Fall is rolling in brimming with pumpkin spice, Halloween vibes and temperatures drift to milder. Colorful fall leaves too! Or wait… not quite yet! (In fact fall colors won’t peak until October!)
Color tip: farther north will get color sooner and peak earlier than mid state. The last to turn will be the southern part of the state. Keep an eye out for maples (they will show reds, oranges & yellows), aspen and birch (golden yellows), oaks (reds & reddish browns), and ginkgos (yellow – they are non native, you’ll likely find them in a neighbor’s garden vs in nature) will give you loads of color.
Serviceberry and other flowering & fruiting trees will give you a range of color from yellow to red.
While you wait for those lovely colors to pop, head out to one of the bazillion parks the state has to offer.
Minnesota parks to check out this fall:
Warner Lake County Park – Clearwater
There are approx 5 miles of trails that weave their way through Warner Lake County Park. There is a beach with a dog friendly area but be aware if the temps are toasty, there will be ample people dipping their toes into the water. There is a 2.1 mile loop that will bring you around the lake as well as other trails that meander throughout the park. Check out the summer map for all the trails at Warner Lake.
Weekends potentially will be busier than weekdays, keep in mind if you have a pup that gets overwhelmed by people or dogs.
Ranger at Heritage Park!
Heritage Park – St. Cloud
A forgotten gem. Tucked behind the skate park and next to the Stearns History Museum, this park meanders up and down hills and over bridges. Honestly I totally forget this park is here but it is a lovely sprawling park that is perfect for a crisp fall walk with your dog. The trail loops a simple 1.4 miles and is rated as easy.
Lake Maria State Park – Monticello
Tucked just outside of Monticello, Lake Maria State Park is home to one of the few remaining stands of “Big Woods,” a maple, oak and basswood forest that once covered part of southern Minnesota. There are a nice collection of trails within the park – from a rugged 1.75 mile loop to the 5.5 mile loop that brings you through the big woods. The summer map will get you pointed in the right direction!
Oooo: the 2 mile Bjorkland Trail is on the Hiking Club Trail list!
Crow-Hassan Park Reserve – Rogers
A large park with many miles of on leash hiking for you and your pup. Here’s the map of ALL the trails! There is also a large off leash dog area that follows along the Crow River. Park at either parking lot and start your adventure! This park may get busier on the weekends, though with ample trails you may not run into many people.
Kaedo at Hidden Falls!
Hidden Falls Regional Park – St. Paul
A quaint gem with 6.7 miles of paved trails throughout the park, a massive rocky shoreline (across from Minnehaha dog park) and an adorable little man made waterfall nestled in trees. Stroll along the river or pick a path that weaves through the trees. Ample leafy trees means this park ought to show a ton of color during peak season!
Fort Snelling State Park – St. Paul
A shorter drive from St. Paul (15 mins) lands you at the historic Fort Snelling State Park. Make sure to see the amazing floodplain forest and marvel at the joining of the Mississippi River and Minnesota Rivers. Choose your adventure – trail loops range from 1 to 3 miles! Use the map to plan your adventure!
Tip: dogs need to be on 6 ft leashes or shorter and aren’t allowed in buildings or on the beaches.
Afton State Park – Hastings
Roughly 30 mins from St. Paul and known mostly for the ski resort, Afton State Park is equally as awesome. There are prairies, oak savannas and view of the St. Croix River. There are many trails that loop along the river from the easy 0.8 mile North River Trail to the rolling 2.1 mile Prairie Loop. Up for more adventure? Check out the two steep terrain loops! All the trails are here in the summer map!
Tips for Hiking with Your Dog in Fall:
-
Leash Requirements: Keep your dog on leash unless in a designated off leash area. Double check the park’s rules to see if you need to adhere to a length (6ft and under etc).
-
POO BAGS: Shit happens. Pick it up and carry on, no one wants to see another dog’s pile!
-
Hydration: Bring water for both you and your dog, especially on warmer days.
-
Trail Etiquette: Yield to other hikers and bikers, and keep your dog under control.
From hidden Twin Cities gems to St. Cloud trails, fall is made for dog adventures! Where would your pup dash first? Comment below, then let’s make it a photo adventure you’ll both remember forever!
