Ohio’s September Weather Creates Perfect Recipe for October’s Vibrant Fall Color
OutdoorHub 10.03.12
ODNR Fall Foliage Update No. 3 – Oct. 3
Ohio residents are now starting to see fall color in many communities along roadways and the edge of woodlands, according to Casey Burdick, fall color forester for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
“The cool nights and bright sunny days in September have been the perfect recipe for great and vibrant fall color,” said Burdick. “Dogwood and sweetgum are definitely starting to add to the colors with shades of red and purple.”
Autumn is an excellent of year to paddle in a canoe or kayak down one of Ohio’s many scenic rivers and streams. Canoes or kayaks can be rented from numerous liveries around the state. People who choose to canoe or kayak during autumn can see fall color in a fresh way during this harvest season.
Thought about doing a getaway this weekend? Electric campsites are available at Caesar Creek, Cowan Lake, East Fork, Harrison Lake, Kelleys Island, Maumee Bay and Punderson State Parks. Go to www.ohio.reserveworld.com/GeneralAvailability.aspx and make a reservation today!
This coming weekend, there are several autumn events happening at Ohio State Parks:
Apple Butter Festival, Mt. Gilead (C) – Oct. 5-6. Apple butter making, campsite decorating, costume contest, pumpkin carving, fall hikes, entertainment, ham and bean soup and much more. For more information, call 419-946-1961.
Pioneer Days, Beaver Creek (NE) – Oct. 6-7 at the pioneer village and Gaston’s Mill. Fun activities include craft displays and demonstrations of pioneer life, including the working grist mill. For more information, call 330-382-9227. Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. this weekend, and the duck race will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Call 330-385-3091 for more information or visit beavercreekwildlife.org.
Smokey Bear Fire Awareness Weekend, Shawnee (SW) – Oct. 6 at the campground. There will be fire safety tips and equipment demonstrations by real firefighters, along with crafts and activities for kids with Smokey Bear and friends. Call 740-858-6652 for more information.
Fall Color Canoe Paddle, Van Buren (NW) – Oct. 7, 2-4 p.m. People interested must pre-register by calling 419-832-7662. There will be a $10 donation per canoe.
Harvest Moon Campout, Pike Lake (SW) – Oct. 5-6. Fun activities include campsite and cottage decorating, pumpkin carving, hayrides, games for kids, a craft show and a bean supper. Call 740-493-2212 for more information.
The ODNR Fall Color website at fallcolor.ohiodnr.com is the premier guide to Ohio’s fall color season, posting weekly color updates and information to help plan leaf-peeping adventures. Weekly videos from Fall Color Forester Casey Burdick will highlight color hot spots around the state and provide information about some of Ohio’s 100-plus tree species. This page also offers helpful links for leaf collecting tips, scenic road trips and more.
Looking for some great fall getaway ideas? The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism has numerous itinerary ideas at discoverohio.com under their Autumn Adventures feature.
Ohio’s 75 state parks, 21 state forests and 135 state nature preserves provide excellent locations to view fall foliage. To learn more about going on a fall getaway, visit ohiodnr.com/parks.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com.
