First signs of fall appearing along North Shore

Shorter days and cooler nights signal the arrival of fall along the North Shore.

Over the past couple of weeks, small hints of the changing season have begun to appear — an isolated leaf turning color on a hillside, or a sugar maple standing out among the green vegetation along a Cook County gravel road.

As of the first week of September, the landscape remains mostly green. But here and there, the first colors of fall are starting to emerge.

Many factors influence the timing and vibrancy of fall colors. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the two main factors are day length and dropping temperatures.

Maple tree on September 4 in Cook County | Photo by Kalli Hawkins

As daylight hours shorten in the fall, deciduous trees stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves essential for photosynthesis. With the reduction of chlorophyll, the colors of yellow, orange, and red are then unmasked.

Fall colors in Minnesota typically peak from late September through mid-October, starting in the far northwest and north-central parts of the state and working toward the southeast region. Peak fall color usually lasts about one week in each area but can vary widely depending on location and weather.

As of Sept. 11, the DNR’s fall color finder shows that the majority of the Arrowhead region in northeast Minnesota is 0-10% of peak fall colors, with a small pocket near Two Harbors estimated at 10-25%. The peak color timeline is similar to the past couple of years.

Another factor that can affect the timing and vibrancy of fall colors across Minnesota is drought.

“Severe drought can lessen the brilliance of some colors. It can also cause some trees to drop their leaves or change colors early — or later, depending on the species,” said Brian Schwingle, DNR forest health program consultant. “Likewise, warmer temperatures in September can slightly delay peak color, like during the 2023 drought year.”

As of Sept. 10, northeast Minnesota is classified as in a severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

September 11 DNR fall color finder projection | DNR

Based on historical peak fall color data, the DNR’s fall color finder estimates that peak colors starting in the 50-75% and progressing into the 75-100% will occur at the tail end of September and in the first few days of October.

Peak fall color season tends to be a busy time of year along the North Shore, with residents and visitors spending time outside.

“Autumn is a perfect time to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s public lands,” said Sarah Strommen, DNR commissioner. “Wherever you go in the state, there are so many amazing views to take in. Whatever outdoor recreation you enjoy — hiking, camping, fishing, paddling, hunting — I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy Minnesota this fall.”

Lauren Bennett McGinty, executive director of Explore Minnesota, said the fall season benefits local businesses and helps bring visitors to small towns and communities across the state.

“That’s good news for tourism businesses across the state, many of which now count on fall to carry momentum well past the summer season,” McGinty said. “Whether it’s a scenic drive along the North Shore, a weekend in a small town, or a hike through a state park, we encourage everyone to get out and explore Minnesota this fall.”

Listen below to the latest edition of Trail Time by Marcia Roepke titled ‘Signs of Fall.’

Kalli Hawkins September 12, 2026