EDITORS NOTE: This is the first in a series of updates highlighting some of the best locations to enjoy autumn in Ohio. Updated reports are available from ODNR each Thursday through the end of October.
COLUMBUS, OH The first tinges of fall’s reds, yellows and golds are beginning to show in woodlands across northern and western Ohio, with a few areas in the south also reporting the start of color change, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“The cool nights and warm, sunny days that we experienced throughout late September are the ‘trigger’ that brings on vibrant fall color in Ohio’s forests,” said Bill Schultz, fall color spokesman with the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Early indications are this will be a very colorful autumn in the state.”
Vines and creepers in most areas are already turning yellow, leading many to believe it will be an early fall. However, Schultz believes the peak of fall color will arrive about mid October for most of the state just as it usually does.
Seasonal events are set this weekend for Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County, East Harbor State Park in Ottawa County, Buck Creek State Park in Clark County, Alum Creek State Park in Delaware County, Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County, Caesar Creek State Park in Warren County, Pike Lake State Park in Pike County, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County, Shawnee State Park in Scioto County, and Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County.
The campus of Hocking College in Nelsonville will host the annual Paul Bunyan Festival from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 1-3. The event is co-sponsored by the ODNR Division of Forestry.
To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular outdoor season, weekly updates are available from the best fall color viewing locations across the state through 1-800-BUCKEYE. Internet users can also find information at ohiodnr.com .
Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 129 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the splendid fall foliage. Here are current reports from selected locations: