Most of Ohio Hitting Near Peak Conditions for Fall Colors

Ohio’s woodlands will provide a beautiful backdrop for hikers and paddle enthusiasts this weekend as dynamic oranges and yellows will dominate landscapes with near peak fall foliage conditions being reported in most parts of the state, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“The weekend rain and wind caused some of the early changers to fall from the trees, but we are still seeing oranges and yellows in the maples, sycamores and yellow poplars,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick. “Fall color is concentrated on the edges of forests, providing Ohio drivers, hikers and horseback riders some of the best opportunities to enjoy the colorful scenery.”

One of the best ways to view fall color is from one of the many waterways in Ohio. Paddle Ohio, a new ODNR Division of Watercraft initiative, encourages people to paddle Ohio’s state-designated wild, scenic and recreational rivers and water trails. If individuals paddle four of these different waterways, they will receive a free Paddle Ohio pin. Go to paddle.ohiodnr.gov for more information and to find state-designated wild, scenic and recreational rivers and water trails in parts of the state that are experiencing the best fall color now.

People interested in discovering where the most captivating leaves will be throughout the fall color season should check out fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov, ODNR’s premier guide to Ohio’s fall color season. This website includes:

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

Looking for some great fall getaway ideas? TourismOhio has numerous itinerary ideas and a list of attractions at discoverohio.com under Autumn Adventures.

ODNR and TourismOhio encourage people to take fall color photos and upload them to social media using the hashtag, #ohiofall14. Follow @ohiodnr, @OhioStateParks and @DiscoverOhio on Twitter and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio State Parks and Discover Ohio on Facebook to see more fall color photos.

New this year, ODNR is offering a Best of Ohio Fall 14 Photo Contest on Ohio State Parks’ Instagram (@OHstateparks). Post your photos to Instagram using the hashtag #ohiofall14 and automatically be entered into the contest. Prizes include a four-person tent from REI, a Hocking Hills Canopy Tours Zip Line Adventure and overnight stays at many of our state park lodges.