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Archives of Peak Fall Color Reports and Best Scenic Color Drives
Along Lake Superior Circle Route

keweenaw Fall Color picture along US Highway 41
Fall Color on US 41 in the UP Keweenaw Peninsula



Planning your Scenic Fall Color Vacation
- Peak Fall Color Change Reports -
-From Earlier Years -

Report Archives 2012 - 2020


Fall Color Change on Scenic Drives Around Lake Superior

Fall color Black River Harbor Scenic Byway
Along the Black River Harbor
Scenic Byway
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Photo by Tim Zheng

* See our regional tourism links and weather report links near the bottom of the page.

***For the current PEAK FALL COLOR forecast & updates, go to our Fall Color Scenic Drives & Fall Color Updates Reports page.

The earliest fall color change around Lake Superior usually occurs in the western Upper Peninsula - from Ironwood to the Porcupine Mountains and the southern part of the Keweenaw Peninsula near Twin Lakes.

Below are our reports from some previous years to give you an idea of when the color changes and when peak color arrives in the area of your interest.

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Excerpts from Peak Fall Color Reports from 2012 to 2020 (for historical comparison)

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Fall Color Change Reports from 2020

Fall Color Change - October 1, 2020

As we predicted in our earlier color change reports (see them below this section), color change this fall around Lake Superior is coming faster than normal.

Most areas along the Minnesota North Shore is 75 - 90%. Ditto for the Western Upper Peninsula and the Keweenaw. The same for Ashland to Superior, Wisconsin.

If you go this weekend you should be able to still catch some great color.

If you can't get North for over a week from now, in Wisconsin target the Bayfield Peninsula Orchard Area and drives around Ashland. Copper Falls State Park may still have some nice color too. In the Michigan Upper Peninsula consider the Central UP from Pictured Rocks to Tahquamenon Falls.

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Fall Color Change Report - September 25, 2020

Last week we forecasted that "color change is coming quicker than in recent years" and that forecast is holding true.

Minnesota North Shore Fall Color. Fall Color along the Minnesota North Shore is approaching peak in the higher elevations away from the lake. Now is great time to take the Gondola Ride at Lutsen Ski Area. If you enjoy hiking there are several hiking trails from the lake shore to the top of peaks overlooking the lake - Oberg Mountain and Lookout Mountain are two of our favorites. If you can't get to the North Shore until after the coming week, you'll still get some nice color from Duluth to Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Michigan Upper Peninsula Fall Color. NOW is the time to catch good color in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park, the Keweenaw Peninsula especially Brockaway Mountain and along the Northern end of US 41, and around Ironwood and Black River Harbor. In the first and second weeks of October further east around Pictured Rocks and Tahquamenon Falls should show some nice color change.

Wisconsin South Shore Fall Color. The best fall color this week will be along Highway US 2 West of Hurley, then south along Highway 169 to Copper Falls State Park, then North on Hwy 13 to return to US Highway 2. On route stop in Potato River Falls County Park for some nice color by the waterfalls. US 2 from Ashland to Superior, WI should be showing some nice color. Be sure to stop in at Amnicon Falls State Park, very attractive during fall color season. If you can't get north until the first or second week of October at that time the Bayfield Orchards should be showing good color. See our Wisconsin Fall Color Drive Map here.

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Fall Color Change Report - September 19, 2020

We've just returned from a trip to Black River Harbor Scenic Area and Ashland, Wisconsin. Fall foliage color is starting to show along US Hwy 2 between Ironwood, MI and Ashland, WI and along the Black River Harbor Scenic Drive to the lake.

Ash trees are turning yellow, the Sumacs turning red, tips of Maples showing orange, and some trees showing lime green as a signal of beginning to turn color. While not peak color, a very attractive palate.

We think the color change is coming quicker than in recent years. So this coming week and weekend could be a good time to take a Fall Color Tour of the Western Upper Peninsula (see Fall Color Tour Map here).

In Wisconsin, the drive north on US Hwy 63, US Hwy 51, and US Hwy 45 should show some nice color on the way to Lake Superior.

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Peak Color Timing: Risks and Rewards

During many Fall foliage seasons, Peak Color never comes because the leaves from early changing trees have already fallen by the time the later turning trees show their color.

In our opinion having some bright yellows, touches of red and orange, lime greens, against the regular backdrop of green hardwoods, pines, and spruces is quite attractive. And if the weather is nice, well worth the scenic color drive even though Peak Color may be a week or two away.

So NOW (September 19th) is a good time to begin planning your trip. If you go now, do the Western UP. If you go a week or so later the Minnesota North Shore or Central UP around Pictured Rocks will be a good choice. Because the Porkies have such a variety of elevations and forest environments, parts of the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Park will show good color between now and mid-October.

SuperiorTrails Fall Color Report Update - September 20, 2019 (for historical comparison)

Colors breaking out nicely across Northern Wisconsin and Northern Minnesota with more significant color change appearing sooner than the past two years. So take that into account if you check the color change archives from past years. For example the Hurley, Wisconsin area is reporting about 65% peak color change and the Temperance River State Park along the North Shore is at about 50% peak.

Stop in the visitor center at Tettegouche State Park for color tour maps. In about a week you should see some excellent color riding the Lutsen Mountain Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain.

However the Michigan Upper Peninsula color change appears to be slower, more similar to recent years. Could be the end of the month or early October before you see some decent color change.

A FALL COLOR BONUS - GREAT WATERFALLS. Sometimes above average rainfall in September along the south shore of Lake Superior can fill the rivers and produce attractive waterfalls, giving a double bonus of visiting areas like Copper Falls State Park, the Black River Scenic Byway, the Presque Isle River (Porcupine Mountains), and the falls in Pictured Rocks National Park.

tahquamenon falls
The Propp Family enjoying Tahquamenon Falls State Park


Fall Color Report Update - September 27, 2018 (For historical comparisons)

Colors are starting to change in Northern Wisconsin with the Hurley area reporting about 50% color change. Leaf color change along the Minnesota North Shore remains modest and modest as well across the Michigan Upper Peninsula

Color seems to be changing a little slower than what we've seen as average the past 10 years. But the weather is returning to cooler temperatures and some overnight frost in some areas may help move the color change along. My guess is we may see some more widespread color breaking out soon!

Upper Peninsula

In the Western UP (around the Porcupine Mountains and Black River Harbor) color change is up to 25% in some areas. In the Porkies most color change is along the South Boundary Road. So far just attractive splashes of color from Lake of the Clouds and Summitt Peak.

In the Keweenaw Peninsula (Houghton to Copper Harbor), Houghton and South of Houghton along Hwy 26 near Twin Lakes there is up to 25% color change. North of Houghton towards Eagle River and Copper Harbor it is up to 20% change. Expect the drive along the lake via Eagle River and Eagle Harbor to be less than 20% as well as the drive via US 41 to Copper Harbor.

The central UP around Pictured Rocks National Park and Tahquamenon Falls is about 10 - 20% color change.

Wisconsin

Hurley is reporting about 60% color change. Ashland and Bayfield are about 15%. Between Bayfield and Superior, along the lake on Highway 13 it is about 20% and between Ashland and Superior along Highway 2 it is about 25%.

Best Fall Color the coming weekend would be the drive between Copper Falls State Park and Hurley. (see our Wisconsin Fall Color Drive Map)

Minnesota

Around 25% color change is showing along Scenic Highway 61 (Minnesota North Shore) from Temperance River State Park to Judge Magney State Park with the best color (25 - 50%) inland on the high ridges away from the lake.

From Duluth to Tettegouche State Park the color change is more modest, between 20 and 35%, with the most change away from the lake.

Stop in the visitor center at Tettegouche State Park for color tour maps. Starting this coming weekend, you should see some good color riding the Lutsen Mountain Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain.

Ontario

Because most of the hardwoods in the boreal forests of Ontario are Aspen and some birch you don't see much color change around Thunder Bay and north until October. On the eastern end between Sault Sainte Marie and Wawa, where the forest has more variety, expect some good color around the end of September and first week or two of October.

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A FALL COLOR BONUS - GREAT WATERFALLS. Rainfall in September along the south shore of Lake Superior has been ample which I think means that the leaves will hang on the trees a while. It also means the areas with attractive waterfalls - like Copper Falls State Park, Black River Scenic Byway. Presque Isle River (Porcupine Mountains), and Tahquamenon Falls - will be especially attractive with roaring waterfalls and decent fall color and foliage.(See links to these areas near the top of this page).

As reported above North Shore Waterfalls are looking great too!


Fall Color Report Update - October 5, 2017 (For historical comparisons)

red Color is rapidly appearing and Peak Color could be near in many areas.

Upper Peninsula

In the Western UP (around the Porcupine Mountains and Black River Harbor). color change is up to 70% in some areas, closer to peak away from the lake. Colors are looking very good along the Black River Scenic Byway and County 505 on the way to Little Girls Point. The Copper Peak Chairlift Ride should provide good color this weekend and the coming week.

In the Porkies most color change is along the South Boundary Road. So far attractive splashes of color from Lake of the Clouds (about 35% peak) and more dramatic color from Summitt Peak (about 50%). Perhaps the above average rainfall and warmer than normal weather has delayed the changes. During the coming week as woods takes on more color, I recommend taking the chairlift ride at the Porkies as well as the scenic vistas from Lake of the Clouds and Summitt Peak.

Color is arriving a little later In the Keweenaw Peninsula (Houghton to Copper Harbor) than previous years. Houghton itself is around 40-45%. South of Houghton along Hwy 26 near Twin Lakes there is up to 50% color change. North of Houghton towards Calumet colors are starting to pop nicely. But expect the drive along the lake via Eagle River and Eagle Harbor to be closer to 25%. Probably the best color in the Keweenaw right now is along the drive via US 41 from Delaware to Copper Harbor. It is around 50% or greater with some very colorful sections and could be near peak this weekend and coming week. Copper Harbor itself could reach peak very soon as well.

The central UP around Pictured Rocks National Park is coming along nicely with over 50% change and Tahquamenon Falls is now about 50% color change and changing fast. Peak color could be very soon. Great Color this weekend. East of Tahquamenon Falls towards the Soo typically doesn't reach peak until well into October, sometimes even mid-October or later.

Wisconsin

Hurley is reporting about 75% color change with full color coming very soon. Ashland is at 35% and Bayfield 45%.

Look for good color by Apple Fest Weekend Oct 6 - 8th. We recommend a drive through the Bayfield Orchard Country for pumpkins, fall produce and jams, and colorful scenery. A good color drive away from the lake is Hwy 13 Ashland to Copper Falls State Park then Hwy 169 through Gurney and then take Hwy 2 west back to Ashland.

Between Bayfield and Superior, along the lake on Highway 13 it is about 40% and between Ashland and Superior along Highway 2 it is about 50%. East of Superior, Wisconsin drive into Amnicon Falls State Park for decent fall color, attractive waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Minnesota

A color drive bonus of recent rainfall is the waterfalls are running strong.

As of October 2nd the DNR is reporting 50 - 85% color change is showing along Scenic Highway 61 (Minnesota North Shore) from Lutsen to Grand Portage with the best color inland on the high ridges, less along the lake. Stop in the visitor center at Tettegouche State Park for color tour maps. This weekend there should be great color riding the Lutsen Mountain Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain.

From Duluth to Temperance River State Park the color change is getting close to 50% and in some areas higher, with the greatest color change inland away from the lake. For some good color and exercise, take a hike to the top of Ely Peak, Carlton Peak or Oberg Mountain.

Ontario

Because most of the hardwoods in the boreal forests of Ontario are Aspen and some birch you don't see much color change around Thunder Bay and north until October. On the eastern end between Sault Sainte Marie and Wawa, where the forest has more variety, expect some good color around the end of September and first week or two of October.

Thanks to Tara Arens at the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Theresa Neal at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Bob Wild at Porcupine Mountains Park, Amanda Oppe at the Keweenaw Convention Bureau, and Copper Harbor Improvement Association for help with these reports.

Fall Color Report Update - October 7, 2016 (For historical comparisons)

Best Circle Tour Fall Color this weekend, October 7 - 9th, Along the Minnesota North Shore from Tettegouche State Park and north. Also the Western Upper Peninsula. Look for some good fall color along Hwy 26 between Ontonagon and Houghton, but the Keweenaw will be a little behind what you'll see south of Houghton.

Upper Peninsula

Expect Good Fall Color in the Western Upper Peninsula

Peak Fall Color is rapidly approaching in the Western UP (around the Porcupine Mountains and Black River Harbor). Bob Wild, Park Interpreter, expects this weekend (Oct 7 - 9th) through mid-week next week should be the Peak in the Porkies. Ditto for Black River Harbor and the drive to Little Girls Point.

In the Keweenaw Peninsula (Houghton to Copper Harbor), Peak Leaf Color will probably occur in October 10 - 15th window. Good color is now showing along Hwy 26 near Twin Lakes.

The central UP around Pictured Rocks National Park and Tahquamenon Falls reports about 35% - 50% color change; Theresa Neal, Park Interpreter, expects peak color between October 12 - 20th.

Wisconsin

Good Fall Color is showing across Northern Wisconsin

Hurley is reporting about 100% peak and Ashland & Bayfield around 40 - 50%. The Bayfield Apple Festival is Oct 7 - 9th so there should be some good color by then. Copper Falls State Park is estimated at 75% - 90%. Highway 13 between Ashland and Superior is about 50% but US Hwy 2 is 75% of Peak. This weekend and next week look for the best color along Hwy 169 from Copper Falls State Park to the town of Gurney near Potato Falls County Park.

See our Lake Superior Wisconsin Fall Color Map and our Wisconsin Fall Color Tours page for recommended scenic fall color tour drives.

We'll be collecting further reports next week and will post updates here.

Minnesota

Peak Fall Color is Very Close & Rapidly Approaching in Many Areas

Grand Portage Park on the Minnesota/Ontario Border reports modest color change, 50% peak color, with best color inland on the high ridges. The color change from Cascade River State Park (best views from the top of Lookout Mountain) and Judge Magney State Park (north of Grand Marais) is now 75 - 100%. Cooler weather is expected to hasten the color change. Stop in the visitor center at Tettegouche State Park for color tour maps. This weekend and the following week should show good color riding tthe Lutsen Mountain Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain.

North Shore Waterfalls are looking great due to the amount of recent rain.

Gooseberry Falls is starting to turn (50 - 75%) and could be looking pretty good the next week or so. Also abundant color is showing up around Duluth. Check out the Enger Park Tower for panoramic views of color or if you are up for a hike, go to the top of Ely Peak.

We'll be collecting further reports during next week and will post updates here.

Ontario

Because most of the hardwoods in the boreal forests of Ontario are Aspen and some birch you don't see much color change around Thunder Bay and north until October. On the eastern end between Sault Sainte Marie and Wawa, where the forest has more variety, expect some good color around the end of September and first week or two of October.

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A FALL COLOR BONUS - GREAT WATERFALLS. Rainfall in September along the south shore of Lake Superior has been ample which I think means that the leaves will hang on the trees a while. It also means the areas with attractive waterfalls - like Copper Falls State Park, Black River Scenic Byway. Presque Isle River (Porcupine Mountains), and Tahquamenon Falls - will be especially attractive with roaring waterfalls and decent fall color and foliage.(See links to these areas near the top of this page).

As reported above North Shore Waterfalls are looking great too!

tahquamenon falls
The Propp Family enjoying Tahquamenon Falls State Park


Fall Color Report Update - October 1, 2015 (For historical comparisons)

This coming weekend should be close to peak color in many areas aroound Lake Superior.

While in general color change has been running a little behind last year, my guess is the cool nights this week will accelerate the color change . The weather forecast for this coming weekend across the Lake Superior Region is for slightly cooler but sunshine or partly sunny across most of the region. So some nice crisp fall days with good, a great weekend for a drive, a picnic, hiking, camping, beach combing, etc.

Wisconsin
East towards Hurley on Hwy 2, the color change is approaching 65%. West towards Superior, Wi it is at 15 - 30%. Bayfield is at about 40%

If you around Ashland or Bayfield this weekend, you can catch your best color taking a drive south of Ashland on Hwy 13 to Copper Falls State Park, then go North and East on Hwy 169 to Potato River Falls County Park. Then return to Ashland on US Highway 2. Also take a drive through the Bayfield Orchards for some color and fall harvest and Bayfield Applefest specials. Another great spot to see the colors is the top of the observation tower at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and fall migratory birds.

Michigan Upper Peninsula
The earliest fall color can be found in Porcupine Mountains State Park in the woods and trails that are away from the lake. Don't miss the view from the top of Summit Peak and from the Lake of the Clouds Overlook. As of 9/28 Bob Wild Porkies Interpreter reports color change at 35 - 55% but cool nights this week could stimulate some dramatic changes by this weekend. I'd also expect the cool nights to help get the color going at Black River Harbor and Copper Peak. Hurley-Ironwood is reporting 65% color change.

The Keweenaw is running behind schedule, at 10 - 20% on 9/28 but cool nights could be accelerating that number by this weekend. As cool nights continue expect near Peak the weekend after this coming one.

In the central UP, most areas are reporting 10 - 25% color change. Best color near the lake should be through Pictured Rocks National Park on H58 between Munising and Grand Marais. Theresa Neal at Tahquamenon Falls State Park reports color change at 40% but predicts strong color by this weekend.

In the Eastern UP, color change is running from 10 - 40%, with Peak Color at least a week away.

Minnesota
In Duluth, try a drive on Scenic Skyline Drive, including Hawks Ridge, to catch the best color and overlooks of the city and the lake. There's also a network of hiking trails at Hawks Ridge worth taking. We've found the best fall color along Scenic Highway 61 on Minnesota's North Shore is generally from Silver Bay to Lutsen, with hikes or a gondola ride to tops of mountain peaks giving the best color or a drive inland away from the lake. Tettegouche State Park is reporting 50 - 75% full color and Temperance River State Park is reporting 50% but predicts very good color by this weekend at Carlton Peak.

Closer to Grand Marais, Cascade State Park is reporting 50% color with best views from a hike to the top of Lookout Mountain or the shorter trail around Cascade Falls. Best views around Grand Marais would traveling up the Gunflint Trail a few miles to hike to the top of Pincushion Mountain. While taking the hiking trail to the top is best, there is also a good overlook from the hiking trail parking lot.

Ontario
Your best color this weekend will be found on a drive north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario towards Lake Superior Provincial Park. And the very best would be taking the Agawa Canyon Scenic Train Ride. If you don't already have reservations it is probably too late for this weekend, but they will be running daily trips through October 12th.

Fall Color around Thunder Bay usually begins in the first week in October and can last until Mid-October. You generally see more yellows and golds in this area because of the types of trees that dominate a Boreal Forest. A few years ago we took a fall color trip to Thunder Bay and enjoyed some good hiking in city park trails, some excellent golfing, and good food.

So considering this year the change is running a little later than earlier years, target the October 2 - 4th weekend as getting pretty close to full fall color if not at fall color in the western UP and Agawa Canyon, Ontario. Peak may be a week later in other parts of the Lake Superior Region, but still should be worthwhile the first weekend in October.

Below our color report update are some links to regional tourism websites as well as weather reports from selected spots around Lake Superior.

Planning your Fall Color Tour Vacation. In addition to watching this space, also see our links to fall color reports from last year and earlier years to give you a better idea of when the color changes and when peak color arrives in the area of your interest.

Fall Color Report Update - October 1, 2014 (for historical comparision)

Upper Peninsula

Sandy Richardson at Porcupine Mountains State Park reports full color in many parts of the park. This past weekend and perhaps next weekend the park is also offering chairlift rides up to the top of the ski hill. I expect good color to persist til at least the coming weekend

The drive between Grand Marais and Munising on H58 through Pictured Rocks National Park should be showing good color this this coming week and into October. Theresa at Tahquamenon Falls State Park reports very good color now and expects full color breaking out by this coming weekend. If leaves hold may see color into second week.

Close to the Wisconsin border in the western UP and near Ironwood and Black River Scenic Byway color is now at peak and could hold good color for a week or more.

We are still waiting for a report from Houghton and the Keweenaw but based on past records they should be showing some good color this week and this weekend.

Over closer to Sault Sainte Marie in the far Eastern Upper Peninsula color is starting on the US side and showing nicely in Ontario.

Wisconsin

Hurley is between 80 and 100% and Ashland is between 50 and 70%. Copper Falls State Park is excellent right now, near peak, but I expect good color for at least another week. US Highway 2 between Ashland and Superior is showing good color in places and is at about 70%, perhaps a little more in the Brule River State Forest. So color this coming week and weekend should be good in the northern counties of Iron and Ashland. Since good color is showing all across Northern Wisconsin, if you are driving up from central or southern Wisconsin you'll have some nice color on the drive up as well. See our Lake Superior Wisconsin Fall Color Map and our Wisconsin Fall Color Tours page for recommended scenic fall color tour drives.

The drives around Bayfield and Highway 13 going west towards Superior, Wisconsin won't see peak color for at least a week or two but if you are going to Apple Fest next weekend a drive through the Bayfield Orchards area should be showing some splashes of bright color.

Minnesota

Grand Portage Park on the Minnesota/Ontario Border is near 100% peak and the waterfalls should be an impressive addition to your visit. Kjersti at Cook County Visitors Bureau reports things looking brilliant right now and expects peak in the coming week, but also she expects the color seaon to extend for an additional week or two in October. From Split Rock State Park to Cascade River State Park color change is between 75 and 100%. The best and earliest fall color is often away from the lake. Stop in the visitor centers at Tettegouche and Temperance River State Parks for color tour maps. This coming week and weekend should be excellent for riding tthe Lutsen Mountain Gondola to the top of Moose Mountain.

Duluth to Two Harbors remains a week or two from excellent color. The next two weekends should be good color scenery. Areas along the North Shore with lots of Aspen and Birch generally don't show good color change until into October.

Ontario

Because most of the hardwoods in the boreal forests of Ontario are Aspen and some birch you don't see much color change around Thunder Bay and north until October. On the eastern end between Sault Sainte Marie and Wawa, where the forest has more variety, expect some good color around the end of September and first week or two of October.

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Rainfall in September along the south shore of Lake Superior has been ample which I think means that the leaves will hang on the trees a while. It also means the areas with attractive waterfalls - like Copper Falls State Park, Black River Scenic Byway. Presque Isle River (Porcupine Mountains), and Tahquamenon Falls - will be especially attractive with roaring waterfalls and decent fall color and foliage.(See links to these areas near the top of this page).

 

Fall Color Report Overview - October 4th, 2013 (for historical comparision)

We just returned from the Porcupine Mountains and Black River Harbor. Peak color has arrived in North Central Wisconsin and the western Michigan Upper Peninsula. But as of Oct 3rd, close to the Lake Superior shoreline, it has not yet arrived so you can still see some excellent color in the coming week. Peak color is coming soon to the Keweenaw Peninsula. In the central UP a scenic fall drive I'd recommend is the H58 county road between Munising and Grand Marais, Michigan. Also consider a Pictured Rocks Boat Tour, in addition to the amazing painted rocks you'll get to see some nice leaf color as a backdrop.

In Minnesota Peak Color has arrived away from the lake. We've found the best fall color along Scenic Highway 61 on Minnesota's North Shore is generally from Silver Bay to Lutsen, with hikes or a gondola ride to tops of mountain peaks giving the best color or a drive inland away from the lake. But beginning this week, look for a second season of fall color all along the North Shore as the birches, aspen, and tamarack are turning.

In Northwest Wisconsin peak color might be a week away but away from the lake you will find some great color right now. One trip we've enjoyed is a scenic waterfalls color tour taking in Copper Falls State Park, Potato River Falls, the falls along the Black River Harbor Scenic Byway, and the falls along the Presque Isle River in the western park of Porcupine Mountains State Park.

Last year Bayfield had peak color for their annual Apple Festival (the first weekend in October). This year it is at about 35% but don't be surprised to see significant changes over the next few days.

More Details - Fall Color Report Update -October 4, 2013
- - - Peak Color has arrived or will be soon

Wisconsin South Shore . Ashland is reporting 50% of color change and Hurley is reporting 85% peak color. If you are up in this area in the coming week we recommend taking in some waterfalls along the scenic drive from Ashland to Copper Falls State Park near Mellen (Hwy 13) and then take Highway 169 north to Potato Falls park (south of Gurney) and then return via Highway 2 west of Hurley. Another good fall scenic drive is the trip from Saxon Harbor, Wisconsin, then going east to the Upper Peninsula to Little Girls Point and then to the Black River Harbor Scenic byway in the nearby Upper Peninsula. Return to Ashland via Highway 2.

Color change west of Ashland to Superior ordinarily is a week or two behind east of Ashland. But due to recent cool weather, don't be surprised to see it advancing very quickly towards Peak along US Highway 2 and color change along Hwy 13, the new scenic byway, may not be far behind.

Michigan Upper Peninsula. Peak Color is showing in parts of the Porcupine Mountains and Black River Harbor Scenic byway. But areas close to the lake and around the waterfalls will continue to advance over the next week. The western UP traditionally shows the earliest color so this coming weekend should look good for fall leaf peepers from Ironwood through Houghton and up the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Marquette to Tahquamenon Falls is looking good now in places as the maples are nearing peak and the birch and aspen beginning to follow.

Minnesota North Shore. In general color change all along the North Shore ranges from 50% to 100%. Color away from the lake is passing peak but taking a drive away from the lake (for example Hwy 1 by Tettegouche State Park) may remain colorful for several more days. Stop at the visitor center at Tettegouche or Temperance River for maps on color drives. Color change close to the lake is improving rapidly as birch, aspen, and tamarack change. Expect excellent scenic color on the Lutsen Gondola ride to the top of Moose Mountain. Hiking to the top of the other peaks along the lake (like Oberg Mountain or Carlton Peak) will provide rewards, seeing the remaining color as you look inland and the advancing color as you look towards the lake. The folks at the Superior Hiking Trail office in Two Harbors can give you good tips on best fall hiking.

Ontario East Shore. Color is peaking between between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa, Ontario. Based on past experience, the first two weeks of October should be a good time for a drive along the shoreline up to Lake Superior Provincial Park or take the picturesque Agawa Canyon Train Ride.

Ontario West Shore. Color on this stretch is provided by Aspen and Tamarack which are now starting to change.

Last year's Report
Fall Color Report Update - October 1, 2012 (for historical comparision)

Wisconsin South Shore . Bayfield is reporting 75% of color change with peak color expected during the coming week. If you are up there for the Bayfield Apple Festival a good color drive would be taking Hwy 13 north and west from Bayfield to Aminicon Falls (turn south on Highway U). Then return to Bayfield on US 2. About 10 miles before Ashland, go north on Cty Hwy G which runs along the old roadway of US Hwy 2. towards Superior. Hurley should be at peak or moving past peak but if the leaves are holding on the trees doing the waterfall loop from Potato Falls to Copper Falls to Ashland and back to Hurley should still be a nice trip. Or do the trip to through Saxon Harbor to Little Girls Point and the Black River Harbor Scenic byway in the nearby Upper Peninsula.

Michigan Upper Peninsula. I have no fresh reports from the UP since last week but you can presume that color change is advancing rapidly and may be past peak in several areas. If you aren't going up there til this coming weekend, the tip of the Keweenaw may still be showing some color. Another area I would target for this coming weekend would be Pictured Rocks National Park between Munising and Grand Marais. Should be good color going along H58 and along the spur roads that lead to the various camping areas and trail heads within the park. A Pictured Rocks Boat Cruise on a sunny day could catch both colors of the rocks and of the trees.

Ontario East Shore. Based on earlier reports color should be at or near peak between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa, Ontario. Still a good time for a drive along the shoreline up to Lake Superior Provincial Park or take the Agawa Canyon Train Ride.

Minnesota North Shore. Colors should be at peak this week and moving past peak. So get out there soon. If you are not going there until this coming weekend, the weather report for further up the North Shore is not encouraging so if you have options I'd stick closer to Duluth and do some touring around there - skyline drive and hawk's ridge or out to Park Point.

Fall Color Report Update - September 27, 2012

Michigan Upper Peninsula. Michigan.org reports peak color is fast approaching. Trina from the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce reports color change approaching 75% with more color change along Michigan 26 between Twin Lakes and Houghton and a lesser degree as you get out to the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula near Copper Harbor. Based on past experience I expect that by the coming weekend about 75% fall color change around Ironwood's Black River Harbor and in the Porcupine Mountains. East of the Keweenaw, going towards Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie the color change is around 50%. If you are in central and eastern UP this coming week you'll find the best color around Tahquamenon Falls. Also check out the color along H58 between Munising and Grand Marais, Michigan.

Ontario East Shore. I received a report from around Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and am still waiting for a report from around Wawa. Tara from Sault Ste. Marie Tourism reported as of Sept. 24th fall color is at 65% along the Agawa Canyon Train route and is expected to be 100% by October 5th. So this coming weekend should be quite colorful from the Soo to near Wawa. Over in the west near Thunder Bay, I'd normally expet less color change. But since Minnesota has experienced earlier than usual color change among Aspen and Birches, I'd predict that Thunder Bay would be at about 50% and moving towards 100%.

Minnesota North Shore. Color change from Tettegouche Park to Grand Portage is being reported in the 75% - 100% of peak color. The area from Duluth to Tettegouche is at 50% - 75%.

If you are a hiker you'll catch the best color climbing to the peaks of some of the north shore mountains like Oberg, Carlton, and Lookout. Or ride the Gondola at Moose Mountain near Lutsen.

Wisconsin South Shore. Color change along Wisconsin's shore normally doesn't show much until October. But the dry summer and fall is causing the Birch and Aspen to turn earlier so at present Bayfield and Ashland are near 50%. Hurley is now at 75% and SW of Hurley it will be approaching 100%. If you are up in that area this coming week, take a side trip loop south of Ashland on Hwy 13 to Copper Falls State Park and then north on Hwy 169 to Potato Falls and then return to US Highway 2. Another scenic loop near Hurley is going north on Hwy 122 towards Saxon Harbor, then cross into Michigan on Michigan 505 towards Little Girls Point and then Black River Harbor. You can return to Wisconsin along US Highway 2.

--Ross

Have a color report to pass along or a question - write me

Ross Reinhold - roscoetrails@gmail.com

ball Learn More about the best fall color drives around Lake Superior

Fall Color & Tourism Regional Tourism & Peak Fall Color Report Links:
Michigan UP Travel
Keweenaw Visitors Bureau
Western UP Visitors Bureau
Wisconsin: TravelWisconsin.com
Bayfield, WI Fall Colors
Superior-Dougles County Fall Color Updates
Minnesota: DNR NorthShore Parks
Ontario North Shore: NorthofSuperior.org
Ontario North East Shore: Saulttourism.com

Regional Weather from the Weather ChannelWeather Channel Links:
red-balIronwood, Michigan UP
red-balHoughton, Keweenaw Peninsula Michigan UP
red-balMarquette, Michgan UP
red-balSault Saint Marie, Michigan UP
red-balAshland-Bayfield Peninsula, Wisconsin
red-balDuluth, Minnesota
red-balGrand Marais, Minnesota
red-balWawa, Ontario Canada
red-ballThunder Bay, Ontario Canada

Why Do Leaves Change Color?

"A growing season with ample moisture that is followed by a rather dry, cool, sunny autumn that is marked by warm days and cool but frostless nights provides the best weather conditions for development of the brightest fall colors," - - - Learn more from this article from the PBS News Hour's website.

 

View from the top of  Moose Mountain

 

See our favorite Scenic Fall Color Drives around Lake Superior

 

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The Superior Hiking Trail offers some of the best fall color hikes in the midwest

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Outstanding Fall Color Porcupine Mountains Lake of the Clouds scenic overlook.

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Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers some of the best fall color in the eastern Upper Peninsula.


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Canal Park Brewery Beer Garden Enjoying lake breezes and views at the Duluth Canal Park Brewery Beer Garden - Canal Park.

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Fall Color Hikes along Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive.

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Moose Mountain Fall Color Gondola Ride

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