The cool air is upon us, which means the leaves are getting ready to explode like red, orange, and yellow fireworks, and you’re looking for the best Minnesota hikes for fall colors.
Like many, I’d have to say fall is my favorite season. Therefore, I am completely smitten with leaves against sharp bluffs, with flannel prints and golden tree branches. Fall has cast its spell, and honey, I’m charmed!
Read more for some of my favorite places to see the fall colors!
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
This park is in the middle of a magical Minnesota forest. If the tree canopies aren’t enchanting enough, let the park’s Hidden Falls sweep you up in it’s arms. Here you’ll find 11 miles of COVID-friendly hiking trails including the one-way entrance and exit. After the hike, enjoy a nice picnic at one of the park tables!
Pro Tip: Parking spaces are limited, and fill up quickly on a nice day. Plan to get there early to find a spot, or pay (a ridiculous $15) to park in a neighboring private lot.
Barn Bluff
A quick and easy hike, Barn Bluff is a great way to kick off a day in Red Wing, MN! It takes about 1 hour to get to the top and back – including stops for photos. You get a great view of the city and the river, and when the colors line those shores, it’s game over. Gorgeous!
Interstate State Park (Taylor’s Falls)
This is my go-to hiking spot to bring out-of-state visitors to for a day trip. The park itself straddles the Minnesota/Wisconsin border, with the St. Croix River as the slice dividing the two sides. At Interstate you’ll get the most beautiful bluff views Minnesota has to offer, which contrasts the vibrant colors of the leaves in the fall. This makes it my #1 of the best Minnesota hikes for fall colors.
Afton State Park
One day wouldn’t be enough to explore the vast riverside scenery you’ll find at Afton State Park. With 7 different trails to adventure on, there’s a little bit of everything here.
I’d recommend taking a lunch and spending as much time on the trails as possible. Be sure to bring bug spray – with the river comes mosquitoes (even in the fall)!
Westwood Hills Nature Center
Located just west of Minneapolis, Westwood Hills Nature Center provides great natural education for young children, along with a beautiful loop to walk with your family to see the leaves. The park’s trail circles Westwood Lake in St. Louis Park, MN and boasts a brand new nature center (2020) now open to the public.
Check out a special LOCAL TIP for this park here!
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park deserves to be on every Minnesotan’s bucket list, if not for the spectacular Lake Superior views at Shovel Point, then for the Cascades Waterfall. If I lived closer, I’d probably be at this park every day. This is one of those parks where you stop yourself and say, wait a minute, this is in Minnesota?! The landscapes are transformative and vast, inspiring renewal and creativity.
