Ride Through Mesabi Trail’s Fall Colors
Discover the Midwest’s best fall bike rides in Northern Minnesota. The leaves start turning in late August and reach their peak in mid-October. It’s well worth the trip from the Midwest if you live near Illinois, Wisconsin, or Iowa. All you need to enjoy this brilliant show is your bike, a Wheel Pass, and a free Mesabi Trail Map to plan ahead.
What makes the Mesabi Trail a great place to see fall colors?
In a word: Variety. The 165-mile paved trail curves through 28 charming small towns flanked by mine pits and natural lakes, bridges, rivers, and wildlife of all stripes—birds, bears, deer, and an abundance of smaller critters, like weasels, flying squirrels, moose, and chipmunks. Circling above, you’ll spot birds like the Black-capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Loons, Eagles, and Blue Jays.
The Mesabi Trail’s forests feature a mix of northern hardwoods and boreal species that create the brilliant fall color displays visitors see each autumn across the Iron Range. The table below highlights several of the most common trees riders will encounter along the trail and the colors they contribute to the landscape. It’s a paradise for cyclists, photographers, and nature lovers.
Mesabi Trail Shuttle Service
The Mesabi Trail Shuttle Service is available from Grand Rapids to Ely. The shuttles accommodate four bikes, passengers, and your gear per trip. (For larger groups, please call for pricing and availability.)
For more information, email the shuttle service or view the schedule online.
Tree Guide: Fall Colors on the Mesabi Trail
| Tree Name | Typical Fall Color | Description |
|---|---|---|
Sugar Maple |
Orange / Red |
Produces some of the most vibrant fall colors in Minnesota, with brilliant orange and deep red leaves that stand out in mixed hardwood forests. |
Red Maple |
Scarlet / Crimson |
Known for striking red foliage that often appears early in the fall season, especially in moist forest areas and wetlands. |
Paper Birch |
Golden Yellow |
Bright yellow leaves glow against the tree’s distinctive white bark and create beautiful contrasts with darker evergreens. |
Quaking Aspen |
Bright Yellow |
Aspen groves turn luminous yellow in autumn and shimmer in the wind, lighting up hillsides across the Iron Range. |
Tamarack (Eastern Larch) |
Golden |
One of the few conifer trees that changes color. Tamarack needles turn bright gold before dropping in late fall. |
Northern Red Oak |
Deep Red / Rust |
Leaves turn rich red and russet tones later in the season, extending the fall color display into October. |
Basswood |
Soft Yellow |
Basswood trees produce pale yellow foliage that blends with birch and maple forests along the Mesabi Trail corridor. |
Balsam Poplar |
Light Yellow |
Often found near lakes and wetlands, these trees add lighter yellow tones that brighten mixed forest areas. |
Wheel Passes
Before you hop on the trail, grab a wheel pass, which is required for anyone 18 and older using the Mesabi Trail. You can buy an annual pass online, purchase one from a wheel pass vendor, or use the self-pay boxes.
Main Trail Segments and Attractions
The Mesabi Trail spans four segments (Mississippi, Mesabi, Laurentian, and Vermilion). See below. We’ve added a few popular attractions that the whole family will enjoy. For more information, order a free trail map.
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Mississippi — Grand Rapids to Coleraine
Forest History Center
Step into Minnesota’s logging past at this living history museum along the Mesabi Trail. Recreated camps and exhibits bring the Iron Range timber industry to life, making it a unique and educational stop on your ride.
Mississippi River (Grand Rapids Area)Ride alongside the Mississippi River near its headwaters on this scenic stretch of the Mesabi Trail. This section offers peaceful forest riding, river views, and easy access points for a relaxing stop.
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Mesabi — Mountain Iron to Virginia
Iroquois Mine Lake
This striking former mine pit features vivid turquoise water and steep rock walls, creating one of the most visually unique sections of the Mesabi Trail. It’s a memorable highlight for riders traveling through the Iron Range.
Olcott Park (Virginia)Take a break at this beautifully maintained park just off the Mesabi Trail. Gardens, fountains, and shaded walking paths make it a perfect stop to relax and recharge during your ride.
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Laurentian — Gilbert to Embarrass
Gilbert OHV Recreation Area
Experience a different side of Iron Range recreation at this expansive off-highway vehicle park near the Mesabi Trail. Scenic overlooks and rugged terrain provide a contrast to the paved trail experience.
Giants Ridge Recreation AreaOne of the premier outdoor recreation destinations along the Mesabi Trail, Giants Ridge offers mountain biking, golf, and sweeping views of northern Minnesota forests. It’s a great place to stop and explore beyond the trail.
Embarrass Heritage MuseumDiscover the Finnish heritage of the Iron Range at this collection of preserved homesteads and exhibits. It’s a quiet and authentic stop that adds cultural depth to your Mesabi Trail ride.
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Vermilion — Tower to Grand Rapids
North American Bear Center
Get an up-close look at black bears in a natural forested habitat near Ely. This popular attraction offers an educational and memorable wildlife experience along the Mesabi Trail.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area WildernessFinish your Mesabi Trail ride at the edge of one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the United States. Known for its lakes, forests, and remote beauty, the Boundary Waters is a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
High-Tech Navigation
For high-tech wayfinding, download RideWithGPS to your smartphone. It provides a map, mileage for the tail segments, and elevation details.
Plan Ahead, and Request a Free Trail Map
Get the most out of your Mesabi Trail fall color adventure with a free trail map. It shows distances, elevations, and the best pit stops for steaming hot chocolate. The packet also includes visitors’ guides to Grand Rapids and the Iron Range. We’re overwhelmed with requests this time of year, so please allow one to two weeks for delivery.
The Mesabi Trail has been funded in part by the LCCMR and the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
