October 23, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Bursts of red, orange and yellow make this time of the year one of the very best times to enjoy Ohio’s natural areas, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). This is the moment many have been waiting for, peak fall color conditions are on tap this coming weekend.
The Ohio Fall Color Progress Map indicates most of the state is in peak or near peak conditions.
“We are in the home stretch for fall color in Ohio, with mostly peak conditions throughout the state,” said ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott. “Vibrant hues are now splashing through tree canopies, so photo opportunities are plentiful in our outdoor spaces this coming weekend. This fall color season started out a bit slow due to the lack of rainfall this summer but has really picked up the last few weeks.”
Click here to watch the fifth and final fall color update video.
Looking for a family-friendly activity for this weekend? The annual Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour event on Saturday features wagon rides through the forest, educational displays and presentations, and refreshments. Tours begin at the historic cabin, located across the road from the Hocking State Forest headquarters in Rockbridge. Parking is available at the forest headquarters, and all activities are within walking distance of the parking area.
The Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Fall Open House is also taking place adjacent to the Hocking Fall Color Tour. Visitors interested in hiking can access a shortcut to the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Rim Trail from the historic Hocking State Forest Cabin.
This beloved preserve offers stunning vistas of fall color across the surrounding hills from the 2.5-mile loop Rim Trail and a close-up view of the rugged beauty of sandstone outcrops on the 1-mile paved Lower Gorge Trail. Naturalists will be stationed along both trails to answer questions about the preserve’s geology, natural history, plants, and animals. The event also features educational exhibits and, depending on weather conditions, local historical reenactors demonstrating Ohio frontier life in the 1790s.
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;
- Unique overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks; and
- Fun events happening around the state.
Also don’t forget about participating in the Ohio Fall Color Challenge on the OuterSpatial App at https://outerspatial.link/xvaRQh0p1Mb.
And now that the fall color season will soon be slowly ending, it’s time to gear up for the holidays! And we have some great stocking stuffers for the entire family. Our online store has a variety of fun gift ideas including special T-shirts, publications from our Division of Geological Survey, colorful posters, the Ohio Parks Passport and the limited edition 75th commemorative anniversary ornament. All perfect for the holiday gift giving season.
ODNR encourages people to share fall color photos using #OhioFall24, #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.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
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.
