Shawnee State Forest
Often referred to as the "Little Smokies," providing extensive trails and expansive forest views in the Appalachian foothills.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Shawnee State Forest
Peak fall color is predicted around October 28. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 23 to November 2.
- Predicted peak
- October 28
- Best window
- October 23 – November 2
- Confidence range
- ±5 days
The prediction comes from 24 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Scioto County and across Ohio.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 23): the six weeks to October 18 ran 4.3°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Shawnee State Forest
2 to 3 hours
- Apple Hill85 mi · 2 hr 7 minCaliforniaPeak: Oct 31Status: High color
- Ault Park84 mi · 2 hr 10 minPeak: Oct 28Status: Peak color
- Smale Riverfront Park92 mi · 2 hr 15 minPeak: Nov 2Status: Peak color
- Sharon Woods92 mi · 2 hr 16 minPeak: Oct 28Status: High color
- Hocking Hills State Park91 mi · 2 hr 24 minPeak: Oct 23Status: Peak color
- Mt. Airy Forest99 mi · 2 hr 28 minPeak: Oct 30Status: High color
- Old Frankfort Pike107 mi · 2 hr 32 minKentuckyPeak: Nov 3Status: Peak color
- Quarry Trails Metro Park110 mi · 2 hr 35 minPeak: Oct 27Status: High color