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Drive Superior National Forest's Fall Color Route

Finland, Minnesota

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Joe Whitson

Enjoy amazing fall colors on this scenic drive. This route also provides easy access to the Superior Hiking Trail and National Forest Campground.

Every Autumn, Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota designates some of it's best roads as official Fall Color Routes. These roads go deep into the forest, far from towns and cell phone reception to show off the best Minnesota has to offer. Peak season is short, only a week or two sometime between mid-September and mid-October, so plan ahead and don't miss your opportunity.

Driving all the roads would take several days, so I'll highlight one popular route. From Duluth, drive north along Scenic Hwy 61 about 60 miles to the turnoff to Finland on Hwy 1. The Fall Color Route begins at Cramer Rd/Hwy 7. Follow Hwy 7 about 30 miles to Hwy 8. This first stretch follows is mostly through wetlands with many rivers, lakes, and bogs. Take a right on Hwy 8 and follow it all the way back to Lake Superior in the town of Schroeder. This second section rises out of the valley and gives you views of the surrounding area as well as the more showy maples. Don't worry about getting lost, most intersections are marked with National Forest signs pointing you in the right direction.

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Features

Chillin
Camping
Photography
Dog Friendly
Family Friendly
Forest
Groups
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Wildlife
Swimming Hole

Reviews

The color varies from year to year dependent on rainfall, temperatures, etc, but on a perfect year the colors I have seen rival any that I have seen in photos of Vermont and other new England states! It is like driving through a kaleidoscope of neon colors in some spots! Grab the maps that the forest service offers at various visitor centers. The color season is short, so watch the online reports, and when it is near peak - GO SEE IT!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Tettegouche Lake Overlook

Hike to the Superior Hiking Trail's Section 13

Explore Illgen Falls

Hike to Fantasia Overlook

Tettegouche State Park Trail

Hike to High Falls and Two Step Falls