DELAWARE — Summer is gone, and that means fall’s colorful leaves are on borrowed time.
Delaware County’s leaves are beginning to change color, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ fall color progress map.
That’s on par with the rest of the state.
ODNR expects Delaware County to see its peak fall colors in the middle to end of October, whereas more southern parts of the state will see colors change in late October and early November.
Fall colors occur due to trees slowing the production of chlorophyll, a green pigment, as they begin to go dormant for the winter.
Without chlorophyll, the leaves start to turn yellow, orange and red before eventually falling from their trees.
The seasonal change brings sensational view throughout Ohio, but here are some of the best places to take in the views in Delaware County.
Alum Creek State Park
Alum Creek State Park offers 15 distinct trails spanning approximately 40 total miles, all of which offer some views of the diverse tree species at the state park.
The Dam Trail offers a sweeping view of Alum Creek and the beech, maple and oak trees that surround it from an elevated point.
The 1.8-mile trail paved trail also connects to the Dam to Beach Trail, so hikers who choose to walk both can begin with a lower view from the beach before walking up to the scenic overlook.
For a longer hike along the waterline and through the foliage, the 6.5-mile Rocks and Roots North Loop covers it all and offers a scenic overlook of the northern tip of Alum Creek.
Alum Creek Naturalists are hosting 2-mile fall color walks to look for the signs of autumn on Oct. 21 and Nov. 4 from 1-2 p.m. Find more information about the events here.
Highbanks Metro Park
Highbanks Metro Park, located at 9466 Columbus Pike, boasts nine trails with a combined distance of 14 miles.
The park was named for its 100-foot-high shale bluff towering over the Olentangy State Scenic River, according to its website.
The 2.5-mile Dripping Rock Trail, labeled moderate to difficult, goes through the forest and passes by deep ravines
The 2.3-mile Overlook Trail, boasting the same difficulty, winds through a state nature preserve to an observation deck 100 feet above the Olentangy River.
For a less challenging hike through the woods, the 0.6-mile Scenic River Trail, 0.4-mile Wetland Spur Trail and 1-mile Sycamore Trail offer great views as well.
If you’re looking to take in the views with others, Highbanks is hosting several fall events, including:
- A 2-mile adult social hike on Oct. 17 from 4-5:30 p.m.
- A 1.5-mile bird-watching hike on Oct. 17 from 8:30-10 a.m.
- An America 250, Adult Off-trail Hidden History hike on Oct. 22 from 1-3 p.m.
Delaware State Park
Another state park with sprawling fall scenery, Delaware State Park offers fall views around Delaware Lake and other wetlands tucked in the forestry.
There are five trails ranging from 0.5 mile to 1.8 miles and all are labeled easy in their difficulty.
There is also a 1-mile trail along the dam.
Stratford Ecological Center
Stratford Ecological Center, located at 3083 Liberty Road, offers more than its 4 miles of nature trails. Visitors can also visit the livestock, tour the gardens and greenhouses and explore the creek and pond.
Stratford is open for self-guided visits from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
It is free to visit but Stratford asks that if you’re able to provide a donation, give $5 per person or $20 per family, according to the website.
There is also a farm store that sells fresh Stratford honey, syrup, eggs, meat, produce apparel and more.
Preservation Parks trails
Preservations Parks staff thought through their favorite fall views across the organization’s 13 current parks and trails.
Preservation Parks are scattered throughout the county, each offering unique views and trails.
Staff came up with the following list:
- McCammon Creek Park North Area along the Red Fox Trail, located at 3675 E. Orange Road, Lewis Center.
- Shale Hollow Park, Overlook Trail and the natural play area, located at 6320 Artesian Run, Lewis Center.
- Blues Creek Park stream from the vehicular bridge downstream with the pedestrian bridge in the background, located at 9627 Fontanelle Road, Ostrander.
- Sycamore Run Park along the Olentangy River, located at 7341 Olentangy River Road, Delaware.
- Emily Traphagan Park along the White Tail Loop, located at 5094 Seldom See Road, Powell.
