State Parks Come Alive With Fall Colors

Presented By Classic Brands

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As the state explodes with the oranges, yellows, and reds of fall, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is offering guided tours through state parks, nature preserves, and forests.

“The Buckeye State is especially beautiful when the colors of fall are on display,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “I encourage you to gather the family, get outside, and see some of the most scenic views Ohio has to offer this season.”

The hikes vary in terrain and difficulty.  Visitors can plan ahead using ODNR’s DETOUR app.  The app allows users to search the trails listed for the fall hike series to determine if they are a good fit for their skill level.

“There’s no better way to experience the magic of fall than hiking surrounded by vibrant colors,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “There are so many state parks, forests, and nature preserves waiting to be explored, and there’s no better time to discover your family’s next adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

There are events and hikes for people all across the state:

Deer Creek State Park

• Halloween Campout – Come and enjoy costume contest, site decorating, trick or treating and fun. Sponsored by the Friends of Deer Creek.
  • Oct. 29 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Oct. 30 at 10:00 p.m.

Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve

• Fall Color Weekend- Some of the best sights of the region can be found at the preserves located in the Hocking Hills.  Visitors to the event can explore 3.5 miles of trails, and historical lessons.
  • Oct. 23 at 9:00 a.m. (all day)
  • Oct. 24 at 9:00 a.m. (all day)

Hocking State Forest

• Fall Color Tour – Learn about forest and wildlife management and tree identification. Demonstration areas will showcase a firewood processor, chainsaw skills, wildland fire equipment, and forestry trivia.
  • Oct. 23 at 10:00 a.m.

Hocking Hills State Park

• Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Color Hike – Meet with the Naturalist at the Old Man’s Cave visitor center for a strenuous six-mile hike, including roughly three miles of the Grandma Gatewood (Buckeye) trail.
  • Oct. 16 at 9:00 a.m.

Lake Hope State Park

• Tree I.D. Hike – Our naturalist will guide you on half-mile hike to discover hints to help identify trees year-round.  Meet at the nature center.
  • Oct. 9 at 10:00 a.m.
• Fall hike – Follow our naturalist for a 3.2-mile hike along the edge of Lake Hope surrounded by autumns golden hues.  The hike starts at the Shelter House and ends at the historic Iron Furnace. 
  • Oct. 16 at 10:00 a.m.
• Scat, Skulls, and Tracks – A free hike to help you identify animals based on what they leave behind.  Meet at the nature center.
  • Oct. 31 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Nov 13 at 2:00 p.m.
• Tunnel Vision – Caravan in your own vehicle from the Hope School House to the Moonville railroad tunnel on a one-mile hike to hear about the history of the rail line, the latest projects, and plans for its future.
  • Nov. 6 at 10:00 a.m.
• Tunnel Vision – Caravan in your own vehicle from the Hope School House to the Kings Hollow railroad tunnel on a one-mile hike to hear about the history of the rail line, the latest projects, and plans for its future.
  • Nov. 13 at 10:00 a.m.
• Built by Beaver – Take a mile walk along Racoon Creek on the Moonville Rail Trail to look for signs of beaver activity. Meet at the Hope School House.
  • Nov. 21 at 10:00 a.m.
• Peninsula Trail Hike – Meet the naturalist at the Hope Furnace to complete this popular three-mile hike along the lake.
  • Nov. 24 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Old’s Hollow Trail Hike – See a pioneer cemetery and a recess cave while burning some calories from Thanksgiving Day.  Meet at Hope Furnace.Nov. 26 at 10:00 a.m.

Shawnee State Park

• Annual Fall Hike Weekend – Lace up your boots and gather at the nature center around the campfire to visit with park staff. This moderate five-mile hike through the park is sure to please the entire family.
  • Oct. 23 at 9:00 a.m.
• Fall Hike (Raven Rock) – Hike to view the fall colors 500 feet above the Ohio River. Enjoy the new improved trail with a gradual climb to the top. Meet at the amphitheater to caravan to the preserve.
  • Oct. 23 at 3:00 p.m.
• Trail Trek – Explore a new trail with a naturalist each week. Length of hike depends on the size and skill level of the group. Meet at the lodge lobby.
  • Nov. 6 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Nov. 13 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Nov. 20 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Nov. 27 at 1:00 p.m.

Visitors can find more information all of these events by searching the ODNR events calendar.  If you can’t make it to the trails, you can get an update on fall color every Thursday at ohiodnr.gov.