Photos by Ron Brohm | For Greene County News
Nature’s firework show in Greene County will soon begin. This is a great area for leaf peepers to take short road trips to view, admire, and photograph fantastic local fall foliage.
XENIA — It’s time to gear up for nature’s firework show in Greene County. This is a great area for leaf peepers to take short road trips to view, admire and photograph fantastic local Fall foliage.
As summer’s warmth gives way to crisp autumn air, the local area is set ablaze with vibrant colors. Leaf peeping, the beloved fall tradition, invites us to bask in nature’s kaleidoscope of hues.
A leaf peeper is a person who travels to view and photograph the fall foliage. It is a breed of tourism exclusively about finding fall foliage, admiring it, and photographing it.
During autumn, trees prepare for winter’s slumber by slowing their food-making process. This transformation unveils a dazzling display of yellows, oranges, reds, and purples as hidden pigments emerge.
The bright reds of the black gum trees appear first along with the bright reds of various maple trees. Next, the russet shades of oak trees follow with the bright yellow of the ginkgo trees begin to burst. It’s like nature is putting on a month long fireworks show of colors.
How to experience the magic
— Take a leisurely drive through picturesque countryside.
— Visit local parks, nature preserves, forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
— Hike trails ablaze with color.
— Enjoy local harvest festivals.
— Savor seasonal treats like apple cider and pumpkin pie.
Prime destinations
Some of the best nearby places to visit and enjoy the Fall foliage are: Cedar Cliff Falls, Indian Mound Reserve, Clifton Gorge, Narrows Reserve, Beaver Creek Wetlands Reserve, John Bryan State Park, Glenn Thompson Reserve, Hebble Creek Reserve, Russ Nature Reserve and Old Town Reserve, Pearl’s Fen, and Dave Nolin Wetland Reserve.
Also, try biking or walking one of the many local bike paths. Greene County has one of the best networks of biking and recreational trails in the country and offers incredible scenery, woodlands, and forest views.
If you want to make your leaf peeping a weekend trip or getaway, scenic train rides in some parts of the state offer a unique way to witness the gall colors. Three of the best are the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, and the Lebanon Mason andMonroe Railroad.
Climbing atop a fire tower is also another cool way to witness nature’s woodland fireworks. Ohio’s state forests have five fire towers that are open for public access: Blue Rock, Hocking, Mohican, Zaleski, and Shawnee.
Or just get in your car and simply take a scenic drive through the countryside to enjoy all the dazzling fall colors this season.
As you marvel at fall’s beauty, remember to respect the environment:
— Stay on designated trails.
— Keep natural areas litter-free.
— Support local conservation efforts.
Don’t miss this year’s woodland fireworks bonanza. Embrace the fleeting beauty of fall and indulge in the simple joy of leaf peeping.
