Peak leaf color is mid- to late October and lasts about a week

By Sean Barron | news@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Fall foliage lovers have their pick of locations from which to view the splendid colors this time of year brings, but many people will argue that few places in the Mahoning Valley top Mill Creek MetroParks.

“Anywhere deciduous trees are found has potential, but to me, by far the best place in Mill Creek Park for autumn color is Lake Glacier,” said Ray Novotny, a park naturalist. “And your enjoyment is doubled because of the reflections in the water.”

Other prime Mill Creek sites include the Lily Pond and Fellows Riverside Gardens, largely because of the panoramic view of the lake, he noted.

Just because the colors haven’t yet reached their peak doesn’t mean that brilliant combinations are lacking. Many gum trees’ leaves are a bright scarlet while some types of sumacs are red, Novotny pointed out.

In addition, various kinds of sassafras and maples turn yellow, red or orange; Beech trees typically turn yellow then brown, many leaves of which remain intact all winter, he explained, adding that oak leaves turn later and reach a deep red.

Some trees such as the Norway maple stay green well into autumn, Novotny added.

The best hues normally are seen in mid- to late October and last about a week. The expected yellows, reds, oranges, maroons and purples should reach their peak after today, Columbus Day, according the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.