COLUMBUS, OH -- Woodlands across most of Ohio remain green and lush this week. However, tinges of yellow and red are beginning to emerge in the verdant landscape thanks to a chemical change triggered by recent sunny days and cool nights, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"It's the cool nights and sunny days in late September that really bring on Ohio's spectacular Fall Color palette in fields and forests," said Bill Schultz, fall color spokesman with the ODNR Division of Forestry. "Some areas are already reporting the first patches of seasonal color change."
Seasonal events are set this weekend for Mary Jane Thurston State Park in Wood County; Scioto Trail State Park in Ross County, Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County, Salt Fork State Park in Guernsey County, Cowan Lake State Park in Clinton County, East Fork State Park in Clermont County, Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County, Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County, Indian Lake State Park in Logan County and Rocky Fork State Park in Highland 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 ohiodnr.com.
Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 125 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the splendid fall foliage. Here are current reports from selected locations: