ODNR Fall Foliage Update #4 - October 12

COLUMBUS, OH – An array of colors from deep reds to neon-lime greens will provide the perfect backdrop this weekend for hikers ready to reconnect with the natural world, according to Casey Burdick, Fall Color Forester for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Burdick reports near peak and peak fall foliage conditions across the state.

“Ohio State Parks are offering a variety of organized hikes that will provide an amazing perspective on some of the Buckeye State’s most spectacular natural terrains,” said Burdick. “State parks provide picturesque scenery on a normal day, but add the multitude of fall colors to the mix and these places are truly breathtaking.”

The brilliance of fall color will add to the excitement of games of disc golf and golf, which can be played on beautiful, award-winning courses at several state parks. Anglers and boaters also will find priceless perspectives of amazing fall foliage reflected in rippling water along miles of shoreline and waterways.

This coming weekend, check out the following events at one of your Ohio State Parks.

Fall Campout, Cowan Lake (SW) - Oct. 14-16. Camp near the colorful woods and enjoy Trick-or-Treat, games and fall-themed activities. All reservable campsites are booked for this event; however, a limited number of non-reservable campsites are available on a first-come first-served basis.  Check campsite availability at www.ohiostateparks.org. For more information about the event, call (937) 382-1096.

Halloween Campout, Rocky Fork (SW) - Oct. 14-16. Spend a fun-filled fall weekend with seasonal activities including campsite decorating and costume contests, movies, a silent auction, games and a haunted trail. All reservable campsites are booked for this event; however, a limited number of non-reservable campsites are available on a first-come first served basis. Check campsite availability at www.ohiostateparks.org. For more information about the event, call (937) 393-4284.

“Louie” Historical Drama, Malabar Farm (NE) - Oct. 14-16. Package includes a house tour, BBQ dinner, and theatrical production of Louis Bromfield’s life story. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7 PM; dinner at 6 PM; self-guided house tours 4-6 PM. Sunday performances start at 3 PM; dinner at 2 PM; self-guided house tours Noon-2 PM. Tickets are $35 per person. (419) 892-2784.

Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike, Hocking Hills (SE) - Oct. 15, 1 PM at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. Get fit on this strenuous six-mile hike while you marvel at the state’s most beautiful scenery, dressed up in its colorful fall finery. For more information about the event, call (740) 385-6841.

32nd Annual Fall Hike, Lake Hope (SE) - Oct. 15, 10 AM. Meet at the beach shelter house for a relaxing three-mile hike surrounded by stunning fall foliage. Sassafras tea, bean & cornbread lunch offered. For more information about the event, call (740) 596-3030.

Fall Hike, Shawnee (SW) - Oct. 15, 9 AM. Meet at the Shawnee backpack trail parking lot off Rte. 125. Check out the fall color, gorgeous scenery and dramatic vistas on a new loop that passes by the Copperhead Fire Tower. For more information about the event, call (740) 858-6652.

Howl-o-Ween Dog Walk & Costume Parade, Mosquito Lake (NE) - Oct. 16, Noon-3 PM at the Dog Park. Dress up your dog and come out for a fun afternoon featuring food, vendors and costume contests for people and pets. For more information about the event, call (330) 637-2856.

The ODNR fall color Web page is the premier guide to Ohio’s fall color season, posting weekly color updates and information to help plan leaf-peeping adventures. Weekly videos from Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick will highlight color hot spots around the state and provide informative tidbits about some of Ohio’s 100-plus tree species. This page also offers helpful links for leaf collecting tips, scenic road trips, and more. Looking for some great fall getaway ideas? The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism has numerous itinerary ideas at www.discoverohio.com under their Autumn Adventures feature. And don’t forget to follow ODNR on Facebook and Twitter all season long.

Ohio's 75 state parks, 21 state forests and 134 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to view fall foliage. Here are the most current reports from selected locations:

COLOR CONDITION KEY: Changing – Still mostly green, less than 25 percent color. Near Peak – Significant color showing – anywhere from 30 to 60 percent color. Peak – Peak colors – as much as 85 percent showing. Fading – Fading from peak conditions and leaves falling to forest floor. 

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EDITORS NOTE: This is the fourth in a series of updates that will highlight some of the best locations to enjoy Ohio’s fall color season. ODNR’s web site will post updated reports each Wednesday. News releases will be issued weekly by ODNR on Wednesday mornings to announce the reports, now through late October. Also online see fall foliage video reports with information from ODNR’s fall color forester, Casey Burdick.

For further information, contact:
Casey Burdick, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 212. 3286
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614. 265. 6842