The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) invites Ohioans to view fall’s brilliant colors as the state reaches the height of leaf peeping season. Don’t miss the opportunity to also celebrate Earth Science Week, designed to engage young people and others regarding Ohio’s collection of natural wonders, landforms and resources.
“Color is definitely now beginning to develop in the honeylocusts, black walnuts and some of the maples,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick. “Since ash trees were the second trees to turn in the state soon after poison ivy, dogwoods and maples, there is a small gap in the fall color this season due to the loss of the ash trees in Ohio.”
This coming weekend, Ohioans can expect to see more color and change to near peak conditions in the northern portions of Ohio, with changing conditions being seen around the central part of the state.
As part of Earth Science Week in Ohio, this coming weekend will feature various hikes that highlight the diverse geology in the state, including Hocking Hills and Grand Lake St. Marys state parks as well as Blackhand Gorge, Clifton Gorge and Gallagher Fen state nature preserves. For more info on these hikes, please go to geosurvey.ohiodnr.gov/educational-resources/earth-science-week.
People interested in staying up to date on where the most brilliant fall foliage will appear in the state should check out 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.
While people are enjoying the wonders of fall color in Ohio, Ohioans are encourage to share their outdoor experiences and earn incentives through the new Explore Ohio campaign. This initiative encourages Ohioans to spend time in the state’s beautiful natural spaces while becoming healthier in the process. By visiting exploreoh.com, Ohioans have the opportunity to track their miles, share their photos and create friends groups as well as earn incentives once milestones are reached.
ODNR and TourismOhio encourage people to take fall color photos and upload them to social media using the hashtag #OhioFall16. Follow @OhioDNR and @DiscoverOhio on Twitter, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Discover Ohio on Facebook and @OhioDNR, @OHStateParks and @Ohiogram on Instagram to see more fall color photos.
Ohio State Parks is also having a photo contest this fall. Highlight the best of the great outdoors in a variety of categories for a chance to win great prizes, including free camping and gift cards. Enter today at ohiostateparksphotocontest.reserveamerica.com.
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