Fall Color Update - Week 4 🍁 🐴 🚲

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Map of the state of Minnesota in yellow, red, green and orange denoting the fall color foliage change in different areas.

Click on the map for a complete fall color report from around the state.

Rolling Into Fall

Flaming oranges and golden yellows grace the entrance of Lake Bemidji State Park. PHOTO: Christa Drake, taken 9/28/21

Colors are peaking and it's prime time to explore outside. Take advantage of the warmer temperatures forecasted for these coming days and hit the trails before the leaves hit the ground.

Explore northwest Minnesota by bike or foot. Plan that century ride you've been dreaming of, connecting two state parks — all on the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the United States. Or travel east from Saint Paul, Minn., to the St. Croix River State Water Trail on accessible trails, ideal for hiking, biking or skating. If your saddle up a horse, we have something for you too!

Whatever your preferred trails or ways to "roll," make sure to get outside for your dose of nature and fall colors.

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Northwestern Minnesota from a Saddle

Woman holding bike standing on trail and looking at sunset over a lake

Paul Bunyan State Trail would impress Paul himself: It’s the longest continuously paved rail-trail in the United States. Saddle up to ride 123 miles (198 km) connecting Crow Wing State Park with Lake Bemidji State Park, and discover the many communities along the route. Stay at a camper cabin at either end of your ride!

Walk the Bog Walk Trail boardwalk at Lake Bemidji State Park, with its unusual plants and animals in the conifer bog. Make sure to look up at the canopy of brightly colored leaves gracing the entrance road right now.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail connects with the Heartland State Trail for a few additional miles and recreation options: Between Park Rapids and Walker, Minn., a parallel natural surface trail is ideal for horseback riding and mountain biking.

Paved bike trail with bike parked in the middle and trees in fall colors all around.

Paul Bunyan State Trail. PHOTO: Tami Purcell, taken 9/30/12. DISCLAIMER: You may see colors like these in some sections of the trail, based on the fall color tracker, but it may look very different. Send you trail photos to let us know!

While in the area, stop at La Salle Lake State Recreation Area, now glowing with fall colors. Sugar maple trees are displaying a variety of shades of yellow, orange and green, and red maples add scarlet to the scene. The ripening fruit of sumac shrubs add their touch of red to the palette, while paper birch, basswood and ash contribute with yellowing leaves. Miles of hiking and a nature play area await kids and their grown-ups!

Phone with map, Mississippi Headwaters in background. You, Avenza Maps and never getting lost. Just Add Nature. Avenza Maps App on iOS and Android

Devil's Kettle Falls

Two waterfalls seen from up high, surrounded by trees

PHOTO: Meadow Adams, taken 9/30/21

It’s a devilishly difficult packed dirt trail that’s steep and includes lots of steps (175!). But once you climb up Devil's Kettle Trail along the Brule River to the falls, you’ll never forget the view or your visit to Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Colors are starting to change and you'll see shades of yellow, red, orange, brown and purple, from trees and the undergrowth. Challenge yourself on the (in)famous Devil's Kettle Trail, cast a line for pink salmon in the Brule river, or stay overnight at this hidden gem on the beloved North Shore.

Twin Cities State Trails

Brown's Creek State Trail. DISCLAIMER: Photo not taken this fall. Share your trail photos to show us what you see!

With a combined 24 paved miles (38.6 km), Brown's Creek and Gateway state trails show metro residents that a rural landscape is closer than they think. Walk, bike or run part of the distance or all of it. Watch as the scenery changes from urban to farmland to forestland. The maples, oaks and basswoods are starting to change and add bright colors to your adventure this fall.

Paved and mostly level, these trails are accessible, ideal for skating or outdoorspeople with limited mobility. Always yield to horseback riders on the parallel treadway.

Hiking With Xena

Patch in the shape of the state of Minnesota with 175 miles written on it, dog smiling and looking at it.

"Together my dog, Xena, and I have hiked 175+ miles of the MN Hiking Club trails and visited 63 state parks this year — and we aren’t finished yet! It has been such a fun adventure!"

Destination: Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

Taken: 9/26/21

📷Credit and Quote: Amongst the Wildflowers

Share your favorite state park, trail and rec area autumnal pics and stories. Tag us on Instagram @mnstateparksandtrails and use #YourMNFallFavorites for a chance to be featured in the weekly Fall Color Update and our social channels.

Hike MN, Learn about the 10 #onlyinmn hikes. Image in background of person hiking with backpack in fall color wooded area.