EDITORS NOTE: This is the fifth 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 November 1.
COLUMBUS, OH -- Fall's vibrant reds, golds and purples are fading fast from Ohio landscapes and the upcoming weekend will probably provide the last opportunities of the year to view good autumn color in the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
People who've been waiting to take a fall color tour this year, should wait no longer, said Bill Schultz, spokesman with ODNR's Division of Forestry. Despite a forecast of cooler temperatures, southern and southeastern Ohio should be great places to visit this weekend as the oaks and hickories begin showing their best shades of dark yellow, copper and orange.
Woodlands in the state's urban areas are also holding onto their fall color coats, Schultz noted. City trees provide a different growing environment and are frequently sheltered from winds and rains, he said.
ODNR facilities across most of the state report forest colors are fading fast, with some areas in the northeast reporting only a few leaves left on trees.
Peak conditions at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County promise to provide a colorful setting for the sixth annual Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited (R.O.A.R.) Day on Saturday. R.O.A.R. is a celebration of southeastern Ohio culture and crafts. The event is set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Special seasonal events are also scheduled for East Fork State Park in Clermont County; Dillon State Park in Muskingum County; Lake Alma State Park in Jackson County; Deer Creek State Park in Pickaway County; Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County; Findley State Park in Lorain County; Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County; Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve in Jackson County; Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Greene County and Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking 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 fall foliage. Here are the most current reports from selected locations:
CENTRAL
Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County) Fading
Mount Gilead State Park (Morrow County) Fading
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (Licking County) Fading
NORTHEAST
Punderson State Park (Geauga County) Leaf Drop
Mohican State Park and State Forest (Ashland County) Fading
Findley State Park (Lorain County) Leaf Drop
Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County) Fading
Hach-Otis State Nature Preserve (Lake County) Leaf Drop
EAST
Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County) Fading
Blue Rock State Park and State Forest (Muskingum County) Fading
Fernwood State Forest (Jefferson County) Fading
Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) Fading
Harrison State Forest (Harrison County) Fading
Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) Fading
SOUTHEAST
Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County) Peak
Hocking Hills State Park and State Forest (Hocking County) Fading
Jackson Lake State Park (Jackson County) Fading
Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County) Fading
Tar Hollow State Forest (Ross County) Fading
Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County) Peak
SOUTHWEST
Shawnee State Park and State Forest (Scioto County) Peak
Hueston Woods State Park and State Nature Preserve (Preble County) Fading
Paint Creek State Park (Ross County) Peak
Caesar Creek State Park and State Nature Preserve (Warren County)Fading
Little Miami State Park (Warren County) Fading
WEST
Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) Fading
J. Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve (Greene County) Fading
Indian Lake State Park (Logan County) Fading
NORTHWEST
Van Buren State Park (Hancock County) Fading
Maumee State Forest (Fulton County) Fading
Harrison Lake State Park (Fulton County) Fading
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.