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August 31, 2006
STATE PARKS, FORESTS AND NATURE PRESERVES OFFER COLORFUL AUTUMN LANDSCAPES, SEASONAL ACTIVITIES AND GREAT ESCAPES
Fall color season is great time to get outdoors in Ohio
 COLUMBUS, OH Ohio’s woodlands will soon be bursting with the yellows, golds, oranges, purples and reds that make the state’s landscapes so appealing in autumn. For those looking to get a glimpse, there’s no shortage of activities in state parks, forests and nature preserves.
Visitors are encouraged to hike, bike, canoe, cook apple butter or venison, learn to spin or weave, barn dance and otherwise savor the sights of the season in some of Ohio’s most beautiful outdoor settings.
The weekend of September 23-24:
The Feather and Foliage Festival at Kelleys Island State Park in Ottawa County 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday, September 23. For information call 419-746-2546.
Enjoy a Backpack Trek at East Fork State Park in Clermont County Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24. Meet at the park office for orientation at 9 a.m. Learn backpacking and outdoor skills from expert backcountry hikers. For information and to pre-register call 513-734-4323.
The 30th Annual Ohio Heritage Days at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24. A barn dance takes place from 7-10 p.m. Saturday. Call 419-892-2784.
The weekend of October 7-8:
The Apple Butter Festival at Mt. Gilead State Park in Morrow County Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7. Call 419-946-1961.
Spin-In Gathering at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, at the main farm barn. Fiber guilds from all over Ohio offer free classes and demonstrations. Call 419-892-2784.
Hayrides & Harvest Moonlight Tours at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County. Noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 7. Also October 14, 21, 28. Enjoy fall color, crisp air and hot cider on a 30-minute hayride. $3 per person. Evening house tours are also offered at regular tour fee. Call 419-892-2784.
Beaver Creek Fall Festival at Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, and Sunday, October 8, at the pioneer village. Call 330-385-3091.
The weekend of October 14-15:
The Autumn Lighthouse Festival at Marblehead Lighthouse State Park in Ottawa County 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 14. Lighthouse tours will be offered. Call 419-734-4424 ext. 2 for information.
Craft Daze at Stonelick State Park in Clermont County. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 14. Enjoy the beautiful fall colors and shop all the crafts. Call 513-625-7544.
Hobo Stew Ride at Van Buren State Park in Hancock County. Saturday, October 14. Enjoy hobo stew, games, entertainment and a guided night ride. Bring your own horse. Call 419-832-7662.
Grandma Gatewood’s Fall Colors Hike at Hocking Hills State Park in Hocking County. 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, at the Old Man’s Cave Visitor Center. This is a strenuous 6-mile hike from Old Man’s Cave to Cedar Falls and back. Call 740-385-6841.
Take a Fall Color Walk at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County 10 a.m., Saturday, October 14. Enjoy a moderate 2-mile guided walk. For information call 419-892-2784.
Pancake Breakfast & Canal Walk at Beaver Creek State Park in Columbiana County. All you can eat pancakes from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, October 15 ($4 per person), followed by a walk along the historic Sandy and Beaver Canal. Call 330-385-3091.
The weekend of October 21-22:
Fall Foliage Festival at Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve in Hocking County. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22. Enjoy brilliantly colored hills, winding trails, including the handicapped-accessible Lower Gorge Trail. The event also features a pioneer encampment and uniformed naturalists along the trails. Call 740-420-3445.
A Fall Hike at Shawnee State Park and State Forest in Scioto County 9 a.m., Saturday, October 21 a moderate 5-mile hike through the park and forest. For information call 740-858-6652.
The 27th Annual Fall Hike at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County 10 a.m., Saturday, October 21. A 3-mile hike along the shores of Lake Hope starts with a cup of sassafras tea, and finishes with a delicious bean and cornbread dinner at Hope Furnace. Shuttles return hikers to their vehicles. Call 740-596-3030.
“Hollow”een Fest at Quail Hollow State Park in Stark County. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 21. Tour the park’s Manor House for a small fee and enjoy seasonal crafts, refreshments and a bonfire. Call 330-877-6652.
Spooky Carnival of Fun at Maumee Bay State Park in Lucas County. Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, and Sunday, October 22 at the Nature Center. Indoor family fun for kids age 3-12. Call 419-836-9117.
A Fall Hike at Sycamore State Park in Montgomery County 1 p.m., Sunday, October 22 at the Overlook Picnic Area off Providence Road. Call 513-523-6347.
The weekend of October 28-29:
The Buckeye Trail Hike at Pike Lake State Park in Pike County 8 to 10 a.m., Saturday, October 28 at the concession area. Continuous starts to a 2-mile or 6-mile trek and then enjoy a bean soup lunch at the end. Call 740-493-2212.
Who Put The Whooo in Halloween? Mary Jane Thurston State Park in Wood County. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, October 27 and Saturday, October 28 at the Day Lodge. Explore the myths and legends about owls and Halloween, and enjoy cider and doughnuts. Call 419-832-7662.
ROAR Day at Lake Hope State Park in Vinton County 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 28 at the shelterhouse, nature center and Hope School. Celebrate "Rural Ohio Appalachia Revisited" with homespun crafts, music and food. Call 740-596-3030.
Venison Chili Cook-Off at Findley State Park in Lorain County. Saturday, October 28. Bring your favorite chili recipe and cook over the campfire. Venison provided by the park. Pre-registration is required; prizes awarded. Call 440-647-5749.
Harvest Barn Dance at Malabar Farm State Park in Richland County. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 28. Beginners and experienced dancers alike can enjoy lively square dancing to celebrate a successful harvest.
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