Fall color peaking around Twin Cities

The maples are brilliantly red around the Weather Lab these days.

Peak fall color has arrived in the Twin Cities this week, according to the latest Minnesota Department of Natural Resources fall color map. Wednesday’s update shows 75 to 100 percent fall colors around the greater Twin Cities area.

Past peak conditions cover much of central and northern Minnesota, where many leaves are already off the trees.

Here is the latest report from Fort Snelling State Park in the Twin Cities.

Where to go
The park is quickly changing since the cold snap and surprise snow. The chill is no less of an invitation to enjoy the hiking loop around Wita Tanka (Pike Island), especially in morning hours when the sun casts a golden light through the trees.

What you'll see
Leaves are covering the trails in an autumnal blanket. Deer are better camouflaged against the backdrop of bare branches, but they are everywhere now!

With warming temperatures over the next few days, this looks like the last best chance to get out and enjoy our annual fall color show.