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Phil Bencomo / Lake Superior Magazine
Fall color near Lutsen, Minnesota
The Poplar River in Lutsen, Minnesota.2 of 2
SUSAN DYKSTRA
Wisconsin
Gently rolling hills on Highway 13 reveal wide-angle scenic views.
Many say that fall is Lake Superior's best season: the bugs and summer crowds are gone, the temps have mellowed, and the region's sprawling forests are awash in vibrant oranges, reds and yellows. It's a tough argument to beat.
Below, some of our staffers share their favorite spots – from highways to hiking trails – for savoring those fleeting weeks of fall color. In the comments, share your own favorites with us, then get outside and enjoy the season.
Phil Bencomo, assistant editor & digital coordinator
The overlooks on Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail provide some spectacular views. I especially like the trails around Lutsen, like the Oberg Mountain hike and the White Sky Rock spur above Caribou Lake, from which you can see slivers of Lake Superior between colorful tree-covered ridges.
Siiri Branstrom, customer service & marketing coordinator
The drive I look forward to every year is along Highway 13 up the Bayfield Peninsula. On a crunchy-leaf blue sky fall day, you can see every color you can imagine. Between the lake, the sky, the pines and the deciduous trees, you have the perfect makings of autumn color … but add a meandering road on a lazy afternoon, and it’s perfection.
Hank Calvert, advertising coordinator
There are so many great places for fall colors that it is hard to go wrong no matter which direction you go, but one of my favorite places is closest to home. The Lincoln Park Trail in Duluth follows Miller Creek as it cascades down from Skyline Parkway. It’s a fairly short, rugged hiking trail right in the middle of the city, but down in the creek valley it’s just an explosion of colors and rushing water.
Cindy Hayden, president
Take your choice: The hilly drives around the Keweenaw, Munising and Pictured Rocks in October are stunning. I also enjoy the entire atmosphere of fall in the Bayfield Orchard areas. And, then there’s Jay Cooke and south on Highway 23 at the Veteran’s lookout. And, Grand Superior Lodge has some of the prettiest specimen maple trees right on the shore.
Konnie LeMay, editor
If folks have never been to Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula during fall, it really should be on their list. The last two weeks of September probably are about the best time, but all fall color is weather-dependent.
Got a favorite fall color spot? Share it with us in the comments!