Warmer weather delays fall color, brilliant colors still expected

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Even though we may not be seeing much fall color yet, be on the lookout later in the month for brilliant colors as cool weather has returned to the Buckeye State, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).

“We are running anywhere from a week to two weeks behind on fall color this year,” says ODNR Fall Color Forester Greg Smith. “We’re anticipating really nice colors with the amount of moisture the trees have in them, and the recent cooler temperatures combined with bright, sunny days should trigger the onset of colorful changes in the leaves.”

All Ohioans are encouraged to get outside to take advantage of the free admission and parking to our state parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas and forests. 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.

People interested in finding out where to find most eye-catching leaves throughout the upcoming fall color season should check out fallcolor.ohiodnr.gov/videos, 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 ODNR naturalists highlighting fall color hot spots around the state.
• Links to fall activities, scenic road trips, unique overnight accommodations at Ohio State Parks and more.
• Fall is a distinctive season in Ohio with an identifiable color palette of reds, oranges and yellows; cooler temperatures; and aromas and tastes of autumn’s harvest from apples to pumpkins. It’s such a fun, vibrant few months to enjoy time with those closest to you that it feels like a holiday — or perhaps a Falliday! To help visitors find those special autumn activities in Ohio, the Office of TourismOhio has created a new landing page, ohio.org/fallidays.

ODNR and TourismOhio encourage people to take fall color photos and upload them to social media using the hashtag #OhioFall18 and #FallidaysinOhio. Follow @ohiodnr and @OhioFindItHere on Twitter, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio. Find it Here. 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. Help us highlight the best of the great outdoors in a variety of categories for a chance to win great prizes! Enter today at ohiostateparksphotocontest.com.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.

TourismOhio, operating within the state of Ohio’s Development Services Agency, works to ensure Ohio is positioned as a destination of choice, enriching lives through authentic travel experiences. The branding Ohio. Find It Here. supports Ohio’s $44 billion tourism industry. For more, visit ohio.org.