Fall colors on the Gunflint Trail lean more toward yellows than reds, although the ever-present moose maple turns its huge leaves a rosy red in the understory.  Birch leaves turn a peachy-yellow, and aspen a pale green-yellow.  But, wherever one finds fall color on the “Trail” the contrasting deep green of pine, fir, and cedar  make it known that you are looking at northern forest.

Fall sunrise on the Gunflint Trail

Voyageur Canoe Outfitters - fall waterfront

Explore Minnesota Tourism

Gunflint Trail Hiking Brochure – printable

There’s a hint of fall in the air – and it feels great.  Nights are cooling down, days are sunny and crisp, but comfortable enough for t-shirts and shorts.

Go ahead an sign yourself up for the getaway, and sign up your friends for the “send a friend packing” contest.

View the video: 

Portaging and handing out Gunflint Trail Mix

Lake Calhoun in the Twin Cities

Twin Cities "Uptown"

Fall colors on the Gunflint Trail arrive earlier than other regions of Minnesota.  Moose maples change right after Labor Day.  The maple highlands follow and are turning red by mid-September.  Aspen and birch are the last to turn their bright, bright yellows, and more muted peachy yellows.  Together with the green pine, a wonderful autumn mosaic blankets the landscape, contrasted with blue lakes and blue skies.

Some consider September the best time for vacations on the Gunflint Trail whether you are camping, in a cozy cabin, or canoeing.  There are almost NO bugs and the fishing picks up as the lakes cool down.  Low humidity and cooler temps make those wonderful hiking trails a pleasurable adventure.

And, while you are on the “Trail” make sure you stop by Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center.  It’s open through mid-October.

Gunflint Trail Fall Colors

There is still time to book a Gunflint Trail August vacation, but act NOW.

Boundary Waters permits are available, too.  And, September is coming up – the best month to canoe, according to many of the “locals.”

Outdoors at Trail Center on the Gunflint Trail:

The Trail’s End Band plays primarily classic rock favorites with a variety of country rock thrown in for good measure.
All the members of the band have played their respective musical instruments for the majority of their lives, either solo or in a number of musical groups. Mark Darling on keyboards; Jeff Sylvester lead singer and guitar; Jon Kallberg on bass guitar and vocals; Tony Faras on guitar.

August 13, 5:30 to 9 PM.

PS Watch for the predicted northern lights, “aurora borealis.”  A photo from August 3.

For even more quiet – dip your paddles, and find a spot in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  Gunflint Trail canoe outfitters are here to help you prepare for, and outfit your trip, complete with food, equipment, and canoes.

The weather has been lovely this summer, with just the right amount of sun and moisture.  Blueberries are ending their season, but raspberries are ripe.

When you think about those vacations you had as a kid at a Minnesota resort, and dream to go back there – why not REALLY go back here, and spend some time on the Gunflint Trail.

Minnesota is looking for chick counters. From the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas (MNBBA) website: “The Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas is an important bird conservation project that will identify every species that breeds in the state and where in the state they breed. Minnesota is one of only seven states, and the only state along the Mississippi Flyway, that has not developed an atlas.”

This is a citizen science project. Volunteers sign up for a particular location within the state, and survey it for breeding birds. Each area is assigned a coordinator, so even novice birders are able to participate.

The end of the Gunflint Trail (my survey area) has a wealth of birds to watch, whether a part of the survey, or for pure enjoyment. The loon family pictured has been observed frequently for the past month.

There are those who pick clean, and those who pick dirty. Those who pick stooped over, and those who just plunk down in the middle of the patch.

Then what? Some carefully wash each berry. Me, I prefer the cake pan method of cleaning (but I pick clean to begin with). A layer of berries in the bottom of the pan, tip back and forth, remove the green ones and any debris. Then, flash freeze ‘em. Once frozen, any leftover debris stays on the bottom of the pan. Just scoot the berries into a bag and pop into the freezer.

Then, there’s the jam and jelly folks – oodles of jars have shown up around the cabin. The smell of jelly-making is fantastic. And, of course, the occasion blueberry pie. An indulgence, but someone has to sample it.