Chasing Autumn: Fall Colors Arriving in the Northfield Area

Editor’s note: If you have fantastic photos of fall foliage, add them to the Northfield Pics & Clips gallery.

The leaves are beginning to change color here and there around the state, and staff at Minnesota state parks are keeping you in the know when it comes to fall foliage.

Minnesota parks staff are posting fall color reports online, and will continue to update the website by noon every Thursday.

As in past years, these reports will include percent of color change, peak color projections, flowers and grasses in bloom, and three parks considered "hot picks" of the week.

The DNR also offers fall colors "to go" on a mobile website compatible with smart phones and tablets. The mobile fall color reports include percent of color change, integrated with Google maps.

"The fall colors are arriving right on schedule in northern Minnesota, and they're making their way south," said Jana Albers, forest health specialist for the DNR's Forestry Division. "We had a decent amount of rain in August across much of the state, and if the sunshine and cool nights continue in September, that's the ideal recipe for fall color. There are already splashes of color wherever you go, and it's only going to get better in the weeks to come."

• Colors typically peak in the northern third of Minnesota is between mid-September and early October.
• In the central third of the state colors typically peak between late September and early October.
• Color typically peaks here in the lower third of the state between late September and mid-October.

Nerstrand Big-Woods State Park is 25-50 percent changed, flower color is 75-100 percent changed and grass color is between 10-25 percent to peak.

Where to go: Take a hike along Fawn trail or drive County Road 29 through the park to see the colors emerging from the Maples and Oaks.

What you'll see: The Asters remain the most vibrant of the flowers in the park. The Goldenrod and Sunflowers, though still visible are about past peak. In the open grassy prairie, Closed Blue Gentians can be found as well as Big Blue Stem and Indian Grass. The tree line within the park has burst into fall color mode. The understory of the woods is changing slowly, and is predominately shades of yellow and green.

Also of interest: What a perfect time of year to visit! Whether you are looking to take a tranquil hike amidst the fall backdrop or spend a peaceful night or two camping beneath the trees with owls and coyotes singing you to sleep. You will find a wonderful fall experience here, and we looking forward to your visit.

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