EDITORS NOTE: This is the second in a series of updates, highlighting some of the best locations to enjoy Ohio's Fall Color season. Updated reports are available from ODNR each Thursday through the end of October.
COLUMBUS, OH - Most of Ohio’s woodlands are showing a “fair” amount of color this week, with the peak autumn viewing period still a week or two away, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"The progress of fall color across Ohio has not changed much from last week,” said Bill Schultz, spokesman for the ODNR Division of Forestry. “Our sunny days, with little to no wind, are helping to hold the leaves on the trees. The cold nights should help bring on the brilliant colors soon."
Near-peak conditions are reported in scattered areas, while most state parks, forests and nature preserves say 10 to 25 percent of trees are beginning to turn the familiar shades of yellow, orange and red.
This weekend, special seasonal hikes and events are slated for Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Marblehead Lighthouse and East Harbor state parks in Ottawa County, Stonelick State Park in Clermont County and Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County. Special campouts are scheduled for Harrison Lake State Park in Fulton County, Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County, Mary Jane Thurston State Park in Wood County, Cowan Lake State Park in Clinton County, Rocky Fork State Park in Highland County, Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County and Blue Rock State Park in Muskingum County.
Autumn color changes across Ohio and other seasonal information - as well as updates on activities and events - can be viewed on the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com . To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular outdoor season, weekly updates are also available from the best fall color viewing locations across the state by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 129 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample fall foliage. Here are the most current reports from selected locations: