Central Ohio should start seeing pops of fall foliage next week - Axios ColumbusLog InLog InAxios Columbus is an Axios company.

Our fall foliage forecast

The fall foliage outlook for next week, according to . Image courtesy of David Angotti Temperatures are dropping, it's getting darker earlier and the smell of pumpkin spice has been wafting from coffee shops for weeks. Yes, but: No matter what the calendar says, for us it's not officially fall until the leaves change. State of play: Central Ohio should start seeing pops of color next week, according to the from .Color should peak by Oct. 24 for about a week. By Halloween, it'll start to dull. The intrigue: That is, if our always unpredictable weather cooperates.Last year's convinced many trees it was still summer well into October. A delayed display of reds, yellows and oranges appeared only briefly before winter struck. How it works: As the days shorten and temperatures drop, trees sense winter is coming and stop producing chlorophyll, their .The remaining pigments let leaves show their true colors. What they're saying: "Sunny days and cool nights, that's the key recipe for the best fall colors," David Parrott, fall color forester for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, tells Axios.Mostly normal helps too, so this fall's forecast is "looking very good." What we're watching: ODNR publishes a to help with planning leaf-peeping trips. They'll start posting weekly video updates next week, Parrott says. Our favorite fall spots:: Enjoy a picnic or meander on trails surrounded by towering trees.: Perfect for a hike along the creek.: A hidden gem offering secluded views of the Scioto River. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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