Look for Mother Nature to paint a glorious autumn picture soon at Lake Metroparks, with peak leaf viewing the second week of October

By Mimi Vanderhaven

While the first hint of “sweater weather” might have you diving into your closet for suede boots or cozy cashmere, it makes Mimi take wistful pause to honor and appreciate the change. Like all things in life, fall comes with an endgame.

According to the 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map, peak leaf viewing in Lake County will be the second week of October, a week ahead of the rest of the state.

For insight into the best places to catch the dramatic views, Mimi caught up with Lake Metroparks Naturalist Abigail Mossbruger.

“Girdled Road Reservation in Concord Township offers breathtaking overlooks,” she says. “There are shelters to eat a packed lunch or dinner, and also a fire ring and restrooms. The park is also dog friendly.”

Another great spot is the 50-foot coastal observation tower at Lake Erie Bluffs in Perry Township, where you can enjoy 360-degree views of Lake Erie and the surrounding forest.

For those with mobility issues, Abigail mentions that they offer guided trail cart tours led by park staff. The tours take place on Wednesday, October 18, at Veterans Park and Thursday, October 26, at Indian Point Park, from 2 to 3 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Register at lakemetroparks.com.

She explains that the change in color each year is determined by the change in temperature and hours of sunlight.

“For instance, last year, the fall was unseasonably warm in the beginning of October, which stressed the trees and made for a less vibrant than usual color display,” Abigail says. “That’s not the case this year—our temperatures and sunlight have been average, which is making for an amazing color change.”

After you finish reading this issue of Mimi magazine—cover to cover, of course, darlings—head out to Lake Metroparks and soak it all in while you can.

In addition to protecting watersheds and open space, Lake Metroparks annually provides more than four million visitors with countless recreational and educational experiences at diverse facilities across Lake County. For more information visit LakeMetroparks.com.