Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Ohio Department of Natural Resources divides the state into three area for the prime dates to see fall colors -- northern, central and southern Ohio. In a normal year, the peak viewing times for fall colors in northern Ohio is the first and second week of October. Central Ohio is about one week behind beginning during the second week of October and continuing through the third week. Southern Ohio begins last and will show peak colors through the fourth week of October.
In the fall, the decrease in sunlight causes leaves to change colors. The green chlorophylls of the summer are replaced by carotenoids with their yellows, browns and oranges. The secret to bright colors lies with long cool nights and short sunny days in mid- to late September. If weather conditions are not normal, such as too much heat and not enough rain in July and August, then the schedule will be disrupted and the colors can change earlier. That was a consideration in 2010 because of the heat and drought of July and August but cooler weather arrived in September pushing the prime fall colors back into October.
Ohio contains more than 100 varieties of hardwoods that contribute to the fall colors. Examples include maples that produce a red color because of anthocyanin and oaks with tannin, which cause their leaves to turn brown. Other Ohio trees that produce red leaves include black cherry, dogwoods and sumac. Hickory, birch and beech trees with carotenoids produce the yellow, brown and orange leaves. Trees with mixed colors include the buckeye and sweet gum.
On its Fall Foliage Homepage, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends numerous trips to view fall foliage. Different areas of the state are on each map and driving directions are provided. For example, one route starts in Chillicothe in central Ohio on U.S. Route 35. Head east until you reach the Ohio River where it forms a boundary with West Virginia. Another scenic drive starts in Athens and heads west on state Route 32/124 (The Appalachian Highway) and U.S. Route 50 and ends in Cincinnati.