There’s something about fall on Minnesota’s North Shore that makes you want to get outside and stay there a little longer.
The air turns crisp. The forest shifts from green to brilliant shades of red, orange and gold. Water rushes through rocky riverbeds, Lake Superior stretches endlessly toward the horizon, and every trail seems to lead to another spectacular view.
And when you stay at Cove Point Lodge, you’re right in the middle of it all.
Located along Highway 61 near Beaver Bay, Cove Point Lodge is an ideal home base for exploring some of the most iconic fall hikes, waterfalls, scenic overlooks and state parks on the North Shore. From a quick morning walk to an all-day adventure, there’s no shortage of ways to experience fall outdoors.
Hike Into Fall Color
Autumn is one of the best times to explore the North Shore on foot. Cooler temperatures make for comfortable hiking, while the changing forest creates a completely different experience from summer.
One of the easiest places to start is right at Cove Point Lodge.
The Cove Point Loop connects with the Superior Hiking Trail and offers a chance to step directly into the woods from the lodge. The full loop is about six miles and includes rocky, sometimes steep terrain, while a shorter option gives you a taste of the trail without committing to a full day.
For a bigger adventure, follow the Superior Hiking Trail toward Split Rock Ridge, where elevated sections of trail offer sweeping views over Lake Superior and the surrounding forest.
And if you’re looking for a hike that rewards every step, make time for the Bean and Bear Loop. This moderate-to-difficult hike climbs through the forest and across rocky terrain before opening up to spectacular views of Lake Superior, Bean Lake and Bear Lake. In fall, the combination of colorful forest, rugged ridges and blue water is hard to beat.
Chase Waterfalls
Fall may be known for foliage, but the North Shore’s waterfalls deserve just as much attention.
Some of the best are only minutes from Cove Point Lodge.
Split Rock Falls is a beautiful stop along the Superior Hiking Trail, featuring a 20-foot waterfall surrounded by forest and accessed near the Split Rock River pullout.
Just north of the lodge, Tettegouche State Park offers several waterfall and hiking options. The park’s dramatic landscape includes the Baptism River, rocky overlooks and trails ranging from shorter walks to more challenging hikes.
Then there’s Gooseberry Falls State Park, one of the North Shore’s most recognizable destinations. Explore the trails around the Gooseberry River, watch the waterfalls tumble through the gorge and continue toward Lake Superior and Agate Beach. The Minnesota DNR also highlights Gooseberry Falls as one of the North Shore’s key waterfall destinations.
Explore the North Shore’s State Parks
You could spend days exploring the state parks along Lake Superior, each offering its own combination of forest, rivers, waterfalls, cliffs and shoreline.
From Cove Point Lodge, some of the most accessible include:
- Gooseberry Falls State Park — waterfalls, river trails, Lake Superior shoreline and Agate Beach.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — dramatic shoreline scenery, hiking trails and views of one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks.
- Tettegouche State Park — rugged hiking, waterfalls, inland lakes and spectacular Lake Superior overlooks.
- George Crosby Manitou State Park — a more secluded wilderness experience with rugged trails and waterfalls.
- Cascade River State Park — forested trails, cascading water and beautiful autumn scenery.
The North Shore is home to eight state parks, creating an incredible collection of places to explore during a fall getaway.
Look Up. Look Out. Look Around.
One of the best parts of hiking the North Shore in fall is that the views aren’t limited to the trail in front of you.
Climb a ridge and look across a sea of autumn color. Follow a river through a canyon of birch and maple. Stop at an overlook and watch the waves roll across Lake Superior.
The landscape changes constantly.
And because fall color doesn’t arrive everywhere at once, you can often find something spectacular no matter when you visit. Inland forests typically begin changing earlier, while the birch and aspen along the Lake Superior shoreline can bring a later wave of color.
For the latest conditions, the Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder is a great tool for seeing where color is progressing across the state.
Make Cove Point Lodge Your North Shore Home Base
After a day of hiking, waterfall chasing and exploring state parks, there’s something pretty great about coming back to a place where you can slow down.
At Cove Point Lodge, you’re surrounded by the landscape you came to experience. Spend the evening along the shore, relax by the fireplace, enjoy dinner at Mickey’s Fish House, or simply take in the quiet of Lake Superior.
Because a North Shore fall getaway isn’t just about checking destinations off a list.
It’s about getting outside. Taking the long way. Finding one more overlook. Standing beside a waterfall. Watching the leaves move across the hills.
And then coming back to Cove Point Lodge and doing it all again tomorrow.
Plan Your Fall North Shore Adventure
Whether you’re planning a weekend of hiking, a waterfall road trip, a state park getaway or simply a few days surrounded by fall color, Cove Point Lodge puts you close to some of the best outdoor adventures on Minnesota’s North Shore.
Bring your hiking boots. Bring your camera. Leave a little room in the itinerary for wandering.
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