EDITORS NOTE: This is the first 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 -- While the peak of Ohio's Fall Color viewing season is still weeks away, fall color reports from across the state indicate foliage transformation is now beginning in some northeastern and southwestern areas, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Colorful tinges are starting to creep into woodlots and fields across Ohio at the start of what we expect to be a very good Fall Color season, said Bill Schultz, spokesman with the ODNR Division of Forestry. Some northeastern state parks are already reporting the start of seasonal color changes - as are some spots in the southwest.
Special seasonal events are set this weekend for Scioto Trail State Park in Ross County, Delaware State Park in Delaware County, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County, A.W. Marion State Park in Pickaway County, Indian Lake State Park in Logan County, Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, Dillon State Park in Muskingum County, Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County and Lake Milton State Park in Mahoning County.
To help Ohioans and out-of-state visitors make the most of this popular touring season, weekly updates are available from the best Fall Color viewing locations across the state through 1-800-BUCKEYE. Internet users can also find this fall color information at ODNR's Internet address: www.dnr.state.oh.us
Internet users who want to savor and share the beauty of Ohio's forests during this special season are encouraged to download the computer "wallpaper" that is also available on the site.
Ohio's 73 state parks, 20 state forests and 123 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the splendid fall foliage. Here are current reports from selected locations:
REGION CONDITION 9/27/01
CENTRAL
Alum Creek State Park (Delaware County) Green
Mount Gilead State Park (Morrow County) Fair
Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve (Licking County) Green
NORTHEAST
Punderson State Park (Geauga County) Green
Findley State Park (Lorain County) Fair
Mohican State Park and State Forest (Ashland County) Green
Malabar Farm State Park (Richland County) Green
EAST
Guilford Lake State Park (Columbiana County) Green
Salt Fork State Park (Guernsey County) Green
Blue Rock State Park and State Forest (Muskingum County) Green
Fernwood State Forest (Jefferson County) Green
Beaver Creek State Park (Columbiana County) Green
SOUTHEAST
Lake Hope State Park (Vinton County) Green
Hocking Hills State Park and State Forest (Hocking County) Fair
Jackson Lake State Park (Jackson County) Green
Burr Oak State Park (Morgan County) Green
Tar Hollow State Forest (Ross County) Green
Zaleski State Forest (Vinton County) Green
SOUTHWEST
Shawnee State Park and State Forest (Scioto County) Fair
Hueston Woods State Park and State Nature Preserve (Preble County) Green
Paint Creek State Park (Ross County) Green
Caesar Creek State Park and State Nature Preserve (Warren County) Fair
Little Miami State Park (Warren County) Fair
WEST
Kiser Lake State Park (Champaign County) Fair
J. Bryan State Park/Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve (Greene County) Green
Indian Lake State Park (Logan County) Green
NORTHWEST
Van Buren State Park (Hancock County) Fair
Maumee State Forest (Fulton County) Green
Harrison Lake State Park (Fulton County) Green
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.