NOTE: This is the second in a series of updates highlighting some of the best locations to enjoy autumn in Ohio. Updated reports are available from ODNR each Thursday through early November.

COLUMBUS, OH -- The peak of Ohio's Fall Color season is still several weeks away for most of the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“Despite our warm weather over the past week, leaves have noticeably changed especially in the northern parts of the state,” said Casey Munchel, Ohio's fall color forester. "The sunny days we've been experiencing should help accelerate the color transformation, and I expect a majority of the state will reach peak color during the third week of October.”

Guilford Lake State Park in northeastern Ohio is reporting about 25 percent of leaves colored. Mohican State Park in Richland County and Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County expect 25 percent color by the weekend.

Special seasonal hikes and events are slated for this weekend at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Marblehead Lighthouse in Ottawa County, and Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve in Richland County. The annual Paul Bunyan Festival in Nelsonville is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 7-9.

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 or at discoverohio.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 130 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample fall foliage. The chart shows reports from selected locations.