COLUMBUS – One of the best destinations for autumn leaf-peeping is only 40 miles south of Columbus down U.S. Route 33.
USA Today’s list of the “10 Best Destinations for Fall Foliage” ranks Ohio’s Hocking Hills as No. 3 in the U.S.
Experts say a warm, wet spring and sunny summer with plenty of rain have resulted in fiery red maples, orange sassafras, yellow hickory, brown oak amid green hemlock and pine create a bold tapestry that’s a feast for the eyes.
This comes after Forbes travel experts named the region one of the world’s top 50 places to visit in 2023 and among the most popular state parks.
With more than 13,000 acres of unbroken forest and nearly 100 different tree species, the region’s foliage consistently earns rave traveler reviews, citing spectacular scenery marked by deep gorges, lush forests, soaring rock faces, unique rock formations and picturesque waterfalls.