Your Ultimate Fall Hiking, Camping, and Sightseeing Guide in Minnesota

Minnesota summers are legendary. 

Long days on the lake, cabins tucked into the pines, portages that test your grit, and nights alive with fireflies, campfires, and shooting stars. It’s a season of loon calls across still water, lumberjack lore, and a lodge-and-cabin culture that has shaped generations.

Then comes fall. The air turns crisp, the leaves ignite in reds, oranges, and golds, and the lakes reflect a beauty found only in the Northwoods. Flannel and football, good food and nights spent cozying up with loved ones next to the fireplace. 

In Minnesota, fall is hard to beat. Our Fall/Winter 2025 collection draws inspiration from the beauty of autumn and winter in the Northwoods.

This season, as we roll out three new product drops leading into the holidays, we’re also sharing a guide to help you make the most of it. Whether you’re hiking, paddling, camping, or chasing the best fall colors, these are the places and experiences that make autumn in Minnesota unforgettable.

Best Hikes for Fall Colors

🍂 Gooseberry Falls State Park (North Shore)
A classic for a reason. With waterfalls framed by golden birch and maple trees, Gooseberry offers trails that range from easy strolls to longer hikes along the Superior Hiking Trail.

🍂 Maplewood State Park (Northwest MN)
True to its name, this park explodes with color in the fall. Rolling hills and scenic overlooks make it perfect for both seasoned hikers and families.

🍂 Barn Bluff (Red Wing)
For a shorter but rewarding hike, Barn Bluff offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley, all set against brilliant fall foliage.

🍂 Fire Tower Hikes
For unbeatable bird’s-eye views, climb a historic fire tower like Sturgeon River Tower near Bigfork or Park Rapids’ Aiton Heights Tower in Itasca State Park. Each offers a glimpse at Minnesota’s vast forests glowing with autumn color.

Where to Camp This Fall

🔥 Tettegouche State Park
A North Shore gem with rugged cliffs, inland lakes, and waterfalls. Fall camping here means waking up to misty mornings on Lake Superior.

🔥 Itasca State Park
Home to the headwaters of the Mississippi, this park has cozy campsites surrounded by vibrant forests. Perfect for hiking, biking, and stargazing.

🔥 Sawbill Lake Campground (Boundary Waters entry point)
For those looking for solitude and adventure, Sawbill is a launchpad into the Boundary Waters. Even just camping by the lake feels like stepping into another world, complete with starry skies and the chance to spot moose along the shore.

Scenic Drives and Sightseeing

🚗 Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive)
Stretching from Duluth to Grand Marais, this is Minnesota’s most iconic fall drive. Highlights include Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Cascade River State Park. Don’t miss a stop at Fika Coffee in Lutsen for a Scandinavian-inspired brew or the Lake Superior Trading Post in Grand Marais for outdoor essentials and local character.

🚗 The Gunflint Trail
Branching inland from Grand Marais, this 57-mile road carries you deep into the Superior National Forest. The further you go, the wilder it gets—towering pines, mirror-like lakes, and frequent wildlife sightings. Stop for a meal at the Trail Center Lodge, a beloved spot for paddlers and road-trippers alike.

🚗 Mille Lacs Lake
One of Minnesota’s largest lakes, Mille Lacs shines in fall when the shoreline blazes with color. It’s a great stop for fishing, biking, or just soaking up lake views.

🚗 Taylors Falls (Interstate State Park)
On the St. Croix River, Taylors Falls is perfect for a day trip. Explore deep glacial potholes, take a scenic boat tour, or hike along cliffs with fiery maples overhead.

Tips for Your Fall Adventures

• Layer up: Mornings can be cold and afternoons surprisingly warm. 
• Check peak color reports: The Minnesota DNR releases weekly updates on fall colors, so you can time your trips for maximum brilliance.
• Bring the essentials: A warm hat, waterproof layers, and plenty of snacks can make all the difference.
• Leave no trace: Fall is a fragile season for the outdoors. Pack out what you pack in and tread lightly.

Why This Season Matters

Fall is more than a backdrop. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Connecting with and protecting the outdoors for future generations to come.

Our new Fall and Winter styles were designed with these landscapes in mind: from hikes on the North Shore to evenings around the campfire. This first drop is just the beginning, with two more releases coming soon to carry you through the season.

Whether you’re heading north to the Boundary Waters, east to the bluffs of Red Wing, or simply to your favorite local trail, we hope this guide helps you plan your fall outside.

Stay tuned for more. Drop One of our FW25 Collection made for late summer and early fall is available HERE