By Adria Bergeron
One of the greatest things about living in Ohio is experiencing all four seasons. Not all areas of the country experience these changes and the beauty that comes with each one. As we begin to approach fall, thoughts of pumpkins, apple cider, cooler weather and trees that display the most beautiful shades of color come to mind.
At the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District Parks campfires are crackling and cool evenings are waiting for you to enjoy spending time with the people who matter the most. Best of all, off-season camping comes at a discounted rate after labor day at Clendening, Charles Mill, Piedmont, Pleasant Hill, Seneca and Tappan Lakes’ campgrounds. Atwood Lake begins off-season camping right after the Fall Festival which takes place September 30 – October 2 this year.
The Fall Festival has been a staple at Atwood Lake Park for the last 33 years. Vendors, with their handcrafted creations, are sure to provide unique décor and designs that are one of a kind. Entertainment begins at the start of the Festival and lasts until the very end. Ranging from music to comedy shows and even a Native American pow-wow, you can immerse yourself in the local culture at this event. Arguably, one of the best reasons to come to the festival is of course the food. Many of the local vendors come from nearby non-profit organizations to whip up homemade mouthwatering recipes that will bring you back year after year. For more information about the Fall Festival, see their website at atwoodfallfest.org.
The skies above Pleasant Hill Lake Park will light up on September 3 with a fireworks show in honor of Labor Day. Other fall events range from bands to bird watching and continue through October with a Halloween campout, complete with Monster Ball and chili cook-off.
Charles Mill’s Haunting Halloween Weekend, October 7-9, includes hayrides and trick-or-treat which makes special memories that last a lifetime. The fall chili and soup cook-off challenges campers to put their recipes to the test the weekend of October 8.
In the southern region of the district, Tappan and Seneca Lake Parks also have activities for the family to enjoy through October. Tappan’s trick-or-treat, costume contest and hayrides are September 2-4 ,while Seneca hosts Halloween Fest October 7-9, complete with pumpkin carving, costume ball, trick-or-treat and hayrides.
Aside from entertainment, fall is a great time to enjoy nature and the colors of the trees on the miles of trails. Hiking trails are available throughout the district and range from natural to paved surfaces. Fishing is also popular in the fall as the fish re-emerge from the depths of the water. Kayaking and canoeing have also become popular at the lakes, especially Clendening and Piedmont where nature surrounds and peace and quiet is abundant.
Every season is different. Change is what keeps things interesting and new. The MWCD parks, lakes and campgrounds are beautiful each season and invite you to visit and enjoy. For a complete list of MWCD events and locations, visit mwcd.org.
Fall at MWCD
