COLUMBUS, OH The splendor of Ohio's woodlands in autumn creates boundless opportunities for nature photographers, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The seasons blue skies are a spectacular backdrop to the vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and golds of the forests, providing a visual feast for the camera lens.
Based on his years of experience in the field, ODNR's staff photographer Mike Williams compiled a list of the best photo opportunities in the state during Ohios colorful change of seasons. His tips for capturing the best seasonal images are available each week on ODNR's web site at ohiodnr.com. Here are his suggestions for both amateur and experienced shutterbugs:
SOUTHERN OHIO
The Rim and Gorge Trails at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County.
Magnificent overlooks of adjoining Hocking State Forest are around every bend of these trails. The wooded gorge and its sandstone cliffs are naturally photogenic, with brilliant golds of beeches and reds of maples mixed with the greens of hemlocks.
The trail between Old Mans Cave and Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County.
Six miles of beautiful fall vistas are located along one of Ohios most popular fall color destinations. The area around Cedar Falls, a midway point on the trail, offers some of the most interesting contrasts. The fire tower in the state forest is open to the public and offers additional panoramas.
The lodge gazebo at Shawnee State Park in Scioto County.
The wooded hills of surrounding Shawnee State Forest are breathtaking in the fall. Huge tracks of oaks and hickories provide views of golds and reds. The shorelines of Turkey Creek and Roosevelt lakes provide additional photo opportunities. Consult the park office before heading out. Some trails remain closed due to last winter's ice storm.
The rear entrance to Scioto Trail State Park in Ross County.
Martin Road in this area provides easy access to beautiful, easy-to-shoot vistas of the surrounding Scioto Trail State Forest. Vast panoramas of oaks and hickories lead to many hues of yellow, orange and deep purple.
NORTHERN OHIO
Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park in Portage County.
Hiking trails in this less-visited state park provide a target rich environment for photographers. Fall foliage, combined with spectacular rock formations, make this one of Ohios most photogenic areas any time of year, but most especially in the autumn. Areas around the parks three waterfalls are stunning as the leaves change in October. Visitors must remain on the trail for safety!
Harpersfield Covered Bridge (just off S.R. 534) on the Grand Wild and Scenic River in Ashtabula County.
This landmark separates the "scenic" and "wild" portions of the Grand River, which also offers other outstanding photo opportunities along its 56-mile length. Brilliant oranges combine with the greenish rocks to dazzle. With luck, photographers might also capture some of the native wildlife, including beaver and otter, that thrive along the waterway.
Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve/Mohican State Forest in Ashland County.
The Clear Fork Gorge is a registered National Natural Landmark and home to towering hemlocks and virgin stands of white pine - a hallmark of Mohican-Memorial State Forest. The gorge is more than 1,000 feet wide and 300 feet deep in some places. Oaks and hickories on one side contrast with the beeches and maples on the other for a two-tone effect.
Goll Woods State Nature Preserve in Fulton County.
The main trail from the parking lot to the river offers many opportunities to photograph the old-growth forest that was once part of northwest Ohio's Great Black Swamp. The river provides a scenic backdrop to the trees in the foreground.
EASTERN OHIO
Sprucevale Lookout at Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County.
This lookout, along with many others along the scenic Little Beaver Creek, provides spectacular hillside panoramas and great solitude for visitors. Maples and other hardwoods are most abundant around the fire tower.
Hollow Rock Trail at Blue Rock State Park in Muskingum County.
This relatively short hiking trail offers some wonderful views of Cutler Lake with the rugged and forested hills of Blue Rock State Forest in the background. The state forest's fire tower and the park's upper campground also offer great photo opportunities. Look for fall flowers near the lake and visit the cattail marshes.
WESTERN OHIO
Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve on the Preble-Butler county line.
A stop where the Big Woods Trail crosses Four Mile Creek provides a snapshot view of one of Ohio's oldest forests - the 200-acre Big Woods, another National Natural Landmark. The creek is unbridged, so appropriate footgear is necessary!
Caesar Creek Gorge State Nature Preserve in Warren County.
A stunning stopping point along the Little Miami Scenic Bikeway, this gorge is the focal point of a 483-acre nature preserve. Hikers can follow Caesar's Trace from the parking lot along the gorge rim. Sycamores near the river produce golds and brilliant yellows.
Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve/John Bryan State Park in Greene County.
Trails follow the north rim of the gorge between the villages of Clifton and Yellow Springs. Overlooks along the way provide great photo opportunities any time of year, as well as chances to learn about Ohio history. Maples at the rim and sycamores in the river bottom and the sweetgum in between produce long-lasting and varied color.
Greenville Falls State Nature Preserve on the Stillwater River in Miami County.
A trail along the north side of the preserve takes visitors to an overlook of the state scenic river. Below, is a wonderful view of the river as it cascades into a glacial gorge. Individual splashes of color intersperse with cedar to make a green and yellow-gold quilt near the falls.
CENTRAL OHIO
Highway bridges around Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County.
The abundant maple trees that surround 3,387-acre Alum Creek Lake turn a fiery red in the fall, providing a stunning contrast to the blue sky and lake. Stops at the Cheshire Road, Howard Road or Route 36 bridges provide the best opportunities for pictures.
Professional and amateur photographers are encouraged to submit their favorite digital photos of Ohio's fall foliage to ODNR for publication on its Fall Color web site at ohiodnr.com . Photographs must be from the current season. Anyone interested should check the web site for additional information on how to make submissions.