September 8, 2003

ODNR SUGGESTS BEST DRIVING ROUTES
FOR VIEWING OHIO'S FALL COLOR VISTAS

COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohio's roadways provide some of the best places to view the state's colorful autumn countryside. Spectacular new views appear at every bend in the road in some areas.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) recommends this sampling from among the most popular fall color driving tours in Ohio. Many of these routes also offer opportunities to stop at nearby state parks, forests and nature preserves for up-close views of Ohio's annual woodland fireworks.

REGION and COUNTY ROAD and ROUTE

Central

• Ross US 50, from Chillicothe southwest to Bainbridge
• Regional I-71, from Delaware north to Mansfield (construction)
• Delaware SR 315, from I-270 north to Delaware
• Delaware SR 745/247, from SR 161 north to Prospect
• Licking SR 13, from I-70 north to Newark/Heath

Northeast

• Richland/Ashland SR 97, from I-71 east to Loudonville
• Ashland/Knox SR 3, from Loudonville south to Jelloway
• Regional SR 534, from Damascus north to Harpersfield
• Geauga/Portage SR 700, from Burton south to Freedom
• Geauga/Lake SR 608, from Middlefield northwest to I-90
• Summit I-271 and I-80, over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Medina/Summit/Portage SR 303, from Hinkley east to Shalersville
• Holmes SR 39, from Loudonville east to Sugarcreek and I-77

East

• East Central I-77, from Canton south to Marietta (some construction)
• Jefferson SR 151, from SR 7 west to Hopedale

Southeast

• Morgan SR 78, from Glouster northeast to McConnelsville
• Hocking SR 374 and 664, around the Hocking Hills Region
• Hocking/Vinton SR 278, from Nelsonville southwest to Prattsville
• Meigs SR 681 and SR 248, from Tuppers Plains to Keno
• Jackson/Lawrence SR 93, from Oak Hill south to Ironton
• Monroe/Washington SR 26, from Woodsfield to Marietta

Southwest

• Warren I-71, over Little Miami River Gorge (construction)
• Scioto Shawnee State Forest and Shawnee State Park Roads
• Regional US 50 and SR 32/124 (The Appalachian Highway), from Athens west to Cincinnati (some construction)

Northwest

• Regional SR 65, SR 424 and SR 111, from Perrysburg southwest to Defiance
• Regional SR 105, SR 163 and SR 53, from Bowling Green northeast to Catawba Island

Many Ohio waterways also provide excellent Fall Color viewing. Because they are in a moist environment, trees and shrubs along Ohio's rivers, lakes and streams tend to show color brilliantly and hold that color longer. A late season canoe or powerboat trip on a favorite waterway can be a treat for the senses. However, ODNR advises boaters to take extra caution during fall outings when air and water temperatures are lower. A well-fitted life preserver is the best safety measure late-season boaters can take.

Fall Color Reports are available each week (beginning September 25) through 1-800-BUCKEYE. Internet users can access the forecast and other seasonal information on the Internet at ohiodnr.com .

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For Further Information or Photos Contact:
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860