Northshore leaves at peak

Posted at 11:05 AM on September 29, 2010 by Bob Kelleher

To my eye, Lake Superior's North Shore is just hitting it's peak fall colors with a terrific weekend in the forecast.

But don't take my word for it. Check the DNR's official fall colors map.

I had the pleasure last weekend of driving the entire shore from Duluth to Grand Portage and beyond. Leaves were coming into peak colors on the hillsides in the Grand Portage area and up to Thunder Bay, Ontario. But it looks like the peak was still waiting for maybe another week further down the shore, say Duluth up to Silver Bay. This weekend should be prime.

Even on a Monday afternoon, the crowds of leaf watchers were evident. Last Monday produced rain showers which didn't stop people from bicycling the trail near Split Rock Lighthouse, or from hiking into the many easily accessible state parks along the shore like Cascade River and Temperance River.

I can attest to the fact the Betty's Pies north of Two Harbors was doing a fine business on a weekday afternoon, and for good reason. For me, it was a slice of triple chocolate pie.

If you can stand the crowds, try a North Shore trip this coming weekend, with sunny skies and mid-50's predicted Friday through Monday.

Or just leave the car in Duluth and take the leaf watching train.