Seeking out those fabulous fall colors

By Ed Max, RPG outings leader

Good luck with that?  Perhaps. With this ongoing drought, fall colors may disappoint a tad in most areas.

But maybe not all.

The one family of trees that rarely disappoint are the maples, sugar maples in particular. Though not found throughout our area, you'll know when you see a sugar maple stand in mid-October, with their fiery red, orange, and yellow foliage.

And such a place can be found off Route 47 near Elburn: Johnson’s Mound Forest Preserve.

This unusual geological formation is smothered in Sugar maple, which in itself is unusual. (This species is fond of the rocky gravel and alkaline habitat beneath, as on this kame). Saved from being quarried years ago, this lovely Kane County preserve is thriving and expanding because of untold hours of Forest Preserve and volunteer effort. Johnson’s Mound should be on your radar this fall (and in spring, too, for excellent wildflowers).

There are several hillside trails along with a lovely winding road to the top, where you'll find a fantastic 1930s-era stone shelter (of the CCC Depression era).  Depending on your physical condition, you can hike the slope up to the top from below, or simply drive up to the peak. 

Bring a snack and enjoy the hilltop vistas of surrounding prairie and agricultural fields and, of course, the grand old sugar maple forests that abound here. Other species found in this preserve are oak, hickory, and basswood. Fall-blooming wildflowers, too, such as aster and goldenrod, add great yellow and purple hues to the forest floor.

So, get out and soak up the sounds and smells of fall--it’s here, and peak colors should arrive in the next two weeks!