The leaves are leaving, colors are ripening, the woods are beckoning more than ever. Parts of northern Minnesota already resemble the aftermath of a paint factory explosion in the days to come. Peak color will be making its way southward in the coming weeks, but this might be the weekend to take in an eyeful of color, especially from the Brainerd Lakes into the Arrowhead and North Shore of Minnesota, which is approaching peak color as we speak. Note to self: Sunday will be the nicer day, weatherwise, to drive or hike your way around the North Woods enjoying shades of lemon, rust and pumpkin.
I've posted the latest update from the Minnesota DNR (above) which strongly suggests a drive up Highway 61 past Duluth, stopping in Two Harbors and maybe driving all the way up to Lutsen, Grand Marais and (if you're feeling really adventurous) enjoying peak color near Grand Portage. I suspect it may be worth the trip to drive a little farther north and east this year.
Typical Dates for Peak Color in Minnesota. I suspect the Twin Cities metro is still 1-2 weeks away from peak color, and I'm preparing to lower my expectations a little: this year's drought (worst since 1988) has stressed the trees across much of the state, which implies (some) trees losing their leaves earlier than usual, and the remaining colors may be a bit muted, due to the pervasive dry conditions around the state.
Keep in mind the sun is now as high in the sky as it was back on March 20. Less sunlight and cooling temperatures are a cue that brings about this smorgasbord of color. Leaves stop making food, chlorophyll breaks down, and the greens of summer fade away, revealing underlying pigments of yellow, red and orange. I consider this nature's exclamation point, coming at the end of the hottest summer on record for Minnesota.
Weather has an impact on the progression of colors. Temperatures staying above freezing highlights
"anthocyanin" formation, producing bright reds in maple trees. An early frost can mute those colors some years. And cloudy, rainy days can intensify fall color - another reason why this year's dry pattern may leave some expert leaf-peepers a bit disappointed.
It should still be a very good show, and temperatures running milder than average should make it a lot more enjoyable taking in an eyeful of color in the weeks to come. I'm putting my time and money where my mouth is - heading up to our cabin on Pelican Lake this weekend to check out the colors and disconnect for a couple of days. I'm hoping for a good show. Good luck out there!
