 Perfectly Named—Scenic State Park
Enjoy fall colors reflected in calm waters.
 📷: Lorie Shaull, 9/22/23
It’s the perfect time to spot golden colors sprinkled across northern Minnesota. Scenic State Park earns its name with clear lakes, towering old-growth pines, and a quiet that makes every footstep and loon call audible across the waters.
The park boasts a full pine shoreline on Coon-Sandwick Lake, as well as portions of Lake of Isles, Tell, Cedar, and Pine. All of the park’s rolling terrain was carved by glaciers. Chase Point stands out as a breathtaking ridge that splits Coon-Sandwick Lake. Hike the Chase Point Trail for needles underfoot, golden hues overhead, and an overlook where water fills the view.
While walking the trails, watch for bald eagles and ospreys, and listen for loons. Scan the forest for jays and pileated woodpeckers. Birders rave about Scenic State Park as one of Minnesota’s best spots for the elusive spruce grouse. If you plan to head out on the water, calm fall mornings are ideal for paddling or boating from the park’s launches. Anglers can try their luck for walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish on the lakes.
In the park's historical lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), you’ll find multiple interpretive displays. To learn more about the park’s natural history and the CCC’s legacy, follow trail-side signs on the Chase Point trail. For overnight stays, choose from drive-in, backpack, or boat-in campsites, or reserve a cozy cabin if available. Before heading in for the night, listen for owls and the splash of beavers as stars emerge over the lakes earlier in the evening—making this time of year perfect for stargazing.
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David Dill/Taconite State Trail
Walk through the woods of northern Minnesota.
 📷: Trail staff, 10/5/16
If you’re looking for a fall adventure off the beaten path, head north to the David Dill/Taconite State Trail. Stretching 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely, this trail winds through birch, aspen, and pine forests. In autumn, the ridges of Canadian Shield bedrock glow with gold, orange, and red—making it one of the most breathtaking places to catch the season’s colors.
New to state trails? One of the easiest ways to enjoy the David Dill/Taconite is to park at a state park along the trail—like McCarthy Beach State Park—and head out and back at your own pace. This way, you can explore a section of the trail without worrying about a shuttle or long logistics. McCarthy Beach also makes a perfect home base for the day, with sandy lakeshores, picnic spots, and camping if you want to extend your visit.
The trail welcomes a mix of uses: its first six miles are paved for biking and skating, while other sections are open to horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking before snowmobilers take over in winter. Portions of the trail also allow seasonal off-highway vehicle riding. However you explore, be sure to pack water and snacks, and remember bug spray!
As you make your way down the trail, keep an eye out for wildlife. Moose, deer, and black bears roam the forest, while overhead you may spot bald eagles or migrating songbirds. With eight scenic waysides and picnic areas along the route, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to pause, enjoy the views, and soak in the colors of fall.
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