Crisp, clean air, beautiful colors and falling leaves are some of the hallmarks of Autumn in Northeast Ohio.
In Mentor we are fortunate to have over 1,200 acres of parkland to enjoy year-round. While fall color usually peaks in mid-October, to really appreciate the transformation we invite you to explore our parks over the entire season. One week you’ll notice warm yellows giving forest paths and woodland trails a golden hue. In visits to follow, warm yellows give way to fiery reds and brilliant oranges. It’s not only a feast for the eyes, but all the senses. Experience the sound of the leaves underfoot as you traverse the trail and the sharp, pungent smells of earth as cools from summer heat and prepares for the coming winter.
So where are the best parks to immerse yourself in autumn color? Here are our five favorites!
Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Marina, 8365 Harbor Drive. With over 450 acres to explore this park is a must see in fall. The upland forest contains a wide variety of hardwoods that lends itself to an ever-changing color palette throughout the season. With an extensive trail system, you can meander through the forest experiencing nature’s beautiful colors. The new boardwalk located near the trailhead offers a commanding view of the marsh. It’s truly not to be missed!
Veterans Park, 5730 Hopkins Road. Owned by the City of Mentor and managed by Lake Metroparks, the wooded park is nestled around Granger pond, the largest inland pond in Lake County (34 acres). A 1.78 mile loop trail encircles the pond affording gorgeous views of fall foliage reflected in the water. See it from the trail or venture out on the fishing pier for an amazing 360-degree view of the surrounding trees. Don’t forget your camera!
Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road. Comprised of 34-acres, Wildwood is one of Mentor’s true cultural gems. The stunning 25-room English Tutor manor house is surrounded by mature trees. A wide trail beckons hikers to walk in the cool forest, kicking up an abundance of fallen maple, oak and beech leaves, while shimmers of sunlight break through the brilliant leaves that remain on the trees.
Eleanor B. Garfield Park, 7967 Mentor Avenue. This 65-acre park is in the heart of Mentor and is among our most popular parks for recreation due to its many baseball fields, tennis courts, playground, and as the location for the City’s popular Farmers Market. What sets it apart in fall is the 5-acre fishing pond which offers beautiful backdrop for family photos. The park is open between dawn and dusk – visit early when the mist is rising off the pond and the fall colors are reflected in the still water. It’s a view you won’t forget.
Civic Center Complex, 8500 Civic Center Boulevard. You may ask what special autumn view is to be had at the Civic Center? The complex is home to many to the City’s facilities like the Municipal Center, Police Station, Mentor Civic Amphitheater, Pool, and Mentor Ice Arena. While many trees surround the buildings, the real view is down the Civic Center Bike Path which winds its way from the park near the Ice Arena to Hopkins Road. Bike or walk down the path lined with the colors of fall.
BONUS: Mentor Cemetery, 6881 Hopkins Road. Rich fall colors underscore the stoic atmosphere of Mentor’s historic cemetery. The memorial promenade offers a place to reflect on the sacrifices made by those protecting our nation.
Visit cityofmentor.com/mentor-parks for additional information on all of our parks and facilities.