In the treetops

Holden Arboretum is one of the largest botanical gardens in the country, with over 3,600 acres of woods, gardens, and trails.  We had never been there before, even though it is less than an hour away from where we live.  This September, they opened a new canopy walk and viewing tower and today was the last day it was open for the season.

The 500-foot elevated walkway consists of a series of three suspension bridges that are 65-feet above the forest ground.  Along the walk there are signs about the trees and animals you see.  You can even dial a phone number on your smart phone and listen to a guided tour as you walk.

We got there early enough that it wasn't too crowded and we had plenty of time to admire the beautiful fall leaves.

Then we walked along the park trails to the Emergent Tower, which has 202 steps to the top observation deck that is above the tree line.

After climbing the steps we "emerged" 120 feet in the air!  It was truly a bird's eye view and since it was a clear day we could see Lake Erie in the distance.

At first, Grace didn't love it up at the top.  It was windy that high and the tower swayed a little.  She wanted to go back down to a lower observation deck.  We did that for a few minutes and then Grace asked to go back up again.  She was much better the second time.

The trees were really pretty but we are about a week beyond the peak fall color.

I was fascinated with what all this looks like from just above the tops of the trees.