Ohio Ag Connection - Fall Color Hitting Peak in Some Sites as Season Closes

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Fall Color Hitting Peak in Some Sites as Season Closes
Ohio Ag Connection - 10/27/2016

Even with the strong winds and scattered rain storms last weekend, there is still some great fall color across the Buckeye State, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

"Those areas where color was late to develop are now showing color with more seasonable temperatures," said Ohio Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick. "Due to the weather this year, some trees may keep some of their leaves until as late as mid-November."

This coming weekend we are still seeing mostly peak conditions with some fading color around the state. The oaks are showing their russets and bright reds while the sweet gums are showing their full array of colors from yellow to purple.

Even though fall color season may be coming to an end, don't forget that state parks, forests and preserves are open all year long. Ohio is one of seven states that does not charge an admission fee meaning visitors can enter its 74 state parks for free.

People interested in staying up to date on where the most brilliant fall foliage will appear in the state should continue to 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.

Looking for some great fall getaway ideas? Get inspired by fall color tours, the aroma of apple butter simmering, the tastes of the fall harvest, the crunch of leaves underfoot and more at ohio.org/fall.

While people are enjoying the wonders of fall color in Ohio, we want to encourage Ohioans 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. Whether running, hiking, biking, climbing, walking or paddling, the ways for Ohioans to track their miles are endless. Don't forget to use #ExploreOhio when posting to social media.

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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