Don’t even get me started on pumpkin patches and Halloween! One of my biggest loves of this season is the fall colours and long walks in the city to really watch the trees change and get ready for winter. I have a few favourite walking trails that I thought I’d share with you to encourage your love of autumn as well!
All of it. My home away from home! Truly there is no bad time of year to walk the trails of High Park, but they are beautiful in the autumn. The black oaks aflame cover the ground with a carpet of bright orange and it is stunning. The entire park is a mix of rich warm colours, making the perfect backdrop for photos, a picnic, or just strolling and people-watching. The nature trails are a great way to get to see a number of different tree species, not to mention chipmunks and various birds!
The Don Valley offers amazing pathways alongside the river that provide kilometres of fantastic walking and biking trails! You can start at Lake Ontario and make the entire walk up to Wilket Creek and beyond. Included in this area are some real gems like the Brickworks trails and Crothers’ Woods, home to several endangered butternut trees.
A favourite city nature walk of mine is to pop off the TTC and start at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Head south through Wilket Creek Park, Sunnybrook Park, Serena Grundy Park, Sunnydene Park, Sherwood Park, Blythwood Park and end at Alexander Muir Park. You can then hop back on the TTC at Lawrence Station. With the exception of some street crossing, you’d barely know you were in the city! In the fall this walk is amazing. There are tons of different tree species showing off their autumn colours and some babbling brooks to enjoy as well. I have also done this walk on a snowy day and it was amazing!
Join LEAF for a fall walk in in the Don Valley this fall! We’ll be leading a Tree Tour in Milne Hollow on October 6th in partnership with the Don Watershed Regeneration Council and Heritage Toronto. To find out more or to register, click here.
Part of the Koffler Scientific Reserve in Newmarket, these trails offer a wonderful autumn afternoon hike. With many options in trail difficulty and length, there is something for everyone here. That includes beautiful trees from birch to bitternut hickory, butternut and tamaraks. This area is also known for being home to a number of different wildlife and fungi species.
These are just a few of many wonderful places to enjoy what nature has to offer this autumn. Fight the urge to hide inside, get that sweater on, pack a thermos of mulled cider, and get on out there!
Amy Fedrigo is LEAF’s Residential Planting Programs Assistant.