As the crisp air and vibrant hues of autumn arrive, there’s no better place to experience the magic of fall than Voyageurs National Park. Named one of the top national parks to see fall foliage by Forbes and Outside Magazine, this hidden gem in Minnesota offers breathtaking landscapes far from the crowds. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a paddle enthusiast, or a nature photographer, Voyageurs’ stunning fall colors and mosaic of waterways make it an ideal destination.
Here’s why Voyageurs National Park should be at the top of your fall travel list, along with the best ways to experience the season’s beauty.
Why Voyageurs National Park is a Top Destination for Fall Colors
Located along the northern border Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is nestled between the southern boreal and northern hardwoods forest types. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of maple, aspen, and birch trees are ablaze and reflect off the park’s five large lakes and 26 interior lakes.
One of the best things about visiting Voyageurs in the fall? Unlike other parks that see large crowds during peak colors, visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery of Minnesota’s national park without the hustle and bustle.
The Best Ways to Experience Fall Colors in Voyageurs National Park
Whether you prefer hiking, boating, or fishing, Voyageurs National Park offers a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.
Credit: Halie Saferstein
Hike the Scenic Trails
Voyageurs is home to 15 hiking trails that showcase the park’s fall colors from multiple perspectives. Here are the top five fall hikes you won’t want to miss:
1. Blind Ash Bay Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 1-3 Hours
Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center
Blind Ash Bay Trail offers spectacular views of fall colors reflected in Kabetogama Lake. The trail winds through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rocky outcrops, make it a must-see for fall hikers. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer and waterfowl.
2. Echo Bay Trail
Distance: 2.5 mile (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 40-120 Minutes
Location: Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
This loop trail is relatively easy and offers excellent opportunities to experience Voyageurs’ fall splendor. Deciduous and coniferous trees paint the landscape - with golden hues of aspen and birch to the deep greens of pines. Echo Bay is a great spot for birdwatching during fall migration, with many species passing through on their journey south.
3. Kab-Ash Trail
Distance: 27.9 miles (one-way)
Difficulty: Moderate, some areas have thick vegetation can become overgrown quickly.
Duration: 1-5 Days
Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center, Ash River Community, Ash River Trail, Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
As one of the longest trail systems in the park, Kab-Ash Trail offers a more challenging hiking experience with multiple access points, allowing hikers to choose different sections. The trail passes through dense forests and open ridges make it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude in nature. The Kab-Ash Trail features 2 primitive campsites and is the only trail system featuring a backcountry camping experience that doesn’t require a boat to access.
Kab-Ash Trail, Credit: Tom Gable
4. Beaver Pond Overlook Trail
Distance: 0.4-mile (round-trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 10-30 minutes
Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center
This short, round-trip hike leads to a stunning overlook of a beaver pond, framed by autumn leaves. The trail is relatively easy, making it accessible for hikers of all levels. The pond is often a hotspot for wildlife activity, including beavers, ducks, and even the occasional moose!
5. Locator Lake Trail
Distance: 4 miles (roundtrip)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Duration: 2-5 hours
Location: Kabetogama Lake, only accessible by boat
This 2-mile trail takes you through a mix of forested areas and rocky terrain, leading to the southern shoreline Locator Lake. The hike is moderately difficult, making it ideal for those looking for a bit of a challenge without being too strenuous. For those looking to extend their adventure, Locator Lake is a popular spot for fishing and canoeing, allowing visitors to enjoy the fall colors from the water as well. Park reservations are required to rent a canoe and camp on the interior lakes.
Credit: Todd Maddison
Explore by Boat
One of the most unique features of Voyageurs National Park is that it’s accessed primarily by water. Boating in the fall provides a serene way to take in the park’s beauty. There are trails and visitor centers that are accessible by land, but to fully experience the park’s magnificence you will want to get on the water.
Near the end of September, boaters and paddlers should be aware of cold water temperatures. If you are renting or bringing your own boat, make sure you are familiar with the park’s navigation systems. In addition, park buoys are typically removed in early October, making lake navigation challenging. If you are not comfortable operating a motorized boat, check out the park’s tour boat programs and gateway community guide services to get you on the water!
Credit: Steve Brown
Cast a Line
If you love fishing, fall is the perfect time to visit Voyageurs. Cooler temperatures bring fish closer to the surface, making it an ideal time for anglers. The park holds over fifty-four fish species including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and black crappie. Whether you’re fishing from a boat, canoe, or the park’s Rainy Lake Fishing Pier, it’s hard to beat fall fishing!
Visitors fishing within Voyageurs National Park must obtain a State of Minnesota Fishing license. Make sure to visit the park’s website for fishing regulations for large and interior lakes. The Minnesota DNR also offers a free online tool, LakeFinder, that displays detailed information about what types of fish you can find in a particular area, fishing regulations, water access sites, lake maps and more.
Credit: Todd Burlett
Don’t Miss the Night Show: Dark Skies and Northern Lights
The magic of Voyageurs doesn’t end when the sun goes down. As one of the nation’s certified International Dark Sky Parks, Voyageurs offers some of the best stargazing opportunities in the country. With the longer nights of fall, visitors have a chance to witness the expansive Milky Way, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service secured the park’s Dark Sky Park certification in 2020. Our ongoing dedication to protecting dark skies ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy these stellar night shows. Click here learn to where to stargaze in the park and how you appreciate the wonders of the night sky.
Seasonal Tips for Your Fall Voyageurs Trip
While Voyageurs National Park is open year-round, some visitor centers and amenities close or limit operations toward the end of September. Be sure to check the park’s website for seasonal hours before planning your trip.
A limited number of guided tours are offered by the National Park Service or you can hire a local guide for a tour or angling services. Fall can be a short season in Voyageurs as cold weather arrives quickly. Dress in layers, as fall days can be warm, but nights tend to be cool.
Also, don’t forget your camera! The fall colors in Voyageurs National Park are a photographer’s dream, with opportunities to capture the vibrant hues against the backdrop of pristine lakes and forests. Check out the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder to for color forecasts and fall-ow along on our social media accounts, @voyageursconservancy, for more fall updates and stunning photos of the park’s autumn beauty.
Whether you’re seeking solitude in nature, looking for a family-friendly adventure, or hoping to catch the perfect shot of fall foliage, Voyageurs National Park is a hidden gem in northern Minnesota.
Connect with Voyageurs Conservancy
Voyageurs Conservancy is committed to enhancing the visitor experience and protecting the park for future generations. Through initiatives like the Love Your Park programming, the Conservancy offers year-round guided hikes, paddles, citizen science projects, and other events that immerse visitors in the natural wonders of Minnesota’s only national park.
We are the official nonprofit partner of Voyageurs National Park. Our work exists because of conservation-minded friends like you. By joining us, you are protecting and enhancing 218,000 acres of untamed wild. Learn more about our impact here. Thank You!
