North shore of Lake Superior
 

Having just read a column in our local paper which described a hiking trip to some of the state parks along the north shore, I am considering a trip for my wife and me. It sounded to be really inviting. Not knowing the area, what is the best time of year outside of winter? We try to do our trips in September. Is October starting to turn cold that far north? What is it like in early June? Thanks to anyone familiar with the area.

jim

I grew up on the North Shore of MN and go back often and I am sure you would love it as there are lots of beautiful spots to hike and some lovely state parks. It is busiest in July and Aug. and that is the warmest weather also (although this summer has been very cool, but Sept. is often very nice and the colors can be beautiful in mid to late Sept. Maybe even earlier this year since it is a cool summer. I would think October would be getting very cold so I don't think that would be the best time for you to go to the North Shore.

3rd or 4th week of September would be best. It's usually still comfortably warm during the day, cool at night and dry. By that time, most of the bugs are not much of an issue.

June tends to be fairly rainy and there will he a lot of mosquitos and other biting insects. The waterfalls would be more impressive then vs. fall though.

October can be nice if you get lucky. I believe the fall color peak is around the end of September/early October...but I wouldn't risk waiting until October.

Fall color along the North Shore is somewhat irregular. The leaves will be turning color inland before they turn right along the shore because the lake moderates the temps enough to delay fall color within a few miles of the coast.

Fall weekends in late September are pretty busy, so if you can take a weeklong trip, you'll find it much quieter during the week. Get an annual pass if you're going to more than 4 state parks (I think there are 7 along the North Shore). If you had a whole week you could drive all the way to Grand Portage and back down to Duluth, plus have time for a side trip to Ely and drive the Gunflint Trail.

Thanks to those who responded to my question on the North shore of Lake Superior. I really appreciate the info. Sorry to be so late in thanking you, but I have been away and quite busy.

jim

You asked about June. I was in Duluth this year in mid-June; took a drive up along the north shore. Weather was IMO wonderful.

go for the surfing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qg4gKXbBss