OHIO — Fall colors are considered at or near peak conditions throughout all of Ohio heading into the Halloween weekend, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said Thursday. 

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio is at or near peak fall colors

  • Fall colors were dampened due to a warm start to the season

  • Wind and rain this weekend could cause peak conditions to end quickly

  • Some of the best fall colors in Ohio can be found near the Hocking Hills and Caesar Creek

A week ago, ODNR officials said that conditions have not been favorable for fall color development. Even with wind and rain over the last week, ODNR said on Thursday that vibrant colors are being displayed throughout Ohio. 

Near peak means that 30-60 percent of trees have changed color. Peak conditions mean that up to 85 percent of trees are displaying fall colors.

Late last month, Parrott projected that Ohio would likely be at peak leaf condition in mid-to-late October. 

“Ohio’s wide diversity of tree species results in an eclectic range of fall colors, from bold reds to bright yellows,” Parrott said. “Keep an eye out for Ohio buckeyes, which are usually the first leaves to change.”

With more rain in the forecast for the next few days, Ohio’s peak fall colors might not last long. 

“It has really cooled off and colors are finally being noticed across the state with near peak and peak conditions being seen throughout Ohio,” said ODNR fall color forester David Parrott. “I am crossing my fingers that the rain and wind don’t knock down most of the leaves before they finish turning.”

As of Thursday, most locales in Ohio were experiencing “near peak” fall colors, but some of the state’s most popular state parks were reporting “peak” colors. Those locations include the Hocking Hills, Caesar Creek and Mohican. 

ODNR officials previously noted a warm start to autumn dampened fall colors during much of October. 

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