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.
Photo by Ron Brohm
By Ron Brohm
Contributing writer
It’s time to gear up for nature’s fireworks show.
Champaign County is a great place 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 simply 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 the 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:
Davey Woods State Nature Preserve
Considered by many as Champaign County’s “Little Smokies,” this preserve is located on Lonesome Road just outside of St. Paris and just 7 miles west of Urbana and is a fantastic location to view the fall foliage colors. This old growth forest has many large tulip trees, oak, ash, and sugar maple and is truly one of the best wood lots still remaining in this part of Ohio. Two nice trails with some boardwalks and wooden foot bridges will traverse you through the hilly woods to view the autumn show of colors. There is also a small parking area.
Siegenthaler–Kaestner Esker State Nature Preserve
Check out some great Fall foliage scenery at this “little known” 37-acre wooded state nature preserve located about 10 miles east of Rosewood. To view wonderful fall foliage scenes by foot you can access the trailhead from Rosewood by following state Route 29 east eight miles to Calland Road, proceed north on Calland Road 2.5 miles, then east on Couchman Road 0.5 miles to the preserve entrance. The path has interesting geology, bird watching and good upper and lower trails. The trails are relatively flat with a few hills (eskers) which actually resemble Indian mounds.
Kiser Lake State Park & Wetlands
This state park is located at 4889 N. state Route 235 in Conover. The park encompasses 531 acres with vast fall foliage viewing opportunities by either car, foot, bicycle or watercraft. Enjoy the fall colors by hiking any or all of the seven different hiking trails within the park and the wetlands, including one boardwalk trail.
Cedar Bog Preserve
Cedar Bog is an Ohio Historical Society site located at 980 Woodburn Road, Urbana. The preserve encompasses 427 acres with a 1.5 boardwalk hiking trail and a short interactive “Tallgrass Prairie” trail.
In addition to great views of fall foliage, also see over 45 endangered plant species and many endangered animals including spotted turtles. A fee is charged to access the preserve.
Simon Kenton Bike Trail
Why not pedal your way to fall foliage bliss by taking the Simon Kenton Bike Trail? Travel basically from one end of Champaign Country to the other on this paved trail while encountering many picturesque fall foliage views.
Melvin Miller Park
No need to travel too far from home to see the fall colors. Melvin Miller Park has many surrounding trees and woods and provides plenty of fall foliage viewing opportunities.
Mad River
For the adventurer, the Mad River runs through Champaign County presenting many undiscovered fall foliage views for the experienced canoer or kayaker.
Don’t miss this year’s woodland fireworks bonanza. Embrace the fleeting beauty of fall and indulge in the simple joy of leaf peeping.
Ron Brohm is an Outdoors, Tourism, Parks, Automotive & Aviation Journalist/Author and writes for the Urbana Daily Citizen and other AIM Media Midwest newspapers and several national magazines. He is also a Certified Parks & Recreation Professional (CPRP), serves as the Park Commissioner for the City of Riverside & is the Executive Director of the Great Ohio Outback Wilderness Regional Authority.
