Fall colors starting to peek out across Ohio

Dynamic yellows, purples and lime greens are beginning to create the perfect backdrop for outdoor experiences across the state, and the beautiful weather is providing a great introduction to this year’s fall color viewing season. Currently, leaves throughout the state are beginning to change, creating those first opportunities to enjoy this year’s autumn makeover.

“We are beginning to see the transformation of fall color across the state,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick. “Black walnuts are starting to turn yellow while dogwoods are showing their dark reds and deep purples, and catalpas are turning bright lime green.”

People interested in finding the most eye-catching leaves throughout the fall color season should check fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov, Ohio’s official guide to the changing colors. This website includes:

• Weekly color updates and information to help plan a fall color adventure.
• Weekly videos from Burdick highlighting fall color hot spots around the state.
• Links to fall activities, scenic road trips, unique overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks and more.

One of the best and most unique ways to see fall color is by paddling along one of the many scenic rivers or water trails across the state. Go to watercraft.ohiodnr.gov to map your next boating experience this fall.

The fall fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Ohio State Parks offer a number of Halloween campouts, haunted trails and other great Halloween activities that allow families to create lasting memories. A complete list of these ghostly good times can be found on the fall color website.

Looking for a fall daytrip? Go to discoverohio.com and find a fun Ohio fall color tour or festival to visit with family and friends.

ODNR and TourismOhio are offering a Best of #OhioFall15 Photo Contest. Post your Ohio Fall Foliage photos to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #OhioFall15 by Nov. 30, and be sure to follow @OhioDNR and @ohiogram and like the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Discover Ohio on Facebook.  Five winners will be selected to win a branded walking stick made from Ohio wood.