Sunday Morning Walks – Fall Seed and Leaf Walks
With misty October mornings, a bit of a chill and gorgeous sun breaks settling us all into the Fall season, nothing seems more lovely and even a bit cozy than taking a walk through the forest or along a local creek with the family. The colors of the season, which are just now starting to explode, transform walkways into a fantastic nature playground full of cool discoveries and special family time.
There’s something about walking along paths coated with giant orange Maple leaves or a wander through an Oak stand where acorns seem to have taken over that makes the change of seasons sweet.
It’s also the perfect time to make some gorgeous crafts, start thinking spooky with Halloween fun and do some serious learning as the salmon run pushes forward at full speed.
Here are a few Sunday Morning Walk recommendations for great Comox Valley family trails. Keep reading and we’ll also give you some links to Fall nature projects that are pretty, easy and sweet.
Leaf and Seed Walks
Morrison Creek In Puntledge Park: this creek is the perfect viewing spot for the cold-weather salmon runs and is filled with giant maples on the trail this time of year. It definitely gets super stinky come late November. But, right now, it’s a fantastic spot to get a very intimate salmon run experience. Just a note that kiddos shouldn’t get in the water or poke at the fish – the salmon are very sensitive and need us to steer clear while they do their hard work.
Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park: During this time of year we generally find ourselves the only humans sharing the path with the resident deer and squirrels (not to mention TONS of seed pods, gorgeous leaves and scenery). We have discovered that the earlier we get there, the more of the animal kingdom there tends to be running around. But, any time of day is a great time for a family walk here.
Mack Laing Nature Park: much like its neighbor, MacDonald Wood, has part of the last remaining portion of the Great Komox Midden preserved in it and the land there has an extensive history in terms of its place in the First Nations community and as a part of the life of early settlers. The walks are short – perfect for tiny legs – and there doesn’t seem to be an issue with predatory animals in the area. Lots of leaves, seeds and once you hit Croteau Beach, the sky is the limit.
Nymph Falls: On the more rustic end of it all, Nymph Falls – along the Puntledge River off of Forbidden Plateau Road – is, in my opinion, at its most breathtaking on a misty, cool day. There are a number of groomed trails out here that accommodate just about any level of fitness and stroller-friendliness. A family adventure on these trails will always require boots when it’s wet. But, wow is it ever lovely wandering through the second-growth forests that look like fairies built them by hand. Just a reminder, this is an area where cougar and bear do hang out. So, being aware and keeping the family close is key to a good time.
Fall Nature Craft Projects
1. Check out these mini Leaf Murals that are all about collecting and glue.
2. Fall Leaf Rubbings are always fun.
3. Have fun with some Pine Cone Creatures.
4. Go old skool with some waxed paper pressed leaves.
Happy Fall!
Category: KIDS, NATURE & OUR HERITAGE, Nature Journal, Outdoor Family Activities, Sunday Morning Walks
About the Author (Author Profile)
Robin Rivers is Our Big Earth’s Publisher and Sr. Partner. Able to survive on coffee alone. Often can be found leaping tall buildings with the help of great friends. Predisposed to odd hats and the color orange. In love with imagination, her kids and that crazy guy who married her.Subscribe
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For older kids with some hiking ability, wandering the Trent River might be an option. Moe’s misery at the bottom or from the highway at the top. Also Rosewall Creek & Oyster River are two more options. Drier walks in Wildwood forest can be fun Too.