BY LAURA GRUHLKE | Arts & Entertainment Reporter | The Statesman Fall is officially here and we don’t have much time until the leaves fall off the trees and a glaze of snow replaces them.
This year in Duluth we have been fortunate to have the leaves stay on the trees a little longer and they are just now starting to turn.
If you are looking to get out and enjoy the beautiful scenery there are some great places in the area to do just that. Gene Shaw, the director of public relations at Visit Duluth, helped me locate some of the picture-perfect spots to check out the fall colors.
The closest spot to campus is the Bagley Nature Center. Not only are there a variety of hiking trails on campus but there is also a lookout on the top of the hill behind parking lot U. Both offer some amazing views overlooking the trees.
Less than a mile from campus is Chester Park, where there are 2.5 miles of hiking trails along Chester Creek. There are lots of spots to stop along the trail and observe Mother Nature and the best part is that it is all within walking distance from campus.
To venture farther off campus you can take a trip to Enger Tower.
“The best thing that Enger Tower has to offer is the full 360-degree view overlooking the city,” Shaw said.
Shaw made a strong suggestion that if you have a car and are looking to take a drive and catch some of the colors that Skyline Parkway will give you some of the best views.
Along Skyline there are a couple destinations that deserve a stop.
The Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is about a 15-minute drive east from campus. Along with over four miles of hiking trails and killer views, there are observation spots to see some of the hawks and eagles in the area.
Just past the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve you will run into Seven Bridges Road at the end of Skyline Parkway. Located in Amity Creek, there are some stellar trails with bridges that go over Lester River.
To the west side of Skyline there is Stewart Creek Bridge. Right where Skyline and Stewart Creek cross there is a beautifully designed bridge that is definitely picture-worthy.
If you continue to head west down Skyline you will run into Magney-Snively Natural Area. Here they have over four miles of trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.
To get more of a variety of fall colors, take a drive up the north shore. Gooseberry Falls is a great destination to grasp all the fall colors and capture some vivid scenery. The state park features over 20 miles of trails and scenic waterfalls to enjoy as well.
With the leaves finally beginning to change colors and winter knocking on the door, Shaw said that you only have a short amount of time to get out and enjoy the fall colors before the leaves are completely gone.