Fall foliage forecast
During Northeast Ohio’s favorite season, you can explore the magnificence of nature that ignites in vibrant color throughout the Lake Metroparks system.
When leaves change color is determined by several factors, such as rainfall, the temperature differential between days and nights, and high winds. Pictured is the Girdled Road Reservation North overlook.
More vivid than fireworks or smoldering than a campfire, the forests, meadows and bluffs of Lake County are currently igniting at a park near you, in blazing reds and glowing ambers, all set against the serene backdrop of deep blue waters.
Mimi caught up with Lake Metroparks Park Biologist Megan Hart for the insider’s scoop on where the best spots are to soak in the splendor.
“Although the peak color was projected for October 13, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the show,” says Megan. “When leaves change color is determined by several factors, such as rainfall, the temperature differential between days and nights, and high winds. Experiencing a beautiful early autumn, with higher-than-normal temps and lots of sunshine is producing some amazing color this fall.”
Megan says her personal favorite spot is the platform at the northern entrance of Girdled Road Reservation.
“It overlooks a stunning floodplain vista loaded with bright red maples, neon orange sassafras and bright gold witch hazel trees. It’s an easy walk and is wheelchair-accessible,” she says. “Hidden Lake, with its shimmering nine-acre pond is also a beautiful backdrop.”
If you’re looking to mix a dab of social engagement with your leaf-peeping, don’t miss the Lake Metroparks-run hikes on Tuesdays through November 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Led by a naturalist to help you interpret the nature around you, there’s a group for seniors and one for fast hikers who want to add some cardio to their mornings. For those with limited mobility, they also offer trail cart discovery tours; the next one is Thursday, October 23, from 2 to 3 p.m.
Catch the fall colors while you can, because the next color to hit Northeast Ohio will be white. Megan notes that Lake Metroparks has a view for that too, with the lakefront trails overlooking the magnificent scene of a soon-to-freeze Lake Erie.
With a mission to conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County, Lake Metroparks provides more than four million visitors each year with educational and recreational programs and activities. For more information, visit LakeMetroparks.com.
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