In Minnesota's Northwoods, unbeknownst to many, there remains an untouched parcel of land that contains "old-growth" red and white pine trees that date back as far as 350 years. It's called the Lost 40, and the simple one-mile hike is one of the most phenomenal in the state.
The Lost 40 can be found deep in the forest. Part of it is incorporated in the Lost 40 Scientific and Natural Area managed by the MNDNR, and part is managed by the National Forest Service.
An 1882 surveying mistake led the 40 acres to be accidentally mapped as a body of water, and subsequently left alone during Minnesota's logging craze. To get a better look at the forest and the trail, check out this video:
Looking for more short, beautiful hikes in Minnesota? Check out this list of hikes under 5 miles with spectacular views!
The 2.3-Mile Hiking Trail in Minnesota That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland
Discover the stunning fall foliage on the Oberg Mountain Loop hike in Minnesota. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest.
When you go looking for fall foliage in Minnesota, you'll find no shortage of options. The incredible hardwoods along the Minnesota and St. Croix River bluffs are stunning. And places like Lake Maria and Maplewood State Parks never disappoint when the trees slip on their autumn mantles. But there's one place that kicks of leaf peeping season like no other, and the short - albeit moderately challenging - hike to reach the most spectacular views is nothing short of a fall foliage wonderland. If you haven't figured out the place yet, I'm talking about the Oberg Mountain Loop near Tofte, MN, and you need to put this trail on your list of must-do fall hikes in Minnesota.
To get to Oberg Mountain, you'll need to head up to the spectacular North Shore of Lake Superior and scenic Minnesota Hwy. 61. This drive, itself, is one of the best ways to enjoy fall in Minnesota. You'll definitely enjoy the journey, but believe me: It'll be even better when you're on the trail!
You'll start the hike from the Oberg Mountain trailhead, which is just off Onion River Rd., between Tofte and Lutsen. The Ray Berglund State Wayside (home to one of my favorite waterfalls), which is located right on the Onion River, makes a good landmark - the turnoff to the trailhead is a few hundred feet northeast of the wayside.
You'll start off on the Superior Hiking Trail, and as you hike along, look for a sign directing you to the Oberg Loop - it's a spur trail off the SHT, and it's pretty well marked. Even so, I usually use AllTrails Plus so I know where I am, how far I have to go, and what kind of elevation I'm looking at. (The total gain on this trail is a respectable 508 feet.)
Along the way, you'll be treated to incredible views of Lake Superior and the Superior National Forest. But the real payoff happens when you reach the Oberg Lake overlook and witness amazing, fiery foliage encircling the lake and stretching into the distance all the way to the horizon. It's a truly breathtaking spectacle.
One of the best things about basking in the fall foliage at Oberg Mountain is that it tends to peak before a lot of other places in Minnesota - so, you're not missing out on all the fabulous foliage in the southern part of the state by making a mid-September trip up to Tofte. Definitely take some time and spend a day or two in the area. Take the gondola at Lutsen Mountains for a fantastic aerial view of the foliage, then grab lunch or dinner at Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais. There are plenty of places to stay within minutes of Oberg Mountain. I like a beautiful, clifftop condo near Tofte that's perched above the Lake Superior shoreline, so you can enjoy incredible views even when you're not on the trail.
Have you hiked the Oberg Mountain Loop in Minnesota in the fall? Tell us in the comments, and be sure to let us know about some of your other favorite fall foliage hikes in Minnesota.
It’s about the time of year when we begin to wonder, “When do leaves change color in Minnesota?” One tool that helps me make decisions about where and when to go to see fall colors in Minnesota is the Fall Foliage Prediction Map from SmokyMountains.com.
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The map offers county-level predictions for the progression of fall colors across the United States. To see when and where colors will approach and reach their peak in Minnesota, simply use the slider at the bottom of the Fall Foliage Prediction Map. As you move the date later, you’ll see the Minnesota fall foliage map’s 2024 forecast for the state’s counties.
Fall in Minnesota is getting started early this year in the northern part of the state, as areas along the North Shore had already reported color changes in the first week of September.
Oberg Mountain to Lutsen, for example, are already beginning to turn. Look for the Arrowhead and areas near the Boundary Waters to peak by the end of the month. So, if you’re looking for fall colors in Minnesota in September, I recommend heading for the North Shore!
Take a hike in Cascade River State Park or from one of the Superior Hiking Trail trailheads northeast of Minnesota Hwy. 1. Another great way to experience fall colors along the North Shore is a ride on the Summit Express Gondola at Lutsen Mountains resort.
By late September and early October, start looking for fall colors in Minnesota a little farther south.
The St. Croix National Scenic Riverway north of Taylors Falls is always beautiful for autumn colors. Other good options for the middle part of the season include Maplewood State Park near Pelican Rapids and Schoolcraft State Park. Personally, Lake Maria State Park is one of my favorite places to go for mid-autumn tree bathing. The park’s Big Woods remnant forest simply blazes when it peaks in early to mid-October!
Now, you don’t start looking for foliage until mid-October, your best bet is going to be southern Minnesota. The Mississippi River valley tends to hold onto its fall colors for a little longer than other parts of the state - it’s those stubborn oak trees - but Forestville/Mystery Cave and Camden State Parks are also solid late-fall contenders.
You could even use the Foliage Prediction Map to make your plans for packing up the car and heading out on a fall colors road trip. Do you have plans for leaf peeping this fall? Let us know in the comments!
