Time For Fall Colors on The Gunflint Trail and the BWCAW
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If you appreciate Fall Colors like we do here at Rockwood Lodge, you know we are entering that most beautiful time of the year.
As you drive to Grand Marais in the next few weeks, you’ll see the start of color along the shore as poplars and birch turn golden. When you start up the Gunflint Trail and head toward the BWCA, you’ll see the Maples beginning to show their scarlet cloak as they prepare for the coming winter.
The Gunflint Trail is a stunning destination as the forest prepares for winter. We have sunny days and cooler nights. And no bugs. Despite the popularity of leaf-looking, we see fewer people on the Trail in the fall. Solitude, colors, perfect sleeping weather, and the natural beauty of our wilderness make for a trip of a lifetime or one to make annually.
Don’t forget to look for wildlife, from the stately moose to the drumming grouse; you will, if you’re patient, see some of our wild neighbors. Have your camera ready.
The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway is one of three nationally designated scenic byways in the Superior National Forest. It runs 57 miles from Grand Marais to the end of the trail and the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center. The paved road was once a rugged trail to a source of flint on Gunflint Lake.
Driving up the trail gives you plenty of color, but you’ll want to see more. Take the time to park and hike some of the many paths that bring you to overlooks with majestic views of the Superior National Forest.
Ada, a travel writer from Beyond The Yellow Brick Road, has posted her top five hiking routes to see the best color along the Gunflint Trail. From simple to rugged, you will find a good trail here.
Nothing beats one of our lakes, surrounded by a wall of color, reaching down to the water’s edge to see the colors mixed with the dark green of pine and spruce.
Rent a canoe for a day trip around Poplar Lake here at Rockwood.
Or let us plan your day trip or short stay in the Boundary Waters.
Beauty and serenity can be yours.
Later this Fall, the Tamaracks will put on a show just before winter sets in. Tamarack trees are the only conifers in Minnesota that shed their needles in the fall. From the bright green of the warmer months, the needles turn from bright gold to flaxen before falling off the tree.
Tamarack trees grow best in moist soils along streams, lakes, or swamps. The adventurous and experienced outfitters here at Rockwood will be delighted to share their favorite stands of Tamaracks.
