1 Fall chairlift rides

Hyland Ski & Snowboard Area, Oct. 4 and 5, 4-9 p.m. Enjoy the fall colors while riding a chairlift up Mount Gilboa, one of Hennepin County's highest points. Festivities at the top of the hill include live music, food vendors and birds-of-prey demonstrations, plus a lantern-lit trail leading back down the hill. $5. More information at www.threeriversparks.org.

2 Fall colors walk

Afton State Park, Oct. 5, 10-11 a.m. Strike out for an hourlong hike through this geologically diverse park, with its prairie grasses and its deep, dramatic river bluffs, just as the fall colors begin to peak. Meet at the visitor center for this naturalist-led hike. 651-998-1303 or www.mndnr.gov.

3 Accessible hike

Gooseberry Falls State Park, Oct. 5, 11 a.m.-noon Join a naturalist for a tour of the park's upper falls. This hike promises a leisurely pace on paved trails, accessible to wheelchairs and walking aids (with a slight incline). Hikers should meet outside the Visitor Center by the art column. 1-218-834-3855 or www.mndnr.gov.

4 Leaf Days

Maplewood State Park, Oct. 5 and 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Maplewood is touted as one of the best places in the state to see the fall colors, thanks to the park's abundant hardwoods. In honor of the park's 50th anniversary, sample from a variety of activities, including guided hikes and wagon tours to peep at the leaves. 1-218-863-8383 or www.mndnr.gov.

5 Apple Fest

The Landing-Minnesota River Heritage Park, Oct. 5 and 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Get your fill of Wealthys, Honeycrisps and other iconic Minnesota apples. Learn how Minnesota's first citizens developed winter-hardy apples, then sample from pioneer-era apple recipes. $5. More information at www.threeriversparks.org.