Planet with Sara’s favorite fall hikes on the North Shore

Some of the leaves are already starting to change, and Sara Lynch of Planet with Sara has a list of North Shore hikes that are perfect for the season ahead.

Pincushion Mountain

The Pincushion Mountain hike is just outside of Grand Marais, at the beginning of the Gunflint Trail. There are even great views from the parking lot if someone isn’t able to hike.

“It’s 4 miles round trip,” Lynch said. “And at the midpoint, you get stunning views of Lake Superior. And it’s also a great hike for a little bit later in the fall season because it tends to turn later. And so if you’re heading up north and everything seems like it’s past peak, maybe Pincushion Mountain would be a really great option.”

Oberg Mountain

Oberg Mountain is between Tofte and Lutsen. It’s a popular hike, so Lynch recommends trying to go early in the day or later in the afternoon.

“The views, you just can’t beat,” she said. “You’re immersed, essentially, in the fall leaves. And you come out, and you see Lake Superior and Lake Oberg, and … it’s gorgeous. And it’s very family-friendly.”

White Sky

Lynch says White Sky is the best hike for your ROI.

“It’s less than half a mile, it’s in the Lutsen area, and you hike up — it’s very steep, so it is like a pretty straight shot up. But once you’re up there, it’s one of my favorite views in all of Minnesota,” she said.

Honeymoon Bluff

Honeymoon Bluff is off the Gunflint Trail, and Lynch says it’s another short option.

“It’s just really peaceful and beautiful, and you don’t really see or hear much,” she said. “So you can really immerse in nature and just enjoy the fall views kind of all to yourself.”

See three more of her favorite fall hikes on her blog.