Ohio's fall colors hit peak, offering vibrant photo opportunities for nature lovers
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The fantastic colors of fall have been intensifying over the past few weeks and now “peak fall color conditions” have arrived.
In a news release, Ohio's Department of Natural Resource outlined how color-seekers can plan their viewing trips around the state, with specific activities for this weekend where the foliage will be most vibrant.
“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.”
The annual Hocking State Forest Fall Color Tour event will take place on Saturday. Family-friendly activities such as forest wagon rides, educational displays and refreshments will be featured. Visitors can find the start of the tour in Rockbridge, across the road from the Hocking State Forest headquarters in a historic cabin. Parking will be available at the headquarters.
Additionally, the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Fall Open House will offer more fun in the area. The event features educational exhibits and, weather permitting, local historical reenactors will demonstrate Ohio frontier life in the 1790s. Also, posted along the paths, naturalists will discuss the preserve’s geology, natural history, plants, and animals. A shortcut for hikers to the Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve Rim Trail can be found at the historic Hocking State Forest Cabin.
ODNR notes that “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.”
Fall color resources on ODNR's website offer more about the magnificent hues across the state and can help people find “the most eye-catching leaves.”
The agency states visitors can find:
• 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.