COLUMBUS, OH - Forested landscapes across Ohio are beginning to show hints of Fall Color, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

"Tinges of autumn golds, reds and yellows are appearing in woodlands and fence rows throughout the state," said Bill Schultz, spokesman for the ODNR Division of Forestry. "And many woodland vines have already turned a vibrant red."

Parks, forests and nature preserves in all parts of the Buckeye State are reporting "fair" Fall Color viewing this week, meaning 10 to 25 percent of trees are beginning to turn. Color is coming on quickly in the northeastern and central regions thanks to the recent sunny days and cool nights. Green remains the dominant color in the south. Peak color is still about two weeks away in most areas, Schultz said.

This weekend, special seasonal campouts are slated for Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County; Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County; Pike Lake State Park in Pike County; and Van Buren State Park in Hancock County.

Van Buren State Park is also hosting a "Horses To Horsepower" program from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 4. The park's nature center will be the site of special programs, hayrides, a Bicentennial living history encounter and other entertainment, along with a bean soup and cornbread dinner.

Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County will host its annual Apple Butter Festival this weekend. And Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County will be the scene of the annual Scouting Outing. The 25th annual Pioneer Craft Days will come to Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County. The popular Paul Bunyan Show is set for Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville, near Hocking Hills and Lake Hope state parks. A gathering of textile craftsmen will highlight the annual Spin-In Gathering at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Fall hayrides will also begin at Malabar Farm this weekend.

Autumn color changes across Ohio and other seasonal information - as well as updates on activities and events - can be viewed on the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com . To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular outdoor season, weekly updates are also available from the best Fall Color viewing locations across the state by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE.

Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 125 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample fall foliage. Here are the most current reports from selected locations: