As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, Leeds is slowly transforming into a vibrant canvas of reds, golds, and burnt oranges.
We recently took to the Yorkshire Evening Post Facebook page to ask local residents a simple question: Where’s the best place in Leeds to see the autumn colours?
Dozens of readers weighed in with their favourite walking routes and hidden gems.
An honourable mention to reader Phil Collins, who offered the most practical advice of the day for spotting autumn leaves: "The highest hill you can find that overlooks countryside... unless you live in the countryside obviously."
We can’t argue that, Phil!
From historic estates to peaceful canal towpaths, here are the top seven recommendations for an autumnal stroll.
1. Roundhay Park
Unsurprisingly, one of the largest city parks in Europe emerged as the clear favourite among readers, receiving votes from Shanjan Usman, Rick Bell, and Morag Anne Saville Gilmour. For local angler David Clapham Fox, the changing scenery adds something special to his weekend routine: "Roundhay, I love seeing the colours change each time I'm fishing." | James Hardisty
2. The Meanwood Valley Trail (Meanwood Park & The Hollies)
A major favourite for North Leeds locals, this continuous stretch of woodland provides miles of leaf-crunching paths along Meanwood Beck. Anthony Middleton recommended Meanwood Ridge and Meanwood Park, while Chris Hatton tipped nearby Adel Woods. | Gerard Binks
3. Temple Newsam Estate
The historic Tudor-Jacobean estate is surrounded by over 1,500 acres of parkland and ancient woodland originally landscaped by Capability Brown. Both Dean Clarkson and Sharon Dean singled out the East Leeds landmark as their top choice for taking in the seasonal foliage.
.jpeg?trim=0,278,0,278&crop=&width=800)
4. Middleton Park
Proving that South Leeds holds its own for autumn scenery, this 470-acre green space features ancient woodland and historic coal mining heritage trails. Reader Paul Cockcroft and Anthony Middleton both highlighted the park as an essential visit for nature lovers this time of year. | James Hardisty
5. Leeds and Liverpool Canal
You don't need to visit a traditional park to enjoy the changing seasons. The tree-lined towpaths along the canal offer miles of quiet, flat walking routes leading out of the city centre. Peter Lorryman and Stuart Barraclough both recommended taking a waterside walk to catch the colourful reflections off the water. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
6. Otley Chevin Forest Park
For sweeping high-angle views over the Wharfe Valley, Chevin Forest Park delivers some of the most dramatic vistas in West Yorkshire. David Clapham Fox summed up the location's appeal in his comment, describing the Chevin during the autumn months as simply "a different world." | James Hardisty