Mother Nature: Color Your World

HOME LIVING | Mother Nature Color your worldFind fall foliage hot spots this season

By Julie Young | Photos provided If you are looking to do a little leaf peeping this season, then glo has you covered! We asked area insiders to share their favorite fall foliage hot spots.

Fort Wayne Trails

Kristen Guthrie, director of marketing with Visit Fort Wayne, said that between now and the end of October, the newer sections of the Pufferbelly Trail from the Life Bridge Trailhead to Cook Road and the section between Cook and Wallen will be extraordinary with all of the maple trees that exist in the valley area.

The leaves will also be on glorious display along the Rivergreenway’s park system, particularly the St. Joseph Pathway from Shoaff Park to Johnny Appleseed Park; St. Mary’s Pathway from Tillman Park to Swinney Park; and the Maumee Pathway from North Anthony Boulevard to Moser Park.

“These will all have a show of mixed tall trees, including oaks, hickories, sycamores, cottonwoods, basswoods and more,” Guthrie said. “If you are looking for something in the city, Clinton Street as you come into the city is a photographer’s favorite and makes for an iconic leaf shot.” ACRES Land Trust

While the ACRES Land Trust preserves could be a day trip all on their own, there are a number of key areas in the region that offer spectacular views this season. Preserve trails are open from dawn to dusk and each is conducive to certain types of hiking depending on the individual’s stamina.

The Tom and Jane Dustin Nature Preserve takes on a fantastic yellow-gold glow each autumn. Shagbark hickory leaves dominate the forest lands.

Other great ACRES spots to visit include the Cedar Creek Corridor Project at 1802 Chapman Road in Huntertown, the ACRES Wing Haven Preserve near Angola, as well as their 200-year-old Ecological Reflections Project.

Interested hikers can lean more by visiting acreslandtrust.org and can help protect these areas by joining the nonprofit as a member.

Wabash County

There are several ACRES Land Trust properties in Wabash County that have great fall foliage, including the Hathaway Preserve at Ross Run, Mary Thornton Nature Preserve, Asherwood and Kokiwanee.

Both Salamonie State Park and Mississinewa State Park offer hundreds of acres of fall foliage. In addition, the Charley Creek Gardens and Paradise Spring Historical Park, both located in Wabash offer a walking trail through mature trees, as well as a waterfall at the Charley Creek Gardens.

No matter where you decide to go, you’re sure to fall in love with nature’s palette and will enjoy the way it colors your world! a