OHIO FALL COLOR UPDATE #3 -- OCTOBER 18
view from the Scioto Trail Firetower

EDITORS NOTE: This is the third in a series of Fall Color updates highlighting some of the best locations to enjoy Ohio's fall foliage. Updated reports are available from ODNR each Thursday through early November.

COLUMBUS, OH – Fall Color is near peak in almost every part of the state this week, with maple and hickory trees adding their traditional reds and russets to the landscape, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“The color change appeared to accelerate statewide last weekend,” said Casey Munchel, fall color specialist for the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Maples with their reds and oranges are really becoming noticeable – as are the russets and golds of hickories.”

Munchel noted that color conditions north of Interstate 70 (across the state’s midsection) are generally near peak, while woodlands south of the interstate are still in the early stages of change.

Ohio’s state parks, forests and nature preserves offer some of the best Fall Color viewing in the state, along with seasonal activities for the whole family. Saturday and Sunday, October 20-21, marks the annual Fall Color Event at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County. Hikes and other activities begin at 9 a.m. each day and continue until 4 p.m. Seasonal events are also scheduled for Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County, Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County, Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County, Shawnee State Park in Scioto County and Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County.

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. Users can also find Fall Color information on the Internet at ohiodnr.com and at discoverohio.com .

Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 131 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the fall foliage. Here are the most current reports from selected locations.