Color coated: Leaf season bursts in northern Minnesota
It’s happening.
Minnesota’s fall leaf season is suddenly swelling with color across swaths of northern Minnesota and the Arrowhead.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources color finder page is a great place to check before you trek this weekend.
Superior National Forest is also keeping tabs on the color. Forest officials report birches and aspens are still mostly green along the North Shore, “but in the cool area around Finland, the maples are all brilliant yellow.”
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One caveat: The weather might not cooperate.
Wet weather is expected through the weekend with strong to severe storms possible late Friday and Saturday, the Duluth National Weather Service office reports.
Below are a few places where the leaves are running 50 to 75 percent full color right now, with descriptions and suggestions supplied by the DNR. Again, keep the weather in mind.
Scenic State Park, Bigfork
Raptors and waterfowl have started migrating over.
Maples, basswood, and dogwood are colorful. Birch, aspen, and tamarack are still primarily green in most places.
Don't miss hiking on the esker at Chase Point Trail. Rent a canoe, kayak, or rowboat and explore Coon-Sandwick Lake.
Savanna Portage State Park, McGregor
Close to peak with a beautiful mix of orange, red, coral, green and yellow. Aspen ridge tops have yet to change and are still green.
Loon Lake and Continental Divide Trail are gorgeous. Lake Shumway and Wolf Lake are not far behind.
Hawks seem to be moving through. Swans have been sighted on the lakes in the park. Deer and other animals also on the move.
Schoolcraft State Park, Deer River
Bits of color have suddenly burst in the maples, sumac and other hardwoods.
Diminishing asters, woodland sunflowers and goldenrods line the forest edge while much of the wild rice has ripened along the river.
The campground is closed. Hand-pump water and vault toilets are still available. Deer hunting is allowed in the park beginning Nov. 9.