64 feet long. This bridge is a historical bridge, built in the 1870s. It crosses Spain Creek, which gives it its name.

It is a pretty bridge and it is quiet as well, so it is a perfectly peaceful location for a visit.

• Address: Inskeep-Cratty Road, North Lewisburg, Ohio 43060
• Parking: Roadside parking
• Website

Everett Covered Bridge

The original Everett Bridge was destroyed in 1975. This current bridge was completed in 1986. It is a bright red color, so you will certainly not miss it. There are facilities available such as restrooms, guided trails, and a parking lot. This is the only remaining covered bridge in Summit County

• Address: 2370 Everett Road, Peninsula, Ohio 44264
• Parking: Paved parking lot
• Website

Harpersfield Covered Bridge

The Harpersfield Bridge, constructed in 1868, is one of the longest covered bridges in Ohio. It has a span of 228 feet and spans the Grand River. The bridge is next door to the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark, where there are facilities available such as restrooms and places to have picnics. Harpersfield also has a nice Winery.

• Address: 1122 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio 44041
• Parking: Paved parking at the Harpersfield Covered Bridge Metropark
• Website
• Check out our article about Harpersfield Winery!

Parker Bridge

Parker Bridge is a Howe truss covered bridge built by J.C. Davis in 1873. The bridge is in Upper Sandusky, northwest Ohio. The 182-foot-long bridge continued to transport people and vehicles across the Sandusky River for 118 years, until it suffered a fire in 1991. The ‘Cross the Bridge Again’ Committee restored the bridge in 1993, and it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Visitors can still walk or drive across the wooden bridge, enjoying its stunning rural surroundings.

Address: Everhart Rd, Upper Sandusky, Ohio 43351

More Covered Bridges in Ohio

• Ballard Road Covered Bridge: Jasper, Greene County
• Bergstresser Covered Bridge: Canal Winchester, Franklin County
• Caine Road Covered Bridge: Pierpont, Ashtabula County
• Glen Helen Covered Bridge: Yellow Springs, Greene County
• Geeting Covered Bridge: Lewisburg, Preble County
• Germantown Covered Bridge: Germantown, Montgomery County
• Johnson Road Covered Bridge: Scioto, Jackson County
• Mechanicsville Road Covered Bridge: Mechanicsville, Ashtabula County
• Roberts Covered Bridge: Eaton, Preble County
• Rock Mill Covered Bridge: Rock Mill, Fairfield County
• Stutzman’s Crossing Covered Bridge: Walnut Creek, Holmes County
• Warnke Bridge: Lewisburg, Preble County

Let’s Visit Covered Bridges in Ohio!

Have you visited any of Ohio’s covered bridges? Which is your favorite? We’d love to know what you think! Let us know by commenting below.

There are a lot of historic things to see in Ohio, such as Ohio Village, which is a living history museum, Clifton Mill near Yellow Springs is one of the largest grist mills in existence.

Discover historical places and museums in many areas of Ohio, some of which can be found in these informative articles: Things To Do In Dayton Ohio, Things To Do In Lima Ohio and Things To Do In Chillicothe Ohio

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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About Lake Alma State Park

Lake Alma State Park is part of Ohio’s most rugged scenic area in the southeast region, tucked into the unglaciated hills of Ohio. These Ohio hills are part of the Appalachian Highlands.

There is a 60-acre lake, a wooded valley with a gentle creek running through it. There is a community park available as well as walking trails in this 292-acre state park.

In the winter months, weather permitting, visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, and ice fishing.

Boating

Hand-powered boats and boats with electric motors are welcome on the lake. There is a boat launch ramp located at the Northeast edge of the lake.

Camping

The Campground offers 6 full hookup sites and 67 electric sites as well as 10 non-electrical sites. 

The campground has an ADA-accessible shower house as well as flush toilets, tables, fire rings, a dump station, and drinking water. 

There is a playground on site and the camp office loans games and sports equipment to registered campers. For more information, visit here.  

Dog Swim Area

This is a smaller-sized fenced-in (three sides) dog park. The fourth side of this dog park opens up to Lake Alma.

Swimming

There is a public beach located on the North side of Lake Alma. Pets are not permitted in the beach area. Swimming is allowed only during the day. Swim at your own risk.

Fishing

When fishing all Ohio fishing regulations apply. You will need a valid Ohio fishing license (16 and older). You can expect to see bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. 

Hunting

There are hunting areas in this state park. Deer, turkey, and waterfowl are plentiful. All Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations apply, and you will need a valid Ohio hunting license.

Trails

There are five hiking trails of various lengths and skill levels.

Acorn Trail – A 1-mile hike that is easy to moderate difficulty level, but good for all skill levels.  Perfect for a family hike.

Island Loop Trail – This is a 0.5-mile trail with a moderate difficulty level.

Lake Loop Trail – This is a 1.4-mile trail that is easy. It is a multi-use type of trail with a paved path.

Old Pine Trail – This is a 0.7-mile trail that is easy to moderate in difficulty level. The trail is used mostly for walking and hiking. Dogs can be on this trail when leashed. 

Sassafras Trail – This is a 0.6-mile trail that is easy to moderate. This trail is good for all skill levels. 

Where is Lake Alma State Park Located?

• Address: 422 Lake Alma Road, Wellston, Ohio 45692
• Phone: 740-384-4474 | Website | Facebook

Location Map for Lake Alma State Park

Let’s Go to Lake Alma State Park!

Have you been to Lake Alma State Park? We would love to hear about your visit! Leave a comment below telling us about your experience!

Love to hike? Us too! If you love state parks, check out Great Seal State Park, Forked Run State Park, Dillon State Park, and Wolf Run State Park.

Hello! We have done our very best to ensure that the accuracy of events, hours, addresses, etc, are up to date. Please know that information can change due to weather, updated health and safety challenges, etc. If you find incorrect information, please send us an email at team@visitohiotoday.com, and we can get it updated.

To be updated and stay connected, subscribe to our newsletter.

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