Autumn’s awesome array of reds, oranges and yellows has arrived – so get out and enjoy it

Each day during the past couple of weeks I’ve been watching more and more of the leaves turn around me.

Whether in my backyard, while on a walk, or even during drives around Muskoka, the evidence of Autumn is everywhere.

With the season comes a glorious colour palette throughout the best parts of central Ontario. The annual event sees “leafers” (Family Guy fans will get it) from far and wide descend on communities throughout Muskoka, Simcoe County and the surrounding areas to get the best views.

Many people visit Muskoka this time of year for extended stays as they visit places like Huckleberry Rock in Bracebridge and Lions Lookout in Huntsville for the stunning vistas.

On top of those iconic locations, visitors plan trips into Arrowhead Provincial Park and Algonquin Provincial Park, or the Limberlost Forest and Wildlife Reserve, to traverse the many trails surrounded by the brilliant leaves.

Simcoe County also offers several wonderful places to visit and enjoy the Fall colours.

Prime locations suggested by those in the know include the Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland, the Cascade Trail at Blue Mountain Resort, Horseshoe Valley Road in Oro-Medonte, and Gibson Hills near Alliston.

Orillia and Barrie offer several great choices as well. In Orillia, try the Scout Valley Loop Trail, Grant’s Woods Nature Reserve or the George Langman Sanctuary. In Barrie, head over to Kempenfelt Bay, Sunnidale Park or the Ardagh Bluffs Trail.

What’s with the colour change?

The reason leaves change colours every year, and why those particular colours, is simply due to chemistry.

Every leaf has chlorophyll and when the spring and summer provide the extensive sunlight and warmth, photosynthesis causes the green tones to appear. Leaves are vital in the process of turning sunlight into food for the tree.

However, when the temperature cools and the sunlight hours dwindle, the leaves can no longer produce food and the chlorophyll is broken down causing carotene and xanthophylls to appear – which are shown in the orange and yellow fall colours. 

The reds become visible from anthocyanins, which are created from sugars in the leaf. In each case, these tones or pigments are there to protect the chlorophyll from damage with the sugars wintering in the tree branches.