Get inspired on the Great River Road as it winds its way from Louisiana all the way to Grand Rapids, MN where more than 1,400 lakes, 2,000 miles of trails and 1 million acres of public forest lands await. Take in the grandeur of the Mighty Mississippi and all that Grand Rapids has to offer, including art, cozy lodging, live performances and music, and fun places to eat and drink.

Ely is home to the newly completed Mesabi Trail, a fully paved route that winds through some of Minnesota's most dramatic landscapes. Take a quick trip around the Trezona Trail loop in town and ride south into the Superior National Forest and amazing views of lakes, forests and marshes. Set off on your biking expedition among a symphony of fall colors.

Crane Lake has the state’s newest, and some would say most spectacular, ATV trail system, the Voyageurs Country Trails. Cross rivers, ride by lakes, stop at incredible overlooks and take in all the glory of the season on your ATV or side-by-side. With plenty of hiking tails in these woods as well, Crane Lake is full of adventure. Welcoming resorts are standing by to help you plan your fall getaway.

From the rolling peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains to the Poplar River Valley, spectacular views await in Cook County. One of the best ways to take it all in is on the Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains Resort. It’s a gentle ride with endless views of glorious maples. Avoid the crowds and make your midweek plans to experience this naturally unforgettable destination.

On the Iron Range there’s a mountain bike trail for everyone and there’s no better time to ride than fall. Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm is among the best in the country with all levels of difficulty and incredible views of reclaimed mine lands. At Giants Ridge, the lift-served gravity trails will get your adrenaline going, and the views of the Superior National Forest are not to be missed.

You’ll feel the thrill of the catch against a brilliant backdrop of color when you do some fall fishing on Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park. Outfitters and resort owners are here to help you every step of the way as you set out to explore the nation’s only national park that consists mostly of water! 

In Proctor you’ll find hiking trailheads for both the Superior Hiking Trail traveling up the North Shore and the Willard Munger Trail heading south. In nearby Carleton, climb Ely’s Peak for stunning views overlooking the St Louis River, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Superior on the Skyline Parkway, an easy drive from Proctor. Don’t forget the swinging bridge at Jay Cooke State Park; Proctor is a great hub for fabulous fall experiences.

Savor a beverage scene made for slow sipping, feet kickin’ and easy listening. For a pick-me-up, start with specialty coffee at Dream Cloud Coffee Roasters, 190° Coffee & Tea and heroic roasts for local causes at Yellow Bike. For a night cap, fuel your summer state of mind with tropical cocktails at Jade Fountain. Wherever you go, from West Duluth to Canal Park, you’ll find something to fill your cup.

Ask anyone who lives near the North Shore about their favorite season, and you'll most likely hear, "fall!" Sure, you can take a gorgeous North Shore scenic drive, but to see the most spectacular views, you've got to get moving. If vibrant colors, scenic vistas, and nature photography are your passion, these 10 Lake County hiking destinations belong on your fall bucket list.