Best spots to view fall color this week

DNR'S BEST BETS

NORTHERN MINNESOTA AND THE NORTH SHORE

Lake Bemidji: Although the leaves on the hardwood trees have peaked and fallen, stunning fall color remains in the golden glow of the tamarack trees that are at peak. Don't miss a walk along the bog walk at Lake Bemidji.

WATERFALLS SUCH AS HIGH FALLS IN GRAND PORTAGE STATE PARK AND THE FALLS IN GOOSEBERRY FALLS AND OTHER NORTH SHORE PARKS WAS DOWN TO A TRICKLE, AT BEST, IN AUGUST. NOW, IN OCTOBER, THE FALLS ARE AT THEIR PEAK. BE SURE TO BRING A CAMERA.

William O'Brien

This is the weekend to see color here. Drought, frequent storms and wind have taken a toll, but there still are some very pretty spots. On Oct. 20, the park will host a Halloween Party that includes pumpkin judging, costume judging, night hikes, storytelling and much more.

Best Viewing:

Hike along Prairie Overlook Trail for a spectacular view. The St. Croix River Valley looks like a colorful patchwork quilt.

NERSTRAND

Leaf color is nearing peak. The canopy is thinning and opening up to a bright blue sky. Oaks are beginning to turn rusty and red browns. The forest is alive with color from fallen leaves, lichens and mushrooms. Grasses are nearing peak and a few wildflowers are still in bloom.

Best Viewing:

Look along woodland edges and open areas. With the recent rains, the park's Hidden Falls waterfall is spectacular.

CAMDEN

The transition to fall colors is at its peak, although oak trees are holding strong with their green color. Some areas of sumac are just beginning to turn. With a little luck from Mother Nature, color will hold a while longer. Prairie grasses have reached their full potential and wildflowers are in top form.

Best Viewing:

The Overlook off the Indian Creek Trail offers a spectacular view.

For more information

Star Tribune Fall Color project:

www.startribune.com/fallcolors

Explore Minnesota:

www.startribune.com/a3395

Minnesota DNR:

www.startribune.com/a1819

Watch a video on the changing seasons at www.startribune.com/video.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

THE NORTHSHORE AND SOUTHERN AREAS OFFER BEST COLOR

While the fall color show has shifted to the south, good fall color remains in state parks along the North Shore of Lake Superior. This weekend and next, however, peak colors will be making their appearance in the Twin Cities area, the bluff lands of the southeast and prairies of the southwest. In many cases, to really see good color, you need to get out on the trails.

William O'Brien

This is the weekend to see color here. Drought, frequent storms and wind have taken their toll but there are still some very pretty spots. On October 20 the park there is a Halloween Party at the Park. Enjoy pumpkin judging, costume judging, night hikes, storytelling, and much more.

Best Viewing:

Hike along Prairie Overlook Trail for a spectacular view. The St. Croix River Valley looks like a colorful patchwork quilt.

Nerstrand

Leaf color is nearing peak. The canopy is thinning and opening up to a bright blue sky. Oaks are beginning to turn rusty and red browns. The forest is alive with color from fallen leaves, lichens and mushrooms. Grasses are nearing peak and a few wildflowers still can be seen in bloom.

Best Viewing:

Look along woodland edges and open areas. With the recent rains, the Hidden Falls waterfall in the park is spectacular.

Camden

The transition to fall colors is at its peak although oak trees are holding strong with their green color. Some areas of sumac are just beginning to turn. With a little luck from Mother Nature, color will hold a while longer. Prairie grasses have reached their full potential and wildflowers are in top form.

Best Viewing:

The Overlook off of the Indian Creek Trail offers a spectacular view of the surrounding parklands.

Northern Minnesota and the North Shore

Lake Bemidji: Although the leaves on the hardwood trees have peaked and fallen, stunning fall color remains in the golden glow of the tamarack trees that are at peak. Don't miss a walk along the bog walk at Lake Bemidji.

Waterfalls such as High Falls in Grand Portage State Park and the fall in Gooseberry Falls and other North Shore parks was down to a trickle, at best, in August. Now, in October, the falls are at their peak. Be sure to bring a camera.