ESCAPE TO OHIO’S GREAT OUTDOORS IN THE FALL
Fall color season is great time to hike in a state park, forest or preserve
Park Events Calendar | Fall Color Site
Few sights are as appealing as Ohio’s great outdoors in autumn. From organized hikes to bird watching and canoe tours, there’s no shortage of things to do in state parks, forests and preserves. Here’s a sampling of upcoming events:
The weekend of October 6-7:
The Apple Butter Festival at Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County – Friday, October 5 and Saturday, October 6. Call 419-946-1961.
Spin-In Gathering at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, at the main farm barn. Fiber guilds from all over Ohio offer free classes and demonstrations. Call 419-892-2784.
Hayrides & Harvest Moonlight Tours at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County. Noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 6. Also October 13, 20, 27. Enjoy fall color, crisp air and hot cider on a 30-minute hayride. $3 per person. House tours are also offered at regular tour fee. Call 419-892-2784.
Beaver Creek Fall Festival at Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 6-7 at the pioneer village. Call 330-385-3091.
Fall Color Canoe Tour at Van Buren State Park in Hancock County – 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 7. $10 donation requested per canoe. Pre-registration required by October 4 at 419-348-7679.
The weekend of October 13-14:
The Autumn Lighthouse Festival at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ottawa County – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 13. Lighthouse tours will be offered. Call 419-734-4424 ext. 2 for information.
Craft Daze at Stonelick State Park in Clermont County. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and shop all the crafts. Call 513-625-7544.
Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County. 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 13, at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. This is a strenuous 6-mile hike from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back. Call 740-385-6841.
Take a Fall Color Walk at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County – 10 a.m., Saturday, October 13. Enjoy a moderate 2-mile guided walk. For information call 419-892-2784.
Fall Color Hike at Kiser Lake State Park in Champaign County – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. Meet at the nature center. Call 937-362-3822 for information.
The weekend of October 20-21:
Pancake Breakfast & Canal Walk at Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County. All you can eat pancakes from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, October 21 ($4 per person). Meet at Gaston’s Mill for a walk along the historic Sandy and Beaver Canal. Call 330-385-3091.
Fall Foliage Festival at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 20 and Sunday, October 21. Enjoy brilliantly colored hills, winding trails, including the handicapped-accessible Lower Gorge Trail. The event also features a pioneer encampment and uniformed naturalists along the trails. Call 740-420-3445.
Fall Hike at Shawnee State Park and State Forest in Scioto County – 9 a.m., Saturday, October 20 – a moderate 5-mile hike through the park and forest. For information call 740-858-6652.
The 28th Annual Fall Hike at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County – 10 a.m., Saturday, October 20. A moderate 3-mile hike along the shores of Lake Hope starts with a cup of sassafras tea, and finishes with a delicious bean and cornbread dinner at Hope Furnace. Shuttles return hikers to their vehicles. Call 740-596-3030.
A Fall Hike at Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County – 1 p.m., Sunday, October 21 at the Overlook Picnic Area off Providence Road. A self-guided hike through moderate terrain along Wolf Creek. Call 513-523-6347.
The weekend of October 27-28:
The Buckeye Trail Hike at Pike Lake State Park in Pike County – 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, October 27 at the concession area. Continuous starts for a 2-mile or 6-mile trek, followed by a bean soup lunch at the end. Call 740-493-2212.
ROAR Day at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 27 at the shelterhouse, nature center and Hope School. Celebrate "Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited" with homespun crafts, music and food. Call 740-596-3030.
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For Further Information Include:
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860