RETURN TO CVG LATER TONIGHT. 6:44, THE OFFICIAL END OF SUMMER IS HEAD AND IT WILL BEGIN TO FEEL LIKE FALL. KELLY: LEAVES ARE STARTING TO CHANGE ON SOME TREES. KATIE DONOVAN IS HERE WITH WHEN WE WILL SEE PEAK COLORS. KATIE: WE ARE ALL AWAITING THE ARRIVAL OF FALL AND THIS YEAR WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT LONGER THAN USUAL TO SEE THE AUTUMN COLOR. TYPICALLY OUR AREA SEES THAT TRANSITION SOMETIME IN MID OCTOBER. THE SMOKY MOUNTAINS FALL FOLIAGE FORECAST HAS PEAK COLOR POPPING JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR. LOTS OF THINGS HAVE TO HAPPEN AND FALL INTO PLACE FOR THE MOST VIBRANT REDS, ORANGES AND YELLOWS TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE, INCLUDING SPECIFIC WEATHER CONDITIONS. >> ALL DIFFERENT TYPES OF THINGS CAN AFFECT FALL FOLIAGE INCLUDING HEAT, RAIN, THE AMOUNT OF CLOUD COVER. JUST ALL DIFFERENT KINDS OF VARIABLES. SO FOR EXAMPLE AS I SAID THIS YEAR ITS GOING TO BE NICE AND WARM AND THERE’S PLENTY OF RAIN, SO THAT’S WHAT’S GOING TO TRIGGER ALL THOSE SUGARS TO BE INSIDE THOSE LEAVES AND ALL THOSE MAPLES AND SWEET GUMS ARE GOING TO TRY TO GET THAT LAST LITTLE BIT OF SUGAR LEFT FROM THOSE LEAVES, PRODUCING THOSE ANTHOCYANINS IN THE LEAVES. KATIE SAYS IT IS — KATIE: IT IS A VERY DELICATE BALANCE AND IF JUST ONE OR A FEW OF THOSE WEATHER ELEMENTS ARE OFF, IT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEEING BRIGHT LEAVES AND BROWN ONES. HUGHES SAYS SUNNY DAYS WITH A LOT OF LIGHT AND COOL, CRISP OVERNIGHTS ALSO HELP BRING OUT THAT AUTUMN GLOW. SOME OF THE BEST PLACES TO SEE FALL COLORS LOCALLY INCLUDE WOODLAND MOUND AND MIAMI WHITEWATER. IF YOU’D LIKE TO TAKE A LITTLE DRIVE, HUGHES RECOMMENDS CHECKING OUT STATE PARKS LIKE HUESTON WOODS AND CEASARS CREEK. ONCE WE REACH PEAK COLOR, THE LEAVES WILL STAY ON THE TREES FOR A FEW WEEKS BEFORE DROPPING FOR THE COLD MONTHS IN LATE NOVEMBER. LAST YEAR WAS NOT A GREAT COLOR HERE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO SOME NICE RETURNS THIS YEAR. KELLY: ABSOLUTELY. PEOPLE GET VERY EXCITED AND SUNDAY DRIVING COMES A REAL THING AS PEOPLE TAKE STROLLS THROUGH THE BACK ROADS
5 scenic spots near Cincinnati to see peak fall foliage
Updated: 5:03 PM EDT Oct 2, 2022
The Smoky Mountains fall foliage map predicts peak color for the Greater Cincinnati area is set to occur in late October this year.If you want to see those colors a week or two sooner, you’ll have to head up to northern Ohio or Indiana, where peak color will occur closer to mid-October.Greater Cincinnati 2022 fall color forecastWhat exactly plays a role in those beautiful yellows, reds and oranges?The National Weather Service said warm, sunny days and cool — but not freezing — nights yield the best fall colors.Other things that play a role in leaf vibrancy are the amount of cloud cover and rain a tree is exposed to. Conditions have to be just right for widespread fall color.A few missing factors or multiple early hard frosts can produce brown leaves or less color overall.The average first freeze (a temperature of 32 degrees or less) in Cincinnati typically occurs around Oct. 25 but has been recorded as early as Sept. 28 and as late as Nov. 27.
CINCINNATI —
Autumn has arrived, and that means fall foliage is right around the corner.
If you’re looking for a scene drive or spot to see the peak fall colors, here are the best places within driving distance of Cincinnati.
1
Hocking Hills State Park
Address: 19852 State Route 664Logan, OH 43138
Hocking Hills is a perfect place to see peak fall foliage with its towering cliffs, waterfalls and deep, hemlock-shaded gorges.
Learn more here
2
Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve
Address: 24858 Big Pine RoadRockbridge, OH 43149
The nature preserve offers scene views with its waterfalls and sandstone cliff tops that feature picture-perfect overlooks of the gorge underneath.
Learn more here
3
Hueston Woods State Park
Address: 6301 Park Office RoadCollege Corner, OH 45003
Hueston Woods State Park offers plenty of scenic views and activities to do with a nature center plus a charming covered bridge.
Learn more here
4
Maumee Bay State Park
Address: 1400 State Park Road Oregon, OH 43616
Nestled near Lake Erie, the park offers looks at scenic meadows, wet woods and lush marshes. ODNR says more than 300 bird species have been observed here.
Learn more here
5
Red River Gorge
Address: Robbie Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380
Nestled in Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge has beautiful fall views with its natural bridges, rock formations, and rivers.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
