• Ohio Fall Foliage Update #4: Peak Colors this Cold Weekend

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    COLUMBUS, OH– Dynamic blazes of orange, yellow, red and rust will provide the perfect backdrop for hikers who are ready to reconnect with the natural world this weekend. ODNR is reporting near peak and peak fall foliage in most parts of the state.
    “There are many organized hikes planned at Ohio state parks and nature preserves this weekend that will provide Ohioans and visitors to the Buckeye State an amazing perspective of some of the state’s most spectacular natural terrain,” said Casey Munchel, fall foliage expert for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. “State parks like Lake Hope and preserves like Conkle’s Hollow are stunning on a normal day, but when these places are draped with beautiful fall color, the experience is breathtaking.”
    Ohioans and out-of-state visitors can enjoy their choice of special autumn hikes and hayrides this weekend.

    Event
    Location
    Region
    Date/Time
    Details
    Contact
    Fall Hike
    Sycamore State Park
    SW
    Oct. 17, 1 p.m.
    At the Overlook Picnic Area off Providence Road.
    513-523-6347
    Fall Hike
    SW
    Oct. 17, 9 a.m.
    5-mile hike.
    740-858-6652
    Hayride & Harvest Moonlight Tour
    NE
    Oct. 17, Noon-8 p.m.
    Fee for hayrides & house tours.
    419-892-2784
    Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike
    Hocking Hills State Park
    SE
    Oct. 17, 1 p.m.
    At the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. 6-mile strenuous hike.
    740-385-6841
    Cowan Colors Hike
    SW
    Oct. 18, 10 a.m.
    At the naturalist cabin. 2-mile relaxing hike.
    513-897-2437
    Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
    SE
    Oct. 17, 2-5 p.m.
    At nature center. Continuous 20 minute rides.
    740-596-3030
    Fall Open House
    Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve
    SE
    Oct. 17-18, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
    Choose the accessibility of the Lower Gorge trail or the more challenging Upper Rim trail. This event features a pioneer encampment and uniformed naturalists.
    740-380-8919
    30th Annual Fall Hike
    Lake Hope State Park
    SE
    Oct. 17, 10 a.m.
    Meet at the beach shelter house. 3-mile hike. Sassafras tea, bean & cornbread lunch offered.
    740-596-3030

    Hiking isn’t the only reason to get outdoors this weekend. Ohio’s deer bowhunting season is open and muzzleloader hunters will be gearing up for the special area muzzleloader hunts that begin October 19. Ruffed grouse and fall turkey seasons are also open and provide opportunities for sportsmen to be afield.
    In addition, the brilliance of fall color will add to the excitement of games of disc golf and golf, which can be played on beautiful, award-winning courses at several state parks. Anglers and boaters can also get priceless perspectives of amazing fall foliage as it reflects in the rippling water along miles of shoreline and waterways.
    For more about fall events, activities and fall color viewing opportunities, visit www.ohiodnr.com. Ohioans and out-of-state visitors can also find information about fall foliage by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE or visiting www.discoverohio.com/autumnadventures.
    ODNR sites around the state have reported the status of fall color. Here are the most current reports from selected locations:

    Location
    Region
    Color Condition
    A.W. Marion State Park
    Central
    Near peak
    Alum Creek State Park
    Central
    Peak
    Beaver Creek/Guilford Lake State Parks
    East
    Near peak
    Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
    Central
    Near peak
    Buckeye Lake State Park
    Central
    Changing
    Dillon/Blue Rock State Parks
    East
    Near peak
    Buck Creek State Park
    West
    Peak
    Burr Oak State Park
    Southeast
    Peak
    Caesar Creek State Park
    Southwest
    Peak
    Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
    West
    Near peak
    Deer Creek State Park
    Central
    Near peak
    Harrison Lake State Park
    Northwest
    Near peak
    Hocking Hills State Park
    Southeast
    Peak
    Hueston Woods State Park
    Southwest
    Peak
    Indian Lake State Park
    West
    Near peak
    John Bryan State Park
    West
    Changing
    Kent Bog State Nature Preserve
    Northeast
    Peak
    Kiser Lake State Park
    West
    Near peak
    Lake Hope State Park
    Southeast
    Peak
    Malabar Farm State Park
    Northeast
    Changing
    Maumee State Park/Forest
    Northwest
    Near peak
    Mohican State Park
    Northeast
    Peak
    Mt. Gilead State Park
    Central
    Near peak
    Pike Lake/Paint Creek
    Southwest
    Near peak
    Punderson State Park
    Northeast
    Peak
    Quail Hollow State Park
    Northeast
    Near peak
    Salt Fork State Park
    East
    Peak
    Shawnee State Park
    Southwest
    Near peak
    Sycamore State Park
    West
    Near peak
    Tar Hollow State Park
    Southeast
    Peak
    Triangle Lake Bog State Nature Preserve
    Northeast
    Peak
    Van Buren State Park
    Northwest
    Peak
    Zaleski State Forest
    Southeast
    Near peak

    COLOR CONDITION KEY: Changing – Still mostly green, less than 25 percent color.
    Near Peak – Significant color showing – anywhere from 30 to 60 percent color. Peak – Peak colors – as much as 85 percent showing. Fading – Fading from peak conditions and leaves falling to forest floor.

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     October 14th, 2009  admin   No comments

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