Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau

Fall & Winter Getaways in Chillicothe, Ohio

When the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, Chillicothe, Ohio, takes on a whole new kind of energy. Fall brings colorful scenery, seasonal festivals, outdoor adventures, Halloween fun, and plenty of reasons to linger downtown. As the season shifts toward winter, the pace becomes cozy and inviting, with holiday events, local shopping, live entertainment, and places to warm up over a great meal.

Start your getaway outdoors and experience the beauty of the Appalachian foothills. Explore scenic trails and overlooks, discover remarkable ancient earthworks at Hopewell Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or spend a crisp fall day exploring one of Ross County's five state parks. With more than 250 miles of hiking and biking trails, there's plenty of room to take in the changing landscape at your own pace.

Fall also brings a lineup of seasonal experiences that make Chillicothe a memorable destination. Experience the excitement of The Dracula Experience at Haunted Mountain, enjoy the family-friendly fun of the Chillicothe Halloween Festival, or take in the colorful sights and small-town atmosphere of the Fall Festival of Leaves. From live entertainment and festivals to pumpkins, fall flavors, and outdoor adventures, autumn offers plenty of ways to fill a weekend.

Then make your way downtown, where locally owned shops, boutiques, cafés, breweries, restaurants, bakeries, and sweet spots make it easy to spend an afternoon wandering. Browse for unique finds, pick up a locally made gift, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or settle in with a craft beer or locally roasted coffee. The experience is relaxed, walkable, and distinctly Chillicothe.

When the temperatures drop, there's still plenty to do. Catch a concert or theatrical performance, explore local attractions, gather around the table for a memorable meal, or plan a holiday shopping day filled with one-of-a-kind finds. The winter calendar brings live music, holiday performances, seasonal events, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season.

And don't overlook the simple pleasures of a winter getaway. Enjoy breakfast at a local favorite, spend an afternoon exploring downtown, warm up with coffee or something sweet, then make an evening of dinner and live entertainment. Chillicothe offers the kind of experiences that don't require a packed itinerary—just time to explore and enjoy.

Whether you're looking for a colorful fall escape, a Halloween weekend, a scenic outdoor adventure, a holiday shopping trip, or a cozy winter getaway, Chillicothe and Ross County give you plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

Come for the season. Stay for the experience.