The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Chances to view fall foliage quickly fading
The vibrant warm red, orange, yellow and gold colors of fall will soon be fading to a cool winter white.
With snow in the forecast, the leaves will quickly fall from the trees and the opportunity to view the autumn foliage in Northeast Ohio will soon be gone.
The unseasonably warm fall had resulted in a delayed and extended season for the fall foliage.
The prime viewing time was mid to late October in Lake County, according to Lake Metroparks Interpretive Naturalist Amber Walden.
There is still some opportunity left to get out and see the leaves, but they won’t last for much longer, Walden said. She said she expects to see the leaves dropping within the next week as cooler weather moves in and brings snow.
Walden said the extended season is more likely due to the trees being confused by the warmer than usual weather. Trees take their cues to start preparing for winter from the sun and weather temperatures.
“As long as there is sunlight and warmer temperatures for the trees they continue to stay green,” Walden said. “It’s typically not until nighttime temperatures start falling into the 40s that we start seeing leaves change.”
Warm days and cool nights contribute to the best fall foliage.
That temperature drop came later this year, Walden said.
John Venen, promotions and advertising manager for Lake Metroparks, advises on some of the best spots in the Metroparks to view the fall foliage:
• Chapin Forest Reservation offers a panoramic view of everything from Lake Erie to the Cleveland skyline, and the view of fall colors is one of the best overlooks anywhere. Enter from State Route 306 (Chillicothe Road) and drive to the end of the parkway. Lucky Stone Loop Trail (1.5 miles) begins at the cul de sac/Ledges picnic area and takes you to the highest elevations in the park. Enter from Hobart Road and access Arbor Lane Loop Trail from the parking lot. Hike this gravel trail until it intersects with Lucky Stone Loop; hike to the overlook for the panoramic view described above.
• Lake Erie Bluffs features the natural wonder of Lake Erie in Lake County’s front yard. In addition to the more than three miles of trails, a 50-foot coastal observation tower overlooks the lakeshore with multiple viewing platforms along a staircase that culminates in a deck featuring 360-degree views. The height and location of the tower provide visitors with a unique view of the lake and the surrounding woods ablaze in fall colors, fields and wetlands, along with a variety of wildlife. Enter through Lane Road or Clark Road.
• Hidden Valley Park. Enter from Klasen Road and take the River Breeze Trail; this riverside trail has excellent views of the forested hillside on the opposite bank. The display of colors never ends along the entire half-mile trail.
• Hogback Ridge. Enter from Emerson Road. Few areas of this park offer the viewing vistas of some of the other parks, but here you walk through the colors. From the start of the Hemlock Ridge Loop Trail to the finish, fall colors will surround and envelope you. Come on a sunny day when the yellow leaves are at peak color and everything in the forest takes on a yellow glow.
• Indian Point Park. Enter from the upper parking lot on Seeley Road. Hike one mile along Point Overlook Loop Trail to Lookout Ridge Scenic Trail, which will provide a spectacular view over the Grand River valley and the hillsides will be alive with colorful leaves.
• Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Enter from Euclid Chardon Road (Route 6). Walk or take a horse- or tractor-drawn wagon ride up to Planter’s Overlook to witness a brilliant view of fall colors that stretch across your entire viewing area. Farmpark admission or membership applies for entrance.
• Girdled Road Reservation (Skok Meadows). Enter from state Route 608/ Concord Hambden Road. Stroll Skok Meadow Loop Trail (1.09 miles) to the scenic overlook and deck. A meadow of 30 acres of native wildflowers unfolds before you with many flowers blooming through late summer and into the fall. Enjoy this peaceful view with the backdrop of trees lining the Big Creek valley.
• Pete’s Pond Preserve. Enter from Rockefeller Road. Follow Carriage Lane Trail (0.56 mile) to reach beautiful vistas seen from two observation decks. The 1.15-mile trail provides exercise and exploration in a 70-acre oasis for suburban wildlife.
• Veterans Park. Enter from Hopkins Road. Walk a short distance from the parking lot for an extraordinary view of the backdrop of fall colors behind Granger Pond. Piers provide an unobstructed view of this area.
Walden notes that when falls colors are at their peak is a popular time for photography.
She suggests don’t just look at groups of tree, but look for single leaves and leaves on the ground as well for photos with detail.