Spectacular Fall Color Predicted in Ohio This Year

By: Sarah Meadows 

Are you a “leaf peeper?” This is a person who travels in the fall to see nature’s show that is the leaves turning a kaleidoscope of colors. Good news for leaf peers in Ohio, you can stay home this year! ODNR Fall Color Foresters have predicted an especially good year for enjoying the bright array of colors here in our home state, expected to peak mid-to-late October.
Leaf color change is triggered by the changing photoperiod – the length of daylight in each day. As days grow shorter, trees begin allocating their resources away from their leaves and into their roots in preparation for going dormant during the cold winter season ahead. The green color in leaves is actually produced by chlorophyll – this is what the trees use to make their food from sunlight. When they stop producing chlorophyll, the green cloak disappears and the true leaf color underneath becomes visible!
Fall is a great time for outdoor activities, and it can be fun to follow the color change as it happens. Check out ODNR’s fall color website for weekly updates, follow the Ohio fall color progress map, find fall guided hikes, activities and more. Whether is in your own neighborhood or a scenic road trip, we encourage you to get outside and enjoy the color change this season, and share your photos using #FallinOhio.

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