10 Stunning North Shore Fall Hikes

Photo By: Shrpa

If fall colors, vibrant views, and nature photography are your passion, then these 10 Lake County hiking destinations will satisfy your wild spirit—and your Instagram followers.

Superior Hiking Trail: Wolf Rock Overlook

Hikers can take in gorgeous North Shore views at the Wolf Rock Overlook near Two Harbors. The trail‘s elevation inclines over 200 ft. within a half-mile. Reach the summit, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the big lake, and Crow Creek.

Split Rock River Loop

Photographers love to capture Split Rock’s beauty in the fall when surrounded by colorful maple trees. Hit the trail from the Highway 61 parking area and hike upstream along the Split Rock River. Cross a little footbridge and head back toward Lake Superior on the opposite river bank.

Palisade Head

The striking view from the high cliffs at Palisade Head (part of Tettegouche State Park) remains one of the best Lake Superior scenic views of the North Shore. Drive up to the top or hike from up from the roadside. Gaze for miles in either direction or set up your camera for a panoramic capture.

Shovel Point (Tettegouche State Park)

Notable for its majestic scenic vistas, the hike along the shore to Shovel Point in Tettegouche State Park is a top fall colors destination. The hour-long trek captures many gorgeous views, starting just a few minutes down the trail with an overlook of the Baptism River mouth and a glimpse of Palisade Head.

From behind the visitor center, take a left to the trailhead and walk through tall pines along Superior’s rugged shoreline cliffs. You’ll meet a series of wooden stairs where you can stop to relax and take it all in. At the far end of the trail, you can walk out onto a balcony for a big lake view.

Photo By: Shrpa

Bean & Bear Lakes

The Bean and Bear Loop has become a wildly popular North Shore fall hike. Just north of Silver Bay, hit the Superior Hiking Trail at Penn Blvd. trailhead in Silver Bay and hike north about three and a half miles to arrive at lovely Bean and Bear lakes. The entire hike totals about 6.5 miles.

Fantasia Overlook

The Silver Bay to Caribou Falls section of the SHT totals a nearly 7-mile hike leading to Highway 6. However, if you hike for a mile, you’ll find a half-mile spur trail leading to the Fantasia Overlook, which delivers beautiful views of Lake Superior and a beaver pond.

North Shore Scenic Lookout

As you drive down Outer Drive in Silver Bay, swing a left turn on City Shop Road, to find a short spur trail leading to the Cliff’s Mining North Shore Scenic Overlook. Experience two dynamic views, one of the city and the other a panoramic view of Lake Superior.

Photo By: Cascade Vacation Rentals

Section 13 Cliffs: Superior Hiking Trail

Explore this 2.8-mile out-and-back section of the Superior Hiking Trail near Finland, Minnesota. It is considered a moderately challenging trek that takes just over an hour to complete. Reaching the Section 13 cliffs, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views overlooking Sawmill Creek and Baptism River Valleys.

Visit LovinLakeCounty.com to check out all 10 Stunning North Shore Fall Hikes.