EDITORS NOTE: This is the second 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 the end of October.
COLUMBUS, OH -- Fall colors are rapidly changing the complexion of Ohio's autumn landscape, with all parts of the state now reporting a change from green to reds, yellows and oranges, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"Great fall color viewing is abundant across northern Ohio, where forests and fields should hit their peak color levels next week," said Bill Schultz, spokesman with the ODNR Division of Forestry. "Central and southern parts of the state are still one-to-two weeks from peak conditions. Now is a great time to get out anywhere in Ohio for an outing to enjoy the leaves and the crisp fall weather."
New this week for visitors to the ODNR Fall Color Report web site at www.dnr.state.oh.us is a link to the Fall Color Cam at Blue Rock State Park in southern Muskingum County. The park offers a 15-acre lake and is surrounded by the 4,573-acre Blue Rock State Forest.
This coming weekend (October 6-8), ODNR will offer specialized fall color events at the following facilities: Quail Hollow State Park and Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve in Stark County, Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Hocking Hills State Park and Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County, Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County, Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Greene County and Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County.
To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular touring season, weekly updates are available from the best fall color viewing locations across the state through 1-800-BUCKEYE. Internet users can also find this fall color information at ODNR's Internet address: www.dnr.state.oh.us
Ohio's 73 state parks, 20 state forests and 123 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the splendid fall foliage. Here are current reports from selected locations:
REGION CONDITION 10/5/00
CENTRAL
Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County) Fair
Mount Gilead State Park (Morrow County) Fair
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (Licking County) Fair
NORTHEAST
Punderson State Park (Geauga County) Near Peak
Findley State Park (Lorain County) Near Peak
Mohican State Park and State Forest (Ashland County) Near Peak
Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County) Near Peak
EAST
Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County) Fair
Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) Fair
Blue Rock State Park and State Forest (Muskingum County) Near Peak
Fernwood State Forest (Jefferson County) Fair
Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) Fair
SOUTHEAST
Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County) Fair
Hocking Hills State Park and State Forest (Hocking County) Near Peak
Jackson Lake State Park (Jackson County) Fair
Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County) Fair
Tar Hollow State Forest (Ross County) Fair
Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County) Fair
SOUTHWEST
Shawnee State Park and State Forest (Scioto County) Fair
Hueston Woods State Park and State Nature Preserve (Preble County) Fair
Paint Creek State Park (Ross County) Near Peak
Caesar Creek State Park and State Nature Preserve (Warren County) Fair
Little Miami State Park (Warren County) Fair
WEST
Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) Near Peak
J. Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve (Greene County) Fair
Indian Lake State Park (Logan County) Fair
NORTHWEST
Van Buren State Park (Hancock County) Fair
Maumee State Forest (Fulton County) Fair
Harrison Lake State Park (Fulton County) Fair
COLOR CONDITION KEY: GREEN - Still mostly green. FAIR - Beginning to turn colors. NEAR PEAK - Mostly colored. PEAK - Peak colors. FADING - Mostly colored, but fading from peak conditions. LEAF DROP - Few leaves on trees. Note that reported conditions are subject to rapid change with wind or rain.