Fall Color Report on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail | 2025 | Updated weekly
Check the Minnesota Fall Color Map to get an estimate of how fall colors are progressing around the state.
How to track the fall colors on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail
Generally speaking, "Peak Fall Color" is when both the treetop canopy and the ground below are at their brightest. Historically speaking, that typically occurs the last two weekends in September thru the first weekend in October.
However, fall color continues to be stunning in different types of forests at different times. The Gunflint Trail's peak fall color sometimes doesn't occur until October and there are pockets of tamaracks on the back roads that do not peak until late October.
How To Plan A Trip Around Peak Fall Colors on Minnesota's North Shore
As soon as the calendar turns to August, the number one question we hear from visitors is, "When will peak fall colors be this year?" And while we can never tell for certain, we do know have historical patterns we can reflect back on to estimate when "peak fall" will be.
So, when is the best time to see Minnesota's Best Fall Colors?
The first signs of autumn arrive in mid-August, the weather shifts ever so slightly and the first few trees start to turn. It is too soon to tell what our fall color season is going to look like but one thing we do know is: sweater weather has arrived, fall colors are imminent and there are plenty of lodging opportunities to be found.
What to expect: mostly green trees but a few pops of colorful early birds. Speaking of birds, this is about when we start to really see a lot of birds pass through on their migratory route. So in addition to your camera, make sure you bring a pair of binoculars and bird identification books!
Mid-September - Autumn Equinox
Conditions start to get very vibrant in the forest! The pockets of red and yellow are getting more prevalent and the lush summer green begins to wan. The first frost of the season can arrive anytime and that means it won’t be long until the sea of color erupts!
What to expect: bigger swatches of colorful areas and the start of the maples, mostly in the treetops. A good time for an aerial viewpoint, browse our list of quick 30-minute climbs to get a good view. The birch and aspen are likely to just be starting.
The color below the canopy starts to explode, giving a real rainbow effect when walking on a trail. Birch and aspen now start to turn along highway 61 and inland up the Gunflint Trail. More fall color excitement generally continues throughout the first week of October!
What to expect: this is typically when "peak" starts, at least from the maple treetops and it is beginning to become a 360-degree experience.
Early-October & the Gunflint Trail
Everything that glitters is gold! From the beginning of October through mid-month, the birch, aspen, poplar, and tamarack trees go from green to brilliant gold. These sunny little pockets of yellow stand in stark contract to the evergreens that surround them making for an incredible scene to behold.
Don't forget about fall on the Gunflint Trail!
Many think of the North Shore of Lake Superior as being the top spots for viewing the fall colors. However, it would be a shame to overlook the Gunflint Trail! For over a decade, the fall colors on the Gunflint were minimal due to the Ham Lake fire and the primarily spruce and pine trees. Now, after years of regrowth and forest evolution, variety has regrown and sprung up all around the Gunflint Trail. Treat yourself to a drive on the 57-mile Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway - who knows, maybe you'll even spot a Moose too!
Now that most of the treetop leaves have fallen, what remains are pockets of vibrant tamaracks and ground foliage. Of course, you cannot forget downtown Grand Marais which tends to erupt for a short burst of color right around MEA-Weekend (the 3rd Thursday in October) just in time for Moose Madness.
What to expect: Quieter days and fewer large swatches of color. The start of Storm Season and the wild nor'easters that signify winter is coming!
What will your fall color experience look like?
You have the details and the predictions, but every year is a unique experience. Our suggestion, book a trip mid-week at any point during the season and you will be rewarded with brilliant colors and quieter trails.
Be advised: Logging Activity & Vegetation Management Occurring on some Fall Color Driving Routes. Roads remain open, but be advised of truck traffic.
Some forest roads have active timber operations or are closed due to ongoing construction projects. Please travel with caution, as the U.S. Forest Service roads are generally narrow and it is possible to come across trucks hauling logs. Please do not park along these narrow roads for photos or hiking as this may impede traffic. See a complete list of roads impacted by logging or other roadwork, click here.
Road Closure: The Grade (Forest Road 153) is closed going West (toward Lutsen from Grand Marais) from the Eagle Mountain Trailhead to the Caribou Trail in Lutsen for bridge construction. Access to Eagle Mountain is still accessible from Grand Marais via Devil Track Road (go to then end and turn right on the Bally Creek Road) and via the Ball Club Road. Anticipated reopening early October 2025.
Can you see fall colors from space?
Apparently YES! Below are two photos taken one year apart on the autumnal equinox demonstrating the difference between years.
Fall 2020 Lake Superior - Space Angle from Coast Watch GLERL.Noaa
Fall 2021 Lake Superior - Space Angle from Coast Watch GLERL.Noaa
Explore Other Seasons
And find more reasons to Visit Cook County, Minnesota.
Be advised: Logging Activity & Vegetation Management Occurring on some Fall Color Driving Routes. Roads remain open, but be advised of truck traffic. 
