EDITORS NOTE: This is the fourth 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 - With most state parks, forests and nature preserves reporting peak fall color conditions across Ohio, and forecasters predicting favorable weather, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources encourages leaf lovers to get out and enjoy the best viewing conditions of the year this weekend.
"Now's the time to enjoy fall colors at their best," said Bill Schultz, spokesman with ODNR's Division of Forestry. "When leaves reach their peak colors in the fall, they are also the most susceptible to dropping from rain and wind, which Ohioans know can happen at any time in our state."
More than 30 ODNR facilities report a rapid leaf color progression in the past week --with the state's stubbornly green oak trees now blushing with color.
Seasonal activities in state parks, forests and nature preserves will abound this coming weekend (October 21-22) as most facilities take advantage of good weather and spectacular scenery as a setting for fall fun. Special fall color events are scheduled for the following: Quail Hollow State Park (Stark County); Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County); Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County); Shawnee State Park (Scioto County); Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve (Jackson County) and the Forest Heritage Festival at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds.
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: