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 the end of October.
COLUMBUS, OH -- Forests and woodlands of northern Ohio are at peak color conditions this week, with much of the state nearing peak, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"In recent days, we've seen a rapid transformation of color across much of the state," said Bill Schultz, spokesman with ODNR's Division of Forestry. "Areas that were mostly green just a week ago are now showing the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges that make Ohio autumns so special."
The next two weekends are likely to be the best times of the year for a fall color outing, whether that outing be a hike or a drive. While rain is forecast, it should not fall in sufficient amounts to bring leaves down prematurely, Schultz said. ODNR facilities reporting peak fall color this week include not only Mohican-Memorial State Forest in Ashland County, but also Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Greene County and Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County.
Seasonal activities in state parks are plentiful this coming weekend (October 13-14) 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: Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ottawa County, Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County; Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County, Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County, John Bryan State Park in Greene County and Quail Hollow State Park in Stark 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 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 the most current reports from selected locations:
CENTRAL
Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County) Near Peak
Mount Gilead State Park (Morrow County) Peak
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (Licking County) Near Peak
NORTHEAST
Punderson State Park (Geauga County) Peak
Mohican State Park and State Forest (Ashland County) Peak
Findley State Park (Lorain County) Peak
Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County) Peak
Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve (Lake County) Near Peak
EAST
Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County) Near Peak
Blue Rock State Park and State Forest (Muskingum County) Near Peak
Fernwood State Forest (Jefferson County) Near Peak
Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) Near Peak
Harrison State Forest (Harrison County) Near Peak
Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) Near Peak
SOUTHEAST
Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County) Near Peak
Hocking Hills State Park and State Forest (Hocking County) Near Peak
Jackson Lake State Park (Jackson County) Fair
Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County) Near Peak
Tar Hollow State Forest (Ross County) Near Peak
Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County) Near Peak
SOUTHWEST
Shawnee State Park and State Forest (Scioto County) Near Peak
Hueston Woods State Park and State Nature Preserve (Preble County) Near Peak
Paint Creek State Park (Ross County) Fair
Caesar Creek State Park and State Nature Preserve (Warren County)Near Peak
Little Miami State Park (Warren County) Near Peak
WEST
Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) Near Peak
J. Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve (Greene County) Peak
Indian Lake State Park (Logan County) Near Peak
NORTHWEST
Van Buren State Park (Hancock County) Peak
Maumee State Forest (Fulton County) Near Peak
Harrison Lake State Park (Fulton County) Near Peak
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.