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Tag: fall color

  • The best times and places to see aspen in Colorado

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    Colorado’s fall color season is upon us as the first areas of the state are reaching peak, with the rest of the state to follow, according to Dan West, also known as “Mr. Aspen” because of his annual fall foliage forecast.

    West is the Colorado State Forest Service entomologist based in Fort Collins who recently flew the state looking at the health of the state’s forests and received a bird’s-eye view of how the aspen are turning.

    Here is your guide for peak viewing times and best color drives in Northern Colorado and statewide.

    Peak fall color viewing times in Colorado

    Here is West’s prediction on when areas of the state will see peak conditions:

    • Northern mountains: Includes areas north of Interstate 70, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat and Cameron Pass areas. Peak expected Sept. 20-27.

    • Central mountains: Includes, the I-70 corridor, including Breckenridge, Vail and Aspen. Peak expected Sept. 24-30 at higher elevations and cold valleys and Sept. 29-Oct. 5 for elevations in between.

    • Southern mountains: Includes the Grand Mesa, Crested Butte, Pagosa Springs area. Peak expected for Oct. 8-13.

    Tips on how to safely navigate during Colorado’s prime fall color viewing

    National Public Lands Day is Sept. 27, so expect especially high traffic that Saturday when many areas of the state will be at peak viewing.

    That day allows for free admission to National Park Service sites such as Rocky Mountain, Colorado National Monument, Great Sand Dunes. Mesa Verde and more.

    Here are driving tips from the Colorado Department of Transportation.

    • If you’re able, avoid weekend fall color traffic jams by going Tuesday through Thursday. Prime weekends see significant traffic in certain areas.

    • Be aware of vehicles traveling at lower speeds.

    • Watch for vehicles pulling off the roadway or parked along the road.

    • Find safe, designated areas to park.

    • Drivers, be aware of pedestrians out of their vehicles taking photos.

    • Pedestrians, watch out for passing vehicles.

    Best fall color drives in Northern Colorado

    • Peak to Peak Highway: This drive on Colorado Highway 7 from Estes Park to Central City/Black Hawk takes you along the eastern edge of Rocky Mountain National Park and offers excellent viewing.

    • Buckhorn Canyon/Pingree Park loop: One of the more popular and closest aspen viewing drives to Fort Collins includes a loop consisting of Buckhorn Road (Larimer County Road 44H), Pingree Park Road (Larimer County Road 63), Colorado Highway 14, Larimer County Road 27 (Stove Prairie Road) and Rist Canyon Road (Larimer County Road 52E).

    • Upper Poudre Canyon: The Cameron Peak Fire burned many aspen in the stretch from Rustic to Cameron Pass area along Colorado Highway 14, but aspen viewing picks up once you are west of Cameron Pass in the Gould area and all the way to North Park. The Colorado State Forest State Park visitor center has ample aspen, some of which turn a beautiful orange.

    • Rocky Mountain National Park: A good loop drive is to take the slower (and less crowded) gravel Fall River Road up and take the paved (and more crowded) Trail Ridge Road down. Depending what time of day you drive here, you might need a timed entry permit reservation.

    Colorado’s best fall color drives

    • Kebler Pass: The 30-mile drive on a mix of pavement and gravel on Kebler Pass Road (Gunnison County Road 12) just west of Crested Butte to Colorado Highway 133 is the quintessential Colorado aspen drive. This area boasts the largest aspen grove in North America.

    • Maroon Bells: Located about 42 miles southeast of Aspen off of Colorado Highway 82, this is one of most photographed places in Colorado, for good reason. Make sure to secure a reservation before visiting.

    • Dallas Divide: Take Colorado Highway 62 west from Ridgway. For even more color continue to Colorado Highway 145 south to Telluride on the San Juan Skyway. This area offers a superb combination of bountiful aspen and majestic mountains in 14,157-foot Mount Sneffels and 14,252-foot Mount Wilson.

    • Grand Mesa Scenic Byway: This 63-mile paved road leaves Interstate 70 about 45 miles east of Grand Junction and heads up Colorado Highway 65 on the Grand Mesa to Cedaredge. The world’s largest mesa is filled with color from aspen, cottonwoods and scrub oak dotted with aspen-ringed lakes.

    • La Veta Pass: This 50-mile drive on U.S. Highway 160 takes you from Walsenburg to Fort Garland and offers golden aspen mixing with the dark greens of pines and stunning views of the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo mountains that tower above the San Luis Valley floor.

    • Guanella Pass: This 22-mile scenic byway between Georgetown and Grant turns from a paved road to a well-maintained gravel road. From I-70, take the Georgetown exit and follow the signs. While the aspen show is grand here, so are the crowds.

    • Flat Tops Trail: Ditch the crowds on this 82-mile stretch of paved and gravel road between Meeker and Yampa and experience one of the best aspen viewing drives in northwest Colorado.

    Where to find fall color condition updates

    For 2025 fall color viewing conditions in Colorado and across the country, visit this map. The map will be updated as the season approaches and progresses.

    This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Best drives, places to view fall aspen colors in Colorado

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  • Minn. DNR: ‘There should be plenty of beautiful foliage to enjoy’ this fall

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    Sep. 14—WILLMAR

    — While fall does not officially begin until Sept. 22, the process of the trees changing color has already begun in Minnesota.

    “There should be plenty of beautiful foliage to enjoy” this fall, according to a

    Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

    news release.

    “Fall in Minnesota is truly something special,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Cool, crisp air, brilliant bursts of color, and picturesque landscapes make it the perfect season to get outside. … Autumn is an ideal time to experience the beauty and colors of Minnesota.”

    In contrast to 2024’s extremely wet spring and prior years’ severe droughts, this year brought a relatively dry May with decent precipitation from June through August to Minnesota, according to the DNR news release, resulting in more leaves staying on trees than in recent years. Barring any extreme cold snaps, this bodes well for great colors this fall.

    “Brilliant fall color occurs when early fall days are sunny, nights are chilly and there is adequate rainfall throughout the growing season,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program consultant. “An earlier, lighter frost will shift peak fall color earlier in the fall color window, so pay attention to the forecast if you can be flexible with your travel timing.”

    The DNR has released its 2025

    Fall Color Finder

    (dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors) webpage and its weekly newsletter for tips to help Minnesotans view fall colors. Both resources help the public track leaf, wildflower and grass color progression across Minnesota.

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  • 10 fun fall adventures in Ohio that belong on your bucket list

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    Ohio knows how to do fall right. As the leaves turn and the air crisps, the Buckeye State rolls out a season full of color, flavor, and adventure. From pumpkin festivals and scenic hikes to donut trails and wine country escapes, autumn invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and explore places that feel both familiar and brand new. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just looking for a fun day trip, these 10 fall adventures offer something for every kind of traveler.

    1. Ride Coasters and Face Your Fears at Kings Island

    Florida may hold the spotlight for theme parks, but Ohio stands tall with two thrill-packed parks—and Kings Island in Mason is a fall favorite. This 364-acre amusement and water park offers rides for all ages, from the legendary Beast (the world’s longest wooden coaster) to Orion and Diamondback.

    In autumn, the park transforms for Halloween Haunt, featuring haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and themed treats. It’s spooky fun with serious adrenaline.

    2. Explore Rails, Trails, and Marshes at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

    Graceful arches mirrored in still water—Cuyahoga Valley’s quiet elegance wrapped in fall color.

    Ohio’s only national park sits between Akron and Cleveland, offering a surprising mix of history, nature, and transportation-themed adventures. The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail invites you to hike, bike, paddle, or even ride a scenic train through the valley.

    Fall brings golden light to Beaver Marsh and fiery color to the Ledges Overlook. After a morning on the trails, swing by a local farmer’s market for seasonal snacks.

    See our picks for the best national parks to visit in fall.

    3. Hike Through Waterfalls and Caves at Old Man’s Cave

    Broken Rock Falls, Old Man's Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

    Broken Rock Falls slices through stone with quiet force—tucked deep in Hocking Hills, where water carves its own story.

    Located in Logan, Old Man’s Cave is the crown jewel of Hocking Hills State Park—and arguably the best hike in Ohio. The trail winds past waterfalls, recess caves, stone bridges, and tunnels, all framed by brilliant fall foliage.

    Hocking Hills frequently lands on lists of the most beautiful state parks in America, and autumn is when it truly shines.

    Explore our full guide to hiking Old Man’s Cave.

    4. Take a Scenic Drive to Ohio’s Covered Bridges

    If you love combining history with natural beauty, a covered bridge tour is a perfect fall outing. Ohio has over 100 historic covered bridges—more than most states—and they look especially stunning against autumn backdrops.

    Top counties for bridge-spotting include Ashtabula (east of Cleveland), Fairfield (southeast of Columbus), Washington (near Marietta), and Preble (between Cincinnati and Dayton).

    Plan your drive with our guide to Preble County’s covered bridges.

    5. Slow Down in Amish Country

    Fall is the perfect time to unplug—and Amish Country near Millersburg offers a peaceful escape. Explore rolling hills, savor home-cooked meals, and shop for handcrafted goods. Whether you stay in a cozy cabin or a countryside cottage, you’ll find space to breathe and reconnect.

    Take a self-guided tour or join a group to learn more about Amish culture and traditions. Either way, expect warm hospitality and scenic drives.

    6. Eat Your Way Through the Butler County Donut Trail

    Orange chocolate glaze donuts topping in the form of zombie in a plate for Halloween holidays. toning

    Cider in one hand, donut in the other—fall tastes like this.

    If cider donuts aren’t enough, how about 13 mom-and-pop donut shops? The Butler County Donut Trail is a sweet adventure for pastry lovers and coffee chasers alike.

    Download a map and passport, collect stamps along the way, and earn a t-shirt upon completing the trail. Multiple visits are encouraged—because who can eat 13 donuts in one day?

    Get the full scoop on the Butler County Donut Trail.

    7. Celebrate All Things Pumpkin at the Circleville Pumpkin Show

    Young woman smiling while holding a large pumpkin at an outdoor autumn market decorated with colorful flags. Picking a pumpkin for Halloween or Thanksgiving. Low angle view with copy space

    Stacked and ready for sweater weather—pumpkin season is officially on the table.

    Dubbed “the greatest free show on Earth,” the Circleville Pumpkin Show draws over 400,000 visitors each October. From parades and pageants to pumpkin-flavored everything, it’s a festive celebration of Ohio agriculture and fall fun.

    Don’t miss the giant pumpkin weigh-in—winning entries often top 1,000 pounds. There’s also live entertainment, rides, games, and plenty of seasonal treats.

    8. Wander Through Art and Nature at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

    In Hamilton, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park blends outdoor art with peaceful landscapes. The park features an indoor Ancient Sculpture Museum and dozens of large-scale outdoor sculptures set among rolling hills and wooded trails.

    Fall foliage adds a dramatic backdrop of reds, oranges, and yellows, making it a perfect spot for reflection, photography, or a quiet afternoon walk.

    9. Sip and Savor in Ohio’s Wine Country

    Ashtabula County in northeast Ohio is home to Grand River Valley—aka Ohio’s Wine Country. With over 30 wineries and fertile land near Lake Erie, it’s a dreamy destination for fall sipping and scenic drives.

    Harvest season brings special events, tastings, and vibrant foliage. Whether you prefer casual patios or upscale tasting rooms, you’ll find your perfect pour.

    10. See Animals and Jack-O’-Lanterns at the Cincinnati Zoo

    Close-up of a giraffe's head with a natural background of trees and a clear blue sky.

    One of the unforgettable faces waiting to greet you at the Cincinnati Zoo—curious, gentle, and taller than your weekend plans.

    The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of America’s oldest—and most beloved—zoos. With over 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties, it’s a great destination year-round.

    In fall, the zoo hosts Jack O’Lantern Glow and HallZOOween, adding seasonal flair to your visit. Feed giraffes, walk beside kangaroos, and enjoy festive decorations throughout the park.

    Explore our guide to must-see animals at the Cincinnati Zoo.

    Make This Fall One to Remember

    Fall in Ohio is a season of vibrant colors, rich flavors, and exciting adventures. Whether you’re hiking through caves, sipping wine by the lake, or chasing donuts across county lines, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. So grab your flannel, pack your camera, and hit the road—autumn won’t wait.

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