Enjoy a Spooktacular Good Time in Ohio this Weekend and the Peak Colors of Autumn

Outdoor enthusiasts can now enjoy peak fall color during visits to Ohio’s state parks, forests and natural areas. And autumn fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Ohio state parks offer Halloween campouts, haunted trails and other great activities allowing families to create long lasting memories.

“For many people, the beautiful foliage is just one part of the autumn experience,” said Casey Burdick, fall foliage expert for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry. “They are thrilled to spend the day hiking, boating or hunting beneath the cover of the colored forests, but the experience is that much more enjoyable when they can continue with hayrides, pumpkin carving contests, costume contests and more at an Ohio State Park.”

Ohioans and out-of-state visitors who are looking for haunting good times can celebrate Halloween a little early with trick or treat events and spooky haunted trails.

This coming weekend, check out one of the following events at one of your Ohio State Parks or local partners…

Halloween Campout, East Fork (SW) - Oct. 22-23. Games, contests, hayrides & trick or treat. (513) 734-4323.

Halloween Campout, Lake Alma (SE) - Oct. 22-23. Campsite decorating & trick or treat. (740) 384-4474.

Halloween Campout #2, Mohican (NE) - Oct. 22-24. Pet & campsite decorating contests, trick or treat, nature programs & crafts for campers & cottage guests. (419) 994-4290.

“Hollow”een Fest, Quail Hollow (NE) - Oct. 23, 4-8 PM. Haunted Manor House tours, hayrides & a bonfire. A fee is charged for the haunted house. (330) 877-6652.

Halloween Party, Sycamore (SW) - Oct. 23. Games & seasonal activities. (937) 854-4452.

To find out more about these and other events, visit www.ohiodnr.com. The site will serve as a premier guide to Ohio’s fall color season. Its pages provide information for travelers who want to map a scenic road trip, adventurers who are refreshed and energized by the cool autumn weather, vacationers who seek places of solace to enjoy the changing seasons and even the students who need a resource for leaf collection projects. Ohioans and out-of-state visitors can also find information about fall foliage by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE or visiting www.discoverohio.com/autumnadventures.