It's a Beautiful Time to Get Out and Explore at Glade Run Lake!

Written by Susan Acon, GRLC Board Member

Autumn is upon us and the landscape at Glade Run Lake is spectacular and everchanging. Come to the lake and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Immerse yourself into this sensory delight! It is a time in which you will see certain species of trees that are awash with spectacular colors of red, yellow, and orange. These deciduous trees drop their leaves each fall, and if you take a walk or hike, you will hear the crisp fallen leaves crackle and crunch underfoot. Take time to breathe in the fresh air and soak in the beauty of nature.

To take a hike on the one-mile long loop trail, head to the northeastern corner of the parking lot. The trail entrance is located at the trailhead kiosk. Take a moment to check out the information posted at the kiosk to learn more about the lake, surrounding area, and events happening at the lake.

Hiking trail at Glade Run Lake.

The one-mile long loop trail at Glade Run Lake is viewable in this photo as a green line, located along the northern section of the lake.

Your hike begins with a downhill sloping path. At this time of year, the trail can be wet and leaf-covered, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. Continuing your hike, you will go across a wooden bridge over a small stream, then uphill as the trail bends and winds itself to the edge of Glade Run Lake.

Wildlife abounds on the lake property. Deer, chipmunks, or possibly squirrels gathering nuts to store for the upcoming winter months may be seen as you hike along the trial.

Additionally, Glade Run Lake is a birder's paradise! The lake is an excellent habitat for birds with over 150 different species having been spotted at the lake! At this time of year, you may see migratory birds such as the blackpoll warbler and palm warbler stopping by on their way south to warmer weather.

Palm warbler (Setophaga palmarum) - Credit: David Pinkerton

Birds such as the cedar waxwing, red-bellied woodpecker, and tufted titmouse do not leave for the winter and instead make their home at Glade Run Lake and the surrounding area year-round. The lake is truly a bird lover's dream. Don't forget your binoculars!

Red-bellied woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) - Credit: National Audubon Society

Cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) - Credit: Jacob McGinnis, Flickr image, CC BY-NC 2.0

Take some time to relax and sit on a bench near the lake, or go for a walk or a hike and enjoy this beautiful time of year at Glade Run Lake!

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Susan Acon (pictured on left) is an active board member with the Glade Run Lake Conservancy. She enjoys visiting the lake in her spare time to kayak, hike, and relax,

and encourages others to do the same!