(Photo by Art Smith) Some of the billions of leaves that can be viewed along Ohio 26.

Most places around Ohio are starting to see a change in leaf color, according to the latest Fall Color Tracker Map from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Color changes are peaking in the northeast corner of Ohio around Cleveland, according to the Foliage Viewer. Other places in the state are starting to change color, but the foliage remains mostly green, the department said.

Dry conditions this year are impacting the change, according to David Parrott, fall color forester for the Department of Natural Resources

“We have been noticing more species showcasing some fall colors a little early due to the dryconditions,” Parrott said. “Right now, you can find hickories and pawpaws showcasing brilliantyellows and dogwoods displaying dazzling reds. Our fall color reporters continue to see mostly ‘changing’ conditions with a couple of ‘near peak’ reports across the state.”

The foliage tracker can be viewed online at

(Photo by Art Smith) Two motorcyclists make their way down Ohio 26 toward Marietta recently.

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/see-the-sights/fall-color.

Washington County falls in the area of the map where leaves are changing colors. The 36th annual Little Muskingum Watershed Association annual fall foliage tour on State Route 26 is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The roughly 22-mile driving tour promoting tourism includes 10 stops each with specials and activities.

The tour starts with the Washington County Home, a 90-bed assisted living facility serving the elderly and residents who have special needs, are handicapped or cannot live alone.

No. 2 is the Hidden Hills Orchard where apples and other treats will be available. Offering a wide variety of apples, owners Tom and Cathy Burch acquired the farm in 2011.

(Photo by Art Smith) The Little Muskingum River is framed by one of the many bridges that cross it as it winds its way through the countryside.

The Hills United Methodist Church is next on Saturday only, then the historic Hills Covered Bridge. Built in 1878, the bridge was closed in 2016 because of rot and decay.

The stop at the Wonder of Woods on Laurel Road off Cow Run Road will feature its handcrafted wooden items.

Old Biehl’s Store, which is not open, was built in the 1800s and closed in 1993. The Mail Pouch Tobacco barn is across from the store.

A quilt show will be available at the Hune House. The home was built in two parts, the first completed in 1865, followed by a two-story addition in 1878.

The Hune family resided in the home until 1942 when it was sold to Otto and Pearl Heldman.

(Photo by Art Smith) An Ohio 26 road sign warns of one of many curves as it makes its way up the Little Muskingum Valley.

Another covered bridge, the Rinard Covered Bridge, was built in 1876. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was built by the Smith Bridge Co. of Toledo.The bridge, which spans the Muskingum River, was damaged by a flash flood in 2004 and rebuilt in 2006.

The last stop on the tour is the Little Muskingum Watershed Association at mile marker 22.

Apple butter will be made and sold on both days, and Saturday’s entertainment will feature the local band Pickin’ on Country. Tractor pulls will be held each day, along with hay rides, kids’ activities, a country store, an engine show and raffles.

A church service by Pastor Erin Curtis of the Lawrence Baptist Church is scheduled for 11 a.m. Sunday at the watershed site.

(Photo by Art Smith) An assortment of pumpkins for sale at the Washington County Home.

(Photo by Art Smith) A Mail Pouch barn along Ohio 26.

(Photo by Art Smith) A Frontier Local Schools bus passes by Rinard Covered Bridge.

(Photo by Art Smith) An apple hangs from a tree at the Hidden Hills Orchard, where apples and other treats will be available.