Grab your sweaters and your walking shoes and hit the trail. Fall is the best time to check out our 19 Toledo Metroparks.
Written by: Tessa Lackey
Updated: 9/4/2026
Fall Foliage
While early hints of autumn start creeping in by late September, the absolute sweet spot for fall foliage in the Toledo Metroparks hits during mid-to-late October. This is when Northwest Ohio transforms into a vibrant canopy of fiery reds, deep ambers, and brilliant yellows.
Whether you’re hiking the wooded trails at Oak Openings, catching reflections along the Maumee River at Side Cut, or strolling past historic stone bridges at Wildwood Preserve, mid-to-late October delivers the crisp air and prime photo ops you wait all year for. Pack a warm thermos, grab a light jacket, and head out before the autumn winds sweep the leaves away.
Great Walks:
Whether you’re logging miles or following where the crisp air leads, these trails are built for crisp autumn walks.
Pearson and Secor:
Whether you’re heading east or west of Toledo, the lush woods of Pearson and Secor Metroparks are an absolute must-visits on any autumn explorer’s itinerary. With their brilliant mosaic of fall foliage and winding walking paths, both parks provide the perfect backdrop for an autumn trek. If you prefer to pedal through the scenery, Pearson connects seamlessly to Maumee Bay State Park via the Oregon Trail, while Secor links right to Wiregrass Lake Metropark along the new Moseley Trail.
River Views:
Catch the first flashes of fall color on the edge of the stream on The TowPath trail. This trail is connected to five Metroparks with scenic views of the Maumee River. You’ll pass through Providence, Bend View and Farnsworth, Side Cut and Middlegrounds Metroparks.
Meet the Migration: Fall Birding at Howard Marsh
Did you know that shorebirds and waterfowl migrate in the fall? Howard Marsh Metropark, is a favorite spot for these traveling birds. Featuring sprawling marshes and six miles of trails to roam, it offers an incredible destination for birders of all experience levels (from novice to expert) to observe autumn migrations.
Pro Tip: Beyond birdwatching, you can also paddle six miles of water trails directly through the marsh. Bring your own boat, or rent a kayak right from your cell phone for $15 per hour!
Oak Openings and Wildwood:
As autumn progresses, and other leaves begin to fall, the oak tees begin to change. Late in the season, head to Oak Openings Preserve or Wildwood Preserve, where oaks dominate the forest.
Notable Fall Events:
10th Anniversary of Middlegrounds Nature Walk | Sept 7, 14, 25
Open to all ages, this free guided walk starting at the Rotary Roundhouse takes you along reclaimed riverfront trails to highlight how nature has flourished over the past ten years. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh air, learn local history, and appreciate vibrant greenspace right along the Maumee River.
Glass City Fall Festival | Oct. 3
Stroll through the community pumpkin patch and canoe in the cove at Glass City Metropark. Enjoy the seasonal fun sitting by a camp fire and make your own s’mores in the cool fall temps.
Witches Paddle: A Spooktacular, Halloween SUP Paddle | Oct. 3
Hensville Park and Fleetwoods Taproom will be fully lit covering the whole building with a display of lights along with a big tree lighted tree in Hensville park. Head downtown for their special tree lighting event to ring in the season and kick off the downtown Toledo Holiday Lights Trail.
Nature at Night Fest | Oct. 10
Celebrate all things nocturnal at this family-friendly event featuring activities inspired by our favorite creatures of the night! Sign up for the GLOW Bike ride for a spooktacular Halloween biking adventure.
Nature Rx: Hiker Fest, Riverwalk Edition | Nov. 14
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just enjoy a good outdoor stroll, this event offers inspiration and tools to help you enjoy the outdoors all season long for a full mind, body and wellness experience.
