Ohio’s fall colors are taking their time this year, but the wait may soon be over. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) reports that trees across the state are beginning to show their annual hues of red, gold, and orange as cooler temperatures finally settle in.
ODNR Fall Color Forester David Parrott said the change has been “slower and sporadic” in many regions, but more areas are now reaching “Changing” or “Near Peak” conditions, with some already displaying “Peak” color.
“The weather has definitely turned more fall-like with cooler temperatures, which I am hoping will help fall color progress a bit quicker now,” Parrott said. “Splashes of red sumacs, dogwood purples, and orange sassafras leaves can be spotted throughout the state.”
Hocking Hills Highlight: Table Top Rock and Beyond
One of the most scenic spots to catch fall colors is Hocking State Forest, spanning nearly 10,000 acres in Hocking County. The forest offers a mix of northern and southern plant species, creating a unique blend of foliage and wildlife.
Visitors can explore Table Top Rock, located about half a mile along the Buckeye Trail in the rappelling and rock-climbing area, or squeeze through the narrow rock passage known as Fat Man’s Squeeze. Nearby, Big Spring Hollow features one of Ohio’s tallest waterfalls when water is flowing.
Weekend Events for Nature Lovers
If you’re ready to hit the trails, several special fall events are planned across Ohio this weekend, including:
Fossil Expedition at Hueston Woods State Park – Saturday, Oct. 18
Christmas Rocks Fall Colors Hike at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve – Saturday, Oct. 18
46th Annual Fall Hike at Lake Hope State Park – Saturday, Oct. 18
Geology Hike at Shale Hollow Park in Delaware – Saturday, Oct. 18 (part of Earth Science Week)
Track the Colors
To follow Ohio’s foliage in real time, visit ODNR’s fall color website, which features:
Weekly color updates and a new Fall Color Tracker Map
Unique lodging options at state parks
A list of festivals and fall hikes
Details on the Digital Ohio State Parks Passport Challenge via the Ohio Trails+ app
ODNR also encourages visitors to share their favorite fall photos using hashtags #OhioFall25, #OhioTheHeartofItAll, and #FallinOhio. Selected photos will be featured each week on ODNR’s social media channels.
For more information on Ohio’s forests and fall adventures, visit ohiodnr.gov
.
