Ohio's Brilliant Fall Colors are the Perfect Backdrop for a Hike this Weekend

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. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources 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 Clifton Gorge are stunning on a normal day, but when these places are draped with beautiful fall color, the experience is breathtaking.”

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. And the Division of Wildlife is currently in the middle of their annual fall trout stocking so go to www.wildohio.com to find the nearest pond or lake in your area.

One of the best parts of the state this weekend will be up in northeastern Ohio where there is lots to do and see.

“Visitors to Lake County on the east side of Lake Erie can enjoy exceptional fall foliage, the largest winery district in the Grand River Valley and waterfront dining,” said Bob Ulas, Executive Director of the Lake County Visitors Bureau.  “Although Lake County is Ohio’s smallest county, it offers two seasons, thus a longer viewing period of fall foliage.  Due to Lake County’s proximity to Lake Erie’s warmer waters, colors peak later while one mile inland, colors peak earlier.  For more info, visit www.lakevisit.com.”

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

Halloween Campout, Rocky Fork (SW) - Oct. 15-16. Campsite decorating and costume contests, movies , silent auction, games and a haunted trail.  (937) 393-4284.

Halloween Campout, Forked Run (SE) - Oct. 16. Campsite decorating contest, games, trick or treat, & spooky hayrides. (740) 767-3570.

Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike, Hocking Hills (SE) - Oct. 16, 1 PM at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. 6-mile strenuous hike. (740) 385-6841.

Fall Hike, Shawnee (SW) - Oct. 16, 9 AM. 5-mile hike with refreshments available at the half-way point. Evening entertainment and a bean dinner are also offered. (740) 858-6652.

Howl-o-Ween Dog Walk & Costume Parade, Mosquito Lake (NE) - Oct. 17, 2-4 PM at the Dog Park. Food, vendors & contests for people and pets. (330) 637-2856.

Forest Heritage Festival, Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds (NE) - Oct. 15-16.  Entertainment, food, games, craft booths, old-time fiddling, and lumberjack show.  Admission and parking are free.  (330) 339-3991

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.