It’s fall foliage season and the Cleveland Metroparks offer some of the best spots to catch the changing shades. Where are the choicest vantages though? Don’t worry the experts at the Metroparks have you covered.
Berea Falls, Rocky River Reservation:
With a fully accessible overlook, Berea Falls is worth a visit during every season. Take in the views of the transforming trees, cascading waterfalls and train trestles, then easily access the All Purpose Trail for a walk. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksBunns Lake Trailhead, Bradley Woods Reservation:
Enter the majesty of this unique swamp forest to view the beautiful autumn color palette. Take in the breathtaking combination trees including the oranges of the swamp white oaks, the yellow American beech trees, and the evergreen of the fascinating ancient clubmosses that cover the forest floor. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksEastern Ledge Trail, Euclid Creek Reservation:
Embark on new Eastern Ledge Trail and experience Euclid Creek Reservation like never before. This delightful one-mile loop offers sweeping panoramas via a meticulously crafted timber staircase. Discover the enchanting beauty of fall foliage from an elevated perspective, as you ascend 130 feet above Euclid Creek. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksFort Hill Loop Trail, Rocky River Reservation:
Located 90 feet above the Rocky River, this loop trail provides breathtaking views of the valley below. Climb the 155 stairs behind the nature center to reach the top or take one of the less strenuous routes that can be accessed from the Wildlife Management Trail. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksHenry Church, Jr., Rock Picnic Area, South Chagrin Reservation:
As you make your way down the north stairs, the rush of cascading water intensifies along with the colors of autumn. “Double Decker Falls” is a gracefully tiered, crescent-shaped waterfall providing an immersive encounter with fall colors deep into the leaf-peeping season. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksTop O’Ledges, Hinckley Reservation
Enjoy brilliant fall color as you traverse the trails through Whipp’s Ledges. This one-mile trail will wind you down into the ledges and through the rocky terrain with trees towering over you. Be sure to stop at some of the points along the trail that offer great views of the lower areas of Hinckley Reservation. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksSkyline Overlook, West Creek Reservation:
Trek the Lookout Ridge Loop up to the Skyline Overlook observation deck to take in a stellar fall color palette with distant but incredible views of the Cleveland skyline. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksSquire’s Castle, North Chagrin Reservation :
A landscape photography paradise, this “castle” stands beautifully through every season with its shell of locally quarried Euclid bluestone. The castle is bordered by lawn and forest that seems to stretch far beyond the photographer’s lens. With or without a camera, take in the beauty of autumn at Squire’s Castle this fall and then peek into the surrounding woods for a wander. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksSylvan Loop, North Chagrin Reservation:
Majestic trees create picturesque scenes of the Chagrin River Valley along this half-mile loop. Make your way to the marsh overlook and you will be rewarded with one of the most scenic autumn views in North Chagrin Reservation. Bonus trip: Just a short distance away, Squire’s Castle sits amidst hills adorned with vibrant hues of fall foliage — showcasing the full spectrum of autumn colors. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland MetroparksTinker’s Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook, Bedford Reservation:
This National Natural Landmark is worth a visit several times throughout the month to note the color change week by week. Standing on the overlook, you will have a spectacular view 200 feet down into Tinker’s Creek Gorge. Credit: Courtesy Cleveland Metroparks
