Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Fall Foliage Home
Weekly updates and information provided by Forester and Fall Color Expert - Casey Munchel.
(active updates bold)
Oct. 28 Update
Oct. 21 Update
Oct. 14 Update
Oct. 7 Update
Sep. 30 Update

Explore and Discover…
…Ohio’s Fall Foliage

Welcome to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Fall Foliage Homepage. This site will serve as your guide to Ohio’s fall color season.

Its pages provide information for travelers who want to map a scenic road trip, adventurers who are refreshed and energized by the cool autumn weather, vacationers who seek places of solace to enjoy the changing seasons and even the students who need a resource for leaf collection projects.

ODNR Fall Foliage Forecast – There could be a delay in color in northern Ohio due to a slight drought. In the northern region, colors could peak around the second or third week of October, shifting to central Ohio the third week and finishing in southern Ohio at the end of the month. Poison Ivy, Virginia Creeper and Buckeye trees will be the first to show their magnificent bright red and gold colors. If September’s weather is bright and sunny and the nights are cool (but not frosty) we could see remarkable peak color in October.

The science behind the seasonal color

FEATURES

Suggested routes for scenic drives

Exciting outdoor programs let you maximize your time outdoors this fall

Oct. 17 - Fall Hike at Sycamore State Park. 1 p.m. At the Overlook Picnic Area off Providence Road. 513.523.6347

Oct. 17 - 30th Annual Fall Hike at Lake Hope State Park. 10  a.m. Meet at the beach shelter house. 3-mile hike. Sassafras tea, bean & cornbread lunch offered.    740.596.3030

Oct. 17 - Hayride & Harvest Moonlight Tour at Malabar Farm State Park. Fee for hayrides and house tours. 419.892.2784

Oct. 17 - Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike at Hocking Hills State Park. 1 p.m. At the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. 6-mile strenuous hike. 740.385.6841

Oct. 17 - Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides at Lake Hope State Park. 2-5 p.m. At nature center. Continuous 20 minute rides. 740.596.3030

Oct. 17 - 30th Annual Fall Hike at Lake Hope State Park. 10  a.m. Meet at the beach shelter house. 3-mile hike. Sassafras tea, bean & cornbread lunch offered. 740.596.3030

Oct. 17-18 - Fall Open House Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Choose the accessibility of the Lower Gorge trail or the more challenging Upper Rim trail. This event features a pioneer encampment and uniformed naturalists. 740.380.8919

Oct. 18 - Cowan Colors Hike at Cowan Lake State Park. 10 a.m. At the naturalist cabin. 2-mile relaxing hike. 513.897.2437
more events and activities

Foliage season is a beautiful and bustling times in Ohio. Reserve lodging at an Ohio State Park in advance when traveling during foliage season.

The Ohio Tree Index is a useful resource for tree ID


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 by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE.