Fall is such a magical time on Minnesota’s North Shore. With maple-laden drives, epic hiking, and breathtaking views, Cook County really comes alive in the fall! I have had the opportunity for the last few years to experience the beauty of fall along the North Shore and while I was there I was able to find some breathtaking drives along the way! If you’re looking to find some stunning drives and epic views, read on below for what I did and what resources I used to find them!
Best Resources to Find Drives:
Visit Cook County– A fantastic resource to all of Cook County, I used their Scenic Drives article to find some ones that would work with the schedule since I have limited time! They all include a Google Map image along with the time and distance so you can really plan ahead and utilize your time!
North Shore Visitor- Another amazing resource, The North Shore Visitor’s website updates the fall color report frequently and adjusts their recommended sights and drives past on the peak times along the shore! I also pulled a few from here based on my timing around Grand Marais and Lutsen and it worked out well!
Best Drives for Fall Colors + Scenic Overlooks!
Heartbreak Ridge – Schroeder & Tofte
One of the first scenic drives I picked as it was right after Schroeder and before Tofte, was Heartbreak Ridge. Located right past Temperance State Park, head north on Temperance Road and once you get to the end, take a right for 600 Road. This is where I found the peak colors! Keep along and the road ends at the Sawbill Trail which will bring you right into Tofte. It was a quick 20ish minute drive but you can also do a longer loop that goes farther inland, for just under an hour. That is called the Richey Lake Loop and you can find more info on Cook County’s Website!
For a quick and easy hike that gives you sweeping views of trees and Lake Superior, find Britton’s Peak right off Sawbill Trail on your way into Tofte. It’s all an incline so wear good shoes, but it took me less than 5 mins to climb up!
Roads driven: Temperance Road, 600 Road, Sawbill Trail
Caribou Trail + Honeymoon Trail plus Maple Syrup Shacks!
This was one of my favorite drives as there is a handful of stops that are just stunning! Start on the Caribou Trail right in Lutsen. Drive up the paved road and you’ll first come across Caribou Cream Maple Syrup – Swing in to grab some goodies (all on the honor system) Just write down what you take and pay with cash or Venmo before you leave. The property is lined with the most beautful maple trees as you can imagine.
Shortly after Caribou Cream, up the trail, you’ll see a parking lot to your right next to Caribou Lake with a sign for White Sky. Park in the lot and safely walk across the road to the entrance to the Superior Hiking Trail. This also is a steep incline so again be careful and wear good shoes! It took me less than 10 minutes to complete, so it’s a quick and easy trek that’s about 0.3 miles up. I went when it was raining and with all the leaves that have already fallen it was a bit slippery, but dang the views were worth it! I can’t imagine the views on a sunny day!
Keep heading north and you’ll see a sign for Wild County Maple Syrup at the turn for Honeymoon Trail. Take that left! Keep following the signs for Wild Country to bring you to one of the most maple laden drives I’ve ever seen. Take in all the views down the small dirt road that winds through the most intense maples and you’ll end at their property. Please note – this road isn’t always well maintained so keep that in mind depending what kind of vehicle you drive. Pop into their maple shack to purchase my favorite syrup. Again, it’s on the honor system so leave cash or they also have the option for Venmo or Cash App too. If you’re lucky you might even catch a tour from the owner. Over the years I’ve heard they have tapped over 25,000 maple trees, which is incredible!
After stocking up on syrup you can continue on the Honeymoon trail loop that’ll bring you back to Sawbill Trail into Tofte – or for a shorter option just head back the way you came and go back into Lutsen!
Roads driven: Caribou Trail, Honeymoon Trail, Barker Lake Road, Sawbill Trail
County Road 60 – Grand Marais
Another easy and stunning drive, head north of Grand Marais to County Road 58 and turn there. From there head north and turn right on County Road 60 – Another quiet dirt road, I never encountered any traffic and you can see colors peeking along the road and even behind it! Once you get to the end take county road 14 back to highway 61 OR head farther north to Trout Lake Road (second image) for a longer loop that will take up up to the Gunflint Trail!
Roads Driven: County Road 58, County Road 60, Trout Lake Road, County Road 14
Ringo Road
If you’re feeling ambitious and looking for a true off road adventure – head up to Grand Portage and do Ringo Road Loop. The foliage is truly spectacular and has dramatic elevation changes with some amazing look outs. Keep in mind this road has its bumps and curves so be warned! While all the drives along the North Shore are gorgeous – there was truly something special about this one with all the yellows and oranges!
Roads Driven: Old Highway 61, Ringo Road, Jackson Lake Road
I hope this gets you started on your leaf peepin’ adventures! I highly suggest doing longer routes if you have the time as the colors are more intense as you head farther away from the shore! Feel free to peep my instagram for some other north shore content to help plan your trip! Finally, please keep in mind to travel safely. take your time, and leave no trace.
Love this!! Thank you!! ❤️🍁