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In a couple of weeks, fall's red and gold hues, now at their most brilliant, will be mulch. At these five spots you can still marvel at their glory before the monotony of raking begins.

Don Valley Ride some of the city's best mountain-bike tracks before stopping to view the symphony of maple, black walnut and shagbark hickory. The main trails go through the woods on the west side of the Don River from Thorncliffe Park around the sewage-treatment plant to Bayview Avenue.

Rouge Park With more than 4,450 hectares stretching from the Oak Ridges Moraine in York Region to the Scarborough shores, it's Canada's largest urban park and much of it is accessible by public transit. While bicycles are not allowed, leashed dogs are welcome. Look up for Carolinian species such as blue beech and witch hazel.

Taylor Creek Park Pack some of last weekend's Thanksgiving leftovers and head over to this quiet, narrow valley for a fall picnic. Start at Victoria Park subway station and walk west. Build up your appetite by climbing some of the forested slopes of mountain ash, speckled alder and fragrant sumac.

Kortright Centre, 9550 Pine Valley Dr. The Fall Colour Festival runs this weekend at this Woodbridge park, which includes hikes to see the russet and gold of maples, beeches and ashes. Admission is $7 for adults, with $2 for parking.

Bruce Trail Canada's longest continuous footpath runs along the Niagara Escarpment all the way to Tobermory. The 50-kilometre Toronto-area section can be accessed from several points such as the Hilton Falls conservation area near Milton or Scotsdale Farm on Trafalgar Road just north of Highway 7.

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