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September 1, 2005
STATE SCENIC RIVERS MAKE SPECTACULAR BACKDROPS
FOR VIEWING OHIO’S CHANGE OF SEASONS
COUMBUS, OH Among the best places to view Ohio’s annual “forest fireworks” are along the state’s designated scenic rivers. Overlooks along these natural and free-flowing streams provide spectacular vantage points from which to witness the progress of Ohio’s Fall Color season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
ODNR foresters note that additional ground moisture along waterways contributes to more vivid colors in the trees and bushes that grow in these special places. In addition, the interaction between land and water ecosystems produces a wide range of plant and tree communities.
“Trees along stream corridors also tend to hold their color longer in the fall,” said Casey Munchel, Fall Color forester with the ODNR Division of Forestry. “They are among the last to drop their leaves as autumn fades into winter.”
Portions of 11 river systems within Ohio are designated as “scenic rivers,” warranting special protection to preserve their natural characteristics and water quality. Fall Color enthusiasts will find these stream banks great places to take in the sights of the season. ODNR recommends these special locations:
Little Miami Scenic River (Clermont/Warren/Greene counties) About 105 miles of this southwestern Ohio river have been designated “scenic” since 1969. ODNR suggests a hike or bike ride along the Little Miami Scenic Trail (which parallels the river) north from the Foster trailhead in Warren County about 2.5 miles through the Deerfield Gorge. Contact Caesar Creek State Park at 513-897-3055 for a trail map. Less ambitious Fall Color enthusiasts can pull off Interstate 71 on either the north or south side of the Gorge Bridge and savor the view from the highway overlooks.
Little Beaver Creek (Columbiana County) Sixteen miles of this eastern Ohio river are designated “scenic,” with another 20 miles designated as “wild.” A drive along State Route 170 north from Calcutta to Negley offers motorists several breathtaking vistas of the river valley. Another spectacular valley vista is off Sprucevale Road, three miles north of Calcutta.
Upper Cuyahoga River (Portage and Geauga counties) Twenty-five miles of this northern Ohio scenic river are among the most canoeable in the fall. Two private canoe liveries operate on the river. The ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves will sponsor a Fall Color canoe float on Saturday, October 15. A limited number of reservations are available. For more information contact Steve Roloson, scenic river manager, at sroloson@apk.net
Grand River (Lake and Ashtabula counties) Thirty-three miles of this northeastern Ohio river are “scenic” and another 23 are “wild.” The Harpersfield Covered Bridge near State Route 534 in Ashtabula County divides the two segments, with the “wild” portion downstream and the “scenic” upstream. Each view is a Fall Color winner! The view from Hidden Valley MetroPark off Klasen Road in Lake County is equally beautiful. Klasen Road is located off State Route 528, immediately south of the Grand River Bridge.
Stillwater River (Darke County) The hiking trails at Greenville Falls, just west of Covington on Covington-Gettysburg Road, dispute the myth that western Ohio is flat and uninteresting. All 83 miles of this river system that includes Greenville Creek offer great glimpses of color in the fall as corridor trees display a rich spectrum.
Kokosing River (Knox County) Twenty-eight miles of this north-central Ohio scenic river were designated as the state’s first water trail earlier this year. East from Mount Vernon, the trail passes scenic sandstone cliffs and tree-lined riverbanks that turn vivid red, yellow and orange in the fall. Paddle sport enthusiasts can launch at the Village of Millwood on U.S. 36 and travel downstream 6 miles to the Riley Chapel Bridge take-out point for a Fall Color view that’s up close and personal. A Kokosing Water Trail Guide is available from the ODNR Division of Watercraft at 614-265-6480.
For weekly Fall Color updates and additional information about activities and events during the season, visit the ODNR web site at ohiodnr.com.
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