Here’s a list of the best fall foliage vantage points in Lake County
By Mimi Vanderhaven
According to the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, the peak leaf viewing in Northeast Ohio will be the week of October 18.
There’s no time like the present to get out there and soak up all those breathtaking fall colors.
Living up to its mission “to conserve and preserve the natural resources of Lake County,” while increasing public access for people to enjoy it, Lake Metroparks has recently constructed a new ADA accessible observation platform on Girdled Road Reservation North in Concord Township for ideal observation of the Big Creek Valley.
For an “insider’s guide” to other top spots in the area, Lake Metroparks Interpretive Manager Andy Avram weighed in.
Some of his favorite hikes for leaf peeping are:
• Chapin Forest Reservation - With a panoramic view of everything from Lake Erie to the Cleveland skyline, the view of fall colors at this park is one of the best overlooks anywhere. Enter from Chillicothe Road and drive to the end of the parkway. Lucky Stone Loop Trail begins at the Ledges picnic area and takes you to the highest elevations in the park.
• Girdled Road Reservation - Enter from Concord Hambden Road. Stroll Skok Meadow Loop Trail to the scenic overlook and deck. A meadow of 30 acres of native wildflowers unfolds before you with many flowers blooming through the fall.
• Hell Hollow Wilderness Area - Enter from Leroy Center Road and walk Beech Ridge Loop Trail to a stunning overlook of the Paine Creek valley, more than 200 feet below.
• Hidden Lake - Taking the Hidden Lake Loop Trail will provide the perfect autumn scene with a peaceful lake backed by fall colors.
• Hidden Valley Park - Looking across the Grand River along the River Breeze Trail will offer wonderful views of the tree-colored hillside.
• Indian Point Park - Enter from the upper parking lot on Seeley Road and hike along Point Overlook Loop Trail. Lookout Ridge Scenic Trail will provide a spectacular view over the Grand River Valley and the hillsides will be alive with colorful leaves.
For more information visit LakeMetroparks.com.