The summer flew by, the state fair is a memory, and it's already time to start thinking about those fall colors. Whether it's a day trip to favorite nearby trail, a weekend drive, or a longer excursion, a little planning (and a bit of luck) will aid in your enjoyment of that burst of autumn grandeur.
The best place to keep track of the current fall colors—where they are peaking, where they are about to peak—is the Minnesota DNR (Department of Natural Resources) website.
Besides a map that tracks the colors, there is information on wildlife migration, the ripening of berries and nuts, and upcoming fall color-oriented events, such as "Leaf Days" at Maplewood State Park, September 26-27.
In addition, hikers and visitors can now upload their fall color pictures to the site for viewers to enjoy. Be sure to bookmark the site and check back throughout the fall season.
As a general rule, the fall color peaks in Minnesota are as follows:
* Mid- to late September - along the Canadian border
* Mid-September to early October - in the northern third of Minnesota
* Late September to early October - throughout central Minnesota
* Late September to mid-October - in the Twin Cities area
* Early to mid-October - in southern and southeastern Minnesota
Keep in mind, these dates can affected by any number of factors by several weeks. That's why it's best to check with the MN DNR website! Happy autumn!