With treetop views and sun-dappled trails, The Holden Arboretum is a colorful place to experience autumn’s vibrant colors. Below are upcoming seasonal events. For details and tickets, go to holdenfg.org.
FALL FOREST FEST
October 5, 6, 12 & 13 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.. The fall fest includes s’mores stations, wagon rides on select days, food trucks, crafts and garden games.
LEAF DISCOVERY TRAIL
Starting on Friday, September 20, appreciate the beauty of fall color by learning about leaf and tree identification at the Holden Arboretum! Pick up a brochure at the Corning Visitor Center and follow the Leaf Trail, an immersive autumn leaf identification activity. Learn how to identify the trees around you by collecting leaves and organizing them by their characteristics, as well as identifying 26 deciduous trees, including tulip trees, dawn redwoods, and pawpaws, marked with numbered tags on the grounds. Free with admission.
PIERSON VALLEY TRAIL
Opening in October, nestled within the serene landscapes of Holden Arboretum’s Pierson Valley, a new hiking trail system promises an immersive and captivating outdoor experience unlike any other in Northeast Ohio. The Pierson Valley Trail is one of the
largest hiking-only natural surface trail developments in the region in a generation, encompassing 4.5 miles of exploration through never-before-seen areas of the arboretum.
KALBERER EMERGENT TOWER
Experience fall color from a new perspective at the Arboretum. The Emergent Tower is 120 feet or approximately 12 stories tall and provides a breathtaking view of the surrounding area to Lake Erie. The tower is open 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday until the end of October. Through November it is open weekends only (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Free with admission.
MURCH CANOPY WALK
The Murch Canopy Walk will remain closed for the rest of the season, reopening in Spring 2025.
CLASSES & HIKES
Fall Fungi Foray: September 28 from 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The day starts with an introductory meeting, then divided into small groups to search for fungi in Holden’s natural areas. Participants will identify their findings with the help of mushroom field guides and experienced mycologists from Holden and the Ohio Mushroom Society. Cost is $40 per member and $50 per nonmember.
Roots: Deep Nourishment from the Earth: Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Roots are high in minerals and polysaccharides offering deep nourishment. In the old traditions, root medicines were gathered in the fall along with root vegetables. Learn about common roots used in herbalism in this class led by herbalist Leah Wolfe. She will demonstrate how to identify, gather, prepare, and store roots for winter tea blends, herbal coffee, tinctures and more. Class fee includes a sample to try at home. Registration required. Cost is $35 per member and $50 per nonmember.
Little Mountain Hike: October 6 and November 17 from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Experience the wonders of the woods on a guided hike through one of Holden Arboretum’s preserved natural areas. Unique geological formations, diversity of plant life, and its historic use as a resort make Little Mountain a spectacular site. This is an adventurous hike that includes passageways through rocky outcrops and traversing muddy trails. Participants must wear sturdy shoes. Terrain: 2.0 miles, rugged, narrow, muddy, rocks, some standing water, potential snow & ice. No children under 12 years old. Registration required. Cost is $10 per member and $20 per non-member.
Art with Heart: Fall Nature Paint and Sip: October 19 from 4 – 7 p.m. Unwind with a beginner-friendly evening of art at Holden Arboretum! Local artist M.E. Kuzma will guide participants through acrylic painting techniques while highlighting the benefits of creative engagement and mindfulness. Enjoy a drink, light refreshments, and fun conversation as you complete a painting (16×20″ canvas) of cosmos and zinnias to take home. Registration required. Cost is $45 per member and $55 per non-member.
The Holden Arboretum is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and closed to the public on Mondays. Admission is $20 for adults, $14 for children ages 3 – 12 and free for Holden Forests & Gardens members.
