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Mid to Late fall color routes on the North Shore of Lake Superior will leave you with incredible impressions!
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© 2015 Scott Benson |
| Why Do Leaves Change Color? |
Leaves change color due to shifting rhythm of the day and night. The long warm days of summer eventually turn shorter and cooler, which triggers a chemical clock inside the deciduous tree to enter winter sleep or dormancy. Deciduous means "a tree with leaves instead of needles."
During the summer months the color or "pigment" of leaves are mostly green from the chlorophyll which the tree is abundantly producing. But as fall approaches the tree enters dormancy and stops producing food and chlorophyll. As the amount of chlorophyll diminishes, a group of pigments called carotenoids start to show. Carotenoids are the yellow, brown and orange colors we see during fall.
Deciduous trees on the North Shore are mainly; sugar maple, aspen [aka poplars], paper birch, ash, silver maple, tamarack ( a deciduous coniferous tree ) and some black cherry and oaks. Trees with needles are called conifers, on the North Shore conifers are mainly; balsam fir, white spruce, white pine, red pine, jack pine, and white cedar. The tamarack appears to be a species of evergreen during the growing season, but, in fact, is deciduous, making a late-season color change to lemon yellow and dropping it's needle looking leaves as the snow begins to fly in November.
Autumn is the best time for being out-of-doors. The bugs have pretty much died off and the days are still warm, and the nights are cool, great for hiking, paddling, biking, birding, sailing or driving the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Listed below are over 25 suggested fall color tours, detailed for hiking, paddling, biking, birding, driving or sailing!
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North Shore Fall Color Tours™
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Lower North Shore Fall Color Routes
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The Skyline Parkway / Hawk Ridge Tour - Hiking / Biking / Driving / Birding <<Best for All Fall
A must visit to say you have truly explored Duluth. Skyline Parkway overlooks the city of Duluth, the Duluth Harbor and Lake Superior. Great views of fall colors and incredible bird migrations!
From I35 take exit 249 and drive east. Follow signs labeled "Skyline Parkway." Hawk Ridge is one area this routes passes through.
Direct route to Hawk Ridge: From Downtown Duluth, drive northeast on Superior Street to 43rd Ave. Go left from Superior Street onto 43rd Ave and drive to Glenwood Street. Turn left onto Glenwood Street. Drive on Glenwood to the top of the first hill to Skyline Drive. Turn right onto Skyline and go about 1 mile (about half a mile beyond the end of the pavement) to the Main Overlook.
As an alternate route from Interstate 35, you can drive north on I-35 to the 26th Ave / London Road exit. Go right on London Road, which is also Highway 61 here. Turn left onto 43rd Ave and follow the remaining directions from above.
Best all fall. Duluth Area: Lodging
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| North Shore Fall Color Tours™ are Sponsored by the following Lower North Shore lodging establishments. |
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The Two Harbors to Beaver Bay Tour - Driving <<Best for Late Fall
30 miles + 24 miles return to Two Harbors
From Hwy 61 in Two Harbors, Minnesota, drive north on Co. Rd. 3 for 28 miles to the Lax Lake Rd (Co. Rd. 4), then south on Co. Rd. 4 for 2 miles to Beaver Bay. This route uses Hwy 61 as a third, returning route. To continue on, see the Beaver Bay to Illgen City Drive below. Best for late fall. Also nearby is Gooseberry State Park. Two Harbors: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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The Split Rock River Loop Tour - Hiking <<Best for Late Fall
On Hwy 61 about 15 miles north of Two Harbors, park on the west side of the river. The upstream portion of this trail sits about 60 feet above the river along a rocky ledge. On the downstream, you'll experience overlooks of the river valley, as you head inland, you can look out to the Big Lake Superior. Best during the late fall season. Also nearby is Split Rock Light house State Park and Tettegouche State Park. Beaver Bay: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Two Harbors: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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The Superior Hiking Trail from Castle Danger to Gooseberry Falls Tour - Hiking <<Best for Late Fall
From Hwy 61 just past mile marker 36, in Castle Danger, Minnesota drive north on Co. Rd. 106 (which turns into Silver Creek 617) to parking on right 8 1/2-mile hike. You may consider leaving a car at Gooseberry Falls for this 8 1/2-mile hike. The trail runs north of Castle Danger to Gooseberry Falls State Park. Trail highlights include overlooks at Wolf Rock, Crow Creek Valley and Mike's Rock. The upper reach area of the Gooseberry River is really gorgeous. The round trip hike to the Crow Creek Overlook and back is 2 1/2 miles. Best for late fall. Gooseberry Falls Area: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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The Gooseberry Fifth Falls Trail Tour - Hiking <<Best for Late Fall
From Hwy 61 head south into the Gooseberry Falls State Park visitor center. You'll end up at the east bank of the Gooseberry River. This 1 1/2 mile loop passes the upper Falls as it leads to the Fifth Falls. Very enjoyable autumn stroll with great vistas. Best during the late fall season. Gooseberry Falls Area: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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Silver Bay to Birch Lake Dam/Ely Tour via Scenic Hwy 1 Driving / Wildlife / Birding / Fishing<<Best in September, Great throughout Spring and Summer
The Silver Bay stretch of approximately 55 miles, or a driving time of 1.5 hours, to the Birch Lake Dam on scenic Highway 1, which is a two lane paved highway, runs through some of the most beautiful terrain in the state, and is a twisty and undulating drive. It will surely delight your senses. Some new sections of the highway make the trip even more enjoyable. This meandering road follows most of the original path of the early loggers to northeastern Minnesota. Early autumn color can appear along the roadway as soon as late August, with the highway being a blaze of color in weeks two-four in September. The brilliant yellows of birch and aspen / poplar are highlighted by the gorgeous reds, oranges, and melon colors of the many maples. The last 8.5 miles from the Birch Lake Dam to Ely are equally beautiful in autumn.
Opportunity abounds to view the mighty Minnesota moose along the many marshy areas on either side of Highway 1, as well as deer and even beaver and eagles, especially from Isabella to Ely. Other highlights are a stop at the scenic Stony River wayside rest where the river bubbles up next to the highway and the South Kawishiwi (Half Way) Bridge which offers great photo opportunities viewing north toward the Boundary Waters and south toward picturesque Birch Lake.
Continue onto Ely for more of an adventure, and then loop back for your return drive on Highway 1 to Silver Bay, or drive to Two Harbors via Highway 1 and County Road 2, approximately 1 hour from the Birch Lake Dam. Then continue north on Highway 61 from Two Harbor to Silver Bay. Best during the late fall season. Option: Two Harbors to Birch Lake Dam/Ely Tour. Also nearby is Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Light house State Park. Silver Bay: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking / Ely: Lodging Shopping
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Minnesota Highway 1: Ely to Crystal Bay on Lake Superior <<Best for Mid to Late Fall
Bisecting the rugged, heavily forested Arrowhead region, Minnesota Highway 1 runs for 68 miles between the North Woods outpost of Ely and Crystal Bay on Lake Superior. Trails and public lake accesses in Superior National Forest and Finland State Forest provide plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and bird watching. Best during the maid to late fall season. Special attractions: International Wolf Center and Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely. Silver Bay: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking / Ely: Lodging Shopping |
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The Beaver Bay to Illgen City Tour- Driving <<Best for Mid to Late Fall
16 miles + 7 mile return to Beaver Bay. From Hwy 61 In Beaver Bay, Minnesota drive north on the Lax Lake Rd (Co. Rd. 4) to MN Hwy 1, then south on MN Hwy 1 to Hwy 61. Similar backcountry terrain as route from Two Harbors to Beaver Bay. Watch out for four legged creatures like: deer, moose and bears on this narrow winding road. A great picnic spot is near Lax Lake, about 7.5 miles into the tour. As another option, you can head north and follow MN Hwy 1 to Isabella or Ely. Best for mid to late fall. Also nearby is Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Light house State Park. Beaver Bay: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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Upper North Shore Fall Color Routes
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| North Shore Fall Color Tours™ are Sponsored by the following Upper North Shore lodging establishments. |
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The Carlton Peak Tour - Hiking <<Best for Mid to Late Fall
From Hwy 61 in Tofte, Minnesota drive north on Sawbill Trail (Co. Rd. 2) about 2 miles to parking area on right You'll witness resistant gray anorthosite form Carlton's Peak. This peak over looks views of the maple forests you will cross to reach the summit. A nearby overlook has incredible views of the Big Lake Superior, Tofte and the Temperance River Valley. Also nearby is Temperance River State Park. Best for mid to late fall. Tofte: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Lutsen: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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The Britton Peak Tour - Hiking <<Best for Mid to Late Fall
From Hwy 61 in Tofte, Minnesota drive north on Sawbill Trail (Co. Rd. 2) about 2 miles to parking area on right. A rather steep half-mile grade leads to Britton's Peak with views of the Big Lake, Carlton's Peak to the west. Best for mid to late fall. Also nearby is Temperance River State Park. Tofte: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Lutsen: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
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The Railroad Grade (FR 170) Tour - Driving / Wildlife <<Great all Fall
Logically named "The Grade," this old forest railroad grade was once used to log white pine, back in the logging boom days. 15 miles of Forest road between Sawbill & Caribou Trails. From Hwy 61 in Tofte, Minnesota drive north on the Sawbill Trail (Co. Rd. 2) to FR 170, east on FR 170 to Caribou Trail (Co. Rd. 4), return south on Co. Rd. 4 to Hwy 61. This drive is awesome anytime of the year. Many big bull moose have seen sighted on this route, watch out for moose on the roadway as you travel. Also nearby is Temperance River State Park. Tofte: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Lutsen: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking |
| North Shore Fall Color Tours™ are Sponsored by the following North Shore lodging establishments. |
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The Trout Lake Road / Country Roads 14 and 60 Tour - Driving / Hiking / Biking <<Best for Early Season Maples and Mid to Late Fall for Birch and Poplar.
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, Minnesota drive north on the Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12/two lane paved road) for about 9 miles and turn right on the Trout Lake Road. The Trout Lake Road is a good gravel road which winds its way through the Superior National Forest. Drive with caution, there are sharp corners, watch for other traffic. There are numerous places to stop and get out of the vehicle. Including many public fishing docks, where you can get a great look at the opposing shorelines.
Mink, Kimball, Scabbord, Trout Lake and the Kadunce Creek dot the landscape for the next 6 miles before the road ends at Country Road 14. We recommend turning right onto Country Road 14. After you pass over the Kadunce Creek the forest will primarily turn into sugar maples and balsam fir. Country Road 14 ends 5 miles down the hill at Highway 61 on the shore of Superior. On Highway 61 it's 6 miles back to Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Another option for this route is taking Country Road 60 back to the Gunflint Trail, then stopping at the Pincushion Overlook. So, instead of traveling all the way down the hill on Country Road 14, take a right turn onto Country Road 60 2½ miles after you turn onto Country Road 14 from the Trout lake Road. Country Road 60 is packed rather densely with sugar maples that form a bright orange and red canopy over the road. Drive 6 miles back to the Gunflint Trail. Take a left turn on the Gunflint and drive 2½ miles and turn left on County Road 53 to visit the Pincushion overlook above Grand Marais or try more routes up the Gunflint Trail. See also the other five Gunflint Trail Fall Color Tours below: Lima Mountain, Honeymoon Bluff, Gunflint High Cliffs, or the Maple Hill and the Pincushion Tours above.
Best during the mid to late fall. Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking
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The Lima Mountain Tour - Driving / Wildlife <<Best for Mid and Late Fall
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, Minnesota drive north on the Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12/two lane paved road) for about 20 miles to Forest Road FR152, drive west on FR 152 for about 2 miles to FR 315, go south on FR 315 to the South Brule Rd. ( FR 325 ) drive east on the South Brule Rd. back to the Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12). Great chances for viewing moose! Best during the late fall season. Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking |
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The Honeymoon Bluff Tour - Hiking <<Best for Mid and Late Fall
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, drive north on the Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12/two lane paved road) for 32 miles to Co. Rd. 66, head east(right) on Co. Rd. 66 to the Honeymoon Bluff trailhead. Best during the late fall season. Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking |
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The High Cliffs of Gunflint Lake Tour - Driving / Hiking <<Best for Mid and Late Fall
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, drive north on the Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12/two lane paved road) for 45 miles to the South Gunflint Lake Road, Co. Rd. 50, head east(right) 1 mile on Co. Rd. 50 to the Gunflint Lodge, or Gunflint Pines Resort, 1½ miles. There is parking at both establishments and you can ask for a map of the High Cliffs hiking route and many others. Best during the mid and late fall season. Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking |
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Day Trip to Rose Lake Tour - Canoeing <<Great Anytime of Year
Guided Day Canoe Trip to Rose Lake Perhaps one of the most beautiful fall canoe trips in the area is a paddle to the famous Rose Lake Stairway Portage and falls. Climb the Palisades along the Border Trail for a spectacular view of the lake and fall colors below and Canada's Arrow Lake Palisades to the north. Trip takes you through West Bearskin and Duncan Lake to the Rose Lake Portage.
Along the Rose Lake Portage you will encounter the falls and the famous one hundred twenty five stairs of the Stairway Portage. Relax along side the Lake's crystal clear water, climb the cavernous rock pile adjacent to stairway portage, visit mining test pit and hike to the palisades.
Most importantly, do not forget your camera!
Many veteran BWCA travelers and guides have described Rose Lake, with its falls, stairway portage, spectacular palisade, and crystal clear water as one of the area's most beautiful lakes. Go to BWCA Canoe Outfitters for canoe rental.
Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking
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The Clearwater Highland Trail Tour - Mountain Biking <<Great for All Fall Color Season
Mountain Bike the Clearwater Highland Trail Pedal up the Clearwater Highlands Trail passing several overlooks with spectacular views of the Fall forest below. A short side trips take you to the Beauty Lake palisades and another great view of the surrounding forest below. From the highlands trail you pedal past Hungry Jack Lake then return via the Clearwater Road. Portions of this nine-mile loop are fairly roughed. Adding additional trail section along the Clearwater Road can lengthen the bike trail.
Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking
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The Gunflint Trail Tour - Driving / Biking / Wildlife <<Best for Mid and Late Fall
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, drive north on the Gunflint Trail (Co. Rd. 12/two lane paved road) for 58 miles to the end of the road at Gull Lake. Wildlife you may see include: moose, black bear, wolves, and deer. Best during the mid and late fall season. See also the other six Gunflint Trail Fall Color Tours above: Trout Lake/Country Road 14 and 60, High Cliffs, Honeymoon Bluff, Lima Mountain, Maple Hill, and the Pincushion Tours. Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Gunflint Trail: Lodging Dining Hiking |
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The Mount Josephine Tour - Hiking / Birding <<Great all Fall
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, Minnesota drive northeast towards Canada about a half an hour. Turn left on Co. Rd. 17 to a parking area. Spectacular views of the Big Lake and the islands from Mount Jo's summits, great lookout area regardless of time of year. Good place to watch migrating birds such as bald eagles, falcons, turkey vultures and hawks. Great all Fall. Also nearby is Grand Portage State Park. Grand Marais: Lodging Dining Shopping Hiking or Grand Portage: Lodging Hiking
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