NOTE: This is the first 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 first “blush” of fall is beginning to show across most of Ohio’s woodlands this week, with northern areas reporting about 10 percent color and southern areas about 5 percent, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“Late September has brought us many warm, sunny days and cool nights - just what Ohio’s forests need to bring out the best fall color displays,” said Casey Munchel, fall color spokesperson with the ODNR Division of Forestry. “In far northern Ohio, the Virginia creeper and poison ivy vines are already turning their vivid reds - the first sign of a good fall color viewing season.”
Despite the hot, dry summer, Munchel believes the peak of fall color will arrive about the second or third week of October for most of the state- just as it always does.
Seasonal events are set this weekend for Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County, Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County, Van Buren State Park in Hancock County, Shawnee State Park in Scioto County, Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County, Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County and Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County.
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 through 1-800-BUCKEYE. Internet users can also find information and activities at ohiodnr.com and discoverohio.com .
Ohio's 74 state parks, 20 state forests and 130 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to sample the splendid fall foliage. The chart shows current reports from selected locations.