Blown Away final report
10 October 2012
The wind whipped in and blew down most of the leaves last weekend. The photo of Grand Marais [to the left] gives a good indication of the color and leaves left. Most of the maples have shed their leaves while the birch and aspen and understory along Highway 61 still have some foliage.

Nina's Suggested Tour
Highway 61 corridor & Go Hiking
Continue your drive up Highway 61 for spalshes of color adn great views of Lake Superior. Now is a fabulous time to hike, too; no bugs, protection from wind, and open views through leafless tree landscapes.

What to expect along the shore
parks are listed from SW [near Duluth] to NE [near Canada]

Gooseberry Falls State Park reports
We lost alot of leaves to the wind and weather . Still some nice color in spots. Everything is past peak except the Tamarak Trees which are always last.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park reports
We are past peak but it is still quite colorful along Highway 61. Hit any of the trails in the park for great views of the late fall colors along with plenty of water and wildlife! PLEASE NOTE: The park entrance road will be under construction (from Hwy. 61 to the MHS parking lot)the first few weeks of October.

Tettegouche State Park reports
Although the wind has blown away many of the leaves, there are still pockets of color in the park. Drive to the top of Palisade Head to get a good look into the heart of the park!

George Crosby Manitou State Park reports
Many of the trees have lost their leaves, although some are still hanging on to their bright colors. Take the scenic boardwalk around Bensen Lake for a gentle walk with great views!

Temperance River State Park reports
Now that the forest is a little more open, it's easier to spot wildlife as the animals of Temperance River State Park prepare for the coming winter. A fisher was recently spotted in the park on the trail to Carlton Peak!

Cascade River State Park reports
Take a hike up to Lookout Mountain for views of Lake Superior and the last hints of fall color across the Cascade River valley.

Judge CR Magney State Park reports
Fall winds have taken most of the color, but have widened views and taken cover away from the ruffed grouse. Now is a good time to observe the wave action of Lake Superior.

Grand Portage State Park reports
Dark eyed Junco birds are starting to frequent the park as they arrive for winter. One of the best things about the low level of water at the falls is the incredible rock shape not often seen because of the amount of water. Now is the perfect time for those pictures of High Falls as a whole.