OutdoorMN News - Visit Minnesota state forests for fall color driving tours

[Rick]

Driving a scenic route through a state forest is a great way to view fall color, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.  

Finland State Forest

“Routes through hilly or rugged areas dominated by deciduous trees tend to have the best mix of color,” said Jennifer Teegarden, DNR forestry outreach specialist. “And the dark green needles of conifers accent the yellow, orange and red leaves of deciduous trees in mixed forest.”

Here are a few state forests routes to consider:

Late September

• Finland State Forest heading northeast along County Road 7 from Finland.

Early October

• Bowstring and Blackduck state forests along state Highway 46 between Deer River and Northome.
• Pillsbury State Forest along Beauty Lake Forest Road between County Road 77 and County Road 1.
• St. Croix and Nemadji state forests loop. From Interstate 35, take exit #183 and head east on state Highway 48. Head north on County Road 24. Head east on County Road 24. At Markville, head north on County Road 31. Head west on Park Forest Road. At Kerrick, head south on state Highway 23 to Interstate 35 exit #195.

Mid-October

• Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest has two good options. Along Zumbro Bottoms Road off of state Highway 60 southwest of Wabasha. Along state Highway 16 between Interstate 90 and state Highway 26.

Visit www.mndnr.gov/stateforests for information about visiting a state forest and additional scenic routes. Entrance into a state forest is free. State forest campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $14 a night.

Visit the Minnesota state parks and trails Fall Color Finder at www.mndnr.gov/fall_colors to find areas in Minnesota with peak fall color. The Fall Color Finder is updated every Thursday through the end of October.

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