SAVE GAS, SEE AUTUMN COLORS AT THE METROPARKS

Where can you find more than 24,000 acres of scenic parks showcasing autumn’s vivid hues, practically in your own backyard? Save gas and time by seeing autumn’s beauty at any of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks located in the five-county Southeast Michigan region.

Tall oaks, maples and birches can be found at most Metroparks. Wildflowers, such as New England asters, blazing star and goldenrod are in bloom right now through the first frost. Native grasses are changing color, from green to gold. Although colorful trees and wildflowers can be found at all 13 Metroparks, nature areas at Indian Springs, Kensington, Oakwoods and Stony Creek Metroparks are the most popular parks to visit.

Meandering rivers and serene lakes, expansive woodlands and tranquil wetlands provide dramatic backdrops to any outdoor outing. Wildlife viewing peaks as migrant waterfowl, songbirds and raptors take flight toward winter habitats. Autumn afternoons can be spent hiking the trails, biking the paved pathways, or just enjoying a drive along a scenic park road. Boats, canoes and kayaks provide a water view to autumn colors. Interpretive centers offer hands-on activities, guided walks and special events that enhance any visit. Hayrides at Kensington Metropark Farm Center and Stony Creek Metropark, or wagon rides at Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center add special memories to your autumn afternoon.

Here is a sampling of ways to take in nature’s finest colors in Southeast Michigan this fall at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks:

• Paved bike/hike trails, ranging in length from three to eight miles, are located at Hudson Mills, Indian Springs, Kensington, Lake Erie, Lower Huron, Metro Beach, Oakwoods, Stony Creek and Willow Metroparks. A 3.2–mile paved connector path between Willow and Lower Huron gives trail users 15 miles of continuous trails through Lower Huron, Willow and Oakwoods Metroparks. Bike rentals are available at several parks.

• Foot trails traverse colorful wooded areas at Metro Beach, Wolcott Mill, Stony Creek, Indian Springs, Kensington, Huron Meadows, Hudson Mills, Lower Huron, Oakwoods and Lake Erie Metroparks.

• More than 300,000 birds of prey and waterfowl fly overhead at Lake Erie Metropark during fall migration.

• Fall color tours are offered on the “Island Queen II,” a 37-passenger pontoon boat moored on Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark. Points of interest on Kent Lake are highlighted during these 45-minute tours offered weekends through October 12, from noon to 6 p.m. Children 3 to 12 years of age and senior citizens can ride for $2 per person; adults are $3 per person. Children 2 and younger are free.

• Rowboats and paddleboats are available for rent, mainly on weekends through October, at Huron Meadows and Willow Metroparks. Canoes are available weekends only, through October 19, at Skip’s Canoe Livery at Delhi Metropark.

The peak of the fall color season in Southeast Michigan is generally the second or third week of October, although weather conditions can change the peak color dates considerably.

Interpreters at Hudson Mills, Indian Springs, Kensington, Lake Erie, Metro Beach, Oakwoods, Stony Creek and Wolcott Mill Metroparks can provide information on the best places to find colorful trees, wildflowers or to see migrating birds. For details on the best places and times to see the autumn colors, call 1-800-47-PARKS or the individual parks:

Metro Beach Metropark 1-800-477-3172 or 586-463-4581

Wolcott Mill Metropark 1-800-477-3175 or 586-749-5997

Stony Creek Metropark 1-800-477-7756 or 586-781-4242

Indian Springs Metropark 1-800-477-3192 or 248-625-6640

Kensington Metropark 1-800-477-3178 or 248-685-1561

Huron Meadows Metropark 1-800-477-3193 or 810-231-4084

Hudson Mills Metropark 1-800-477-3191 or 734-426-8211

Lower Huron, Willow & 1-800-477-3182 or 734-697-9181 Oakwoods Metroparks

Lake Erie Metropark 1-800-477-3189 or 734-379-5020