September 26, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources:
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Fall is here and vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow are already sweeping across tree canopies throughout the state. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will be providing weekly updates on the best locations to enjoy unique activities and beautiful shades of autumn.
“Ohio has experienced a very dry and hot September, which has led to some trees that are not drought resistant to start changing early,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “These species include maples and sycamores. These trees join the normal early changers, such as poison ivy and poison sumac, which have begun to show their vibrant reds.”
For the fall color forecast, expect to see varying degrees of color from now until the end of October but Ohio may not see typical peak conditions, which are multiple tree species peaking at the same time.
“Forecasts predict north and central Ohio to see peak color around the third week of October and southern Ohio to peak the last week of October. The dry conditions may lead to sporadic fall color changes throughout the state.” said Parrott. “We’re certain there will be localized areas of spectacular colors to be found.”
For the first fall color update video, which includes the fall color forecast, head to ODNR’s YouTube Channel.
If you’re looking for a fun fall getaway in the Buckeye State, Kelleys Island in Lake Erie has a number of interesting and fun places to visit, including the Glacial Grooves and Kelleys Island State Park. The large tract of grooves, which are 15-feet deep and 35-feet wide, were exposed by a historic quarrying operation. The accessible walkway gives visitors an up-close view of the geological phenomenon.
Along with the grooves, Kelleys Island State Park offers great Lake Erie views, easy access to the shoreline, and scenic overnight accommodations. Boating, fishing, and wildlife watching are just a few activities people can experience across its 677 acres as well as a new half-mile trail, which features an abandoned rock crusher building. This structure, made entirely of concrete, played a crucial role in the island’s rocking mining history.
ODNR's Fall Foliage Map shows much of the state is experiencing leaves changing color.
Those interested in finding the most eye-catching leaves throughout the season should check out ODNR’s fall color website, the official guide to the changing colors. The website includes:
- Weekly color updates and information to help plan a fall color adventure;
- The NEW Fall Color Tracker Map;
- Unique overnight accommodations at Ohio’s state parks;
- Fun events happening around the state, and;
- And information to participate in the Digital Ohio State Parks Passport Challenge on Ohio Trails+ powered by the OuterSpatial App.
ODNR encourages people to share fall color photos using #OhioFall25, #OhioTheHeartofitAll and #FallinOhio. Each week, ODNR will choose photos from those who use this hashtag to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more fall color photos, follow ODNR, Ohio State Parks and Ohio The Heart of It All. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @OhioDNR, @OHStateParks, @odnrforestry and @OhioTheHeartofitAll.
The Ohio Division of Forestry promotes the wise use and sustainable management of Ohio’s public and private woodlands. To learn more about Ohio’s woodlands, visit forestry.ohiodnr.gov. Follow us on Facebook and on Instagram @odnrforestry.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
