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October 12, 2006
OHIO FALL COLOR UPDATE #3
AUTUMN COLORS NEAR PEAK IN ALL AREAS
Fall Color Site
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 early November.
COLUMBUS, OH Fall Color is near peak in almost every area of the state this week, with facilities in both the far northeast and the far south reporting 40 to 50 percent of leaves colored, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“It’s a bit unusual for Fall Color to peak in the northern and southern parts of Ohio at the same time,” said Casey Munchel, fall color specialist for the ODNR Division of Forestry. “But it appears that’s just what is happening this week.”
Freezing temperatures that are forecast for Thursday night and Friday will likely bring on a rapid color change. And Munchel advises anyone interested in taking a Fall Color outing to do so without delay. This time of year, conditions can change quickly with just one storm.
Ohio’s state parks, forests and nature preserves offer some of the best Fall Color viewing in the state, along with seasonal activities for the whole family. Saturday, October 14 marks the annual Grandma Gatewood Fall Color Hike at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County. The 6-mile hike begins at 1 p.m. at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center.
Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County will hold its annual Pancake Breakfast and Canal Walk on Sunday, October 15. The Pancake Breakfast begins at 8 a.m. with the Canal Walk scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m.
Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County will hold a Fall Color Walk, beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 14.
Stonelick State Park in Clermont County will sponsor its annual Craft Daze from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 14.
This Saturday, October 14, also marks the annual Autumn Lighthouse Festival at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ottawa County. The community of Marblehead celebrates its coastal history with demonstrations, entertainment, crafts and food. Lighthouse tours are offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Van Buren State Park in Hancock County will hold its annual Hobo Stew Ride on the evening of Saturday, Oct. 14. Special treats include hobo stew, games, entertainment, and a guided night ride. Horses are not provided.
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 ohiodnr.com and at discoverohio.com .
Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 130 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the fall foliage. The chart shows the most current reports from selected locations.
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