Patch Picks: Fall Color Viewing

Meteorologists are predicting what could be the best fall color season to happen in years for Minnesota. Conditions have aligned to possibly make area foliage burst with colors in a vibrant display of red, orange and yellow. Lakeville Patch makes our picks for some of the best nearby parks and trails to enjoy the show.

Ritter Farm Park – The meandering trails of Ritter Farm Park’s 340 acres can provide quiet solitude right in Lakeville’s own backyard. Trails are mostly easy with a few hills and take hikers past apple orchards, meadows, prairie and wooded groves. Panoramic views of Lake Marion afford the best opportunity to soak in the color.

Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve – Mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders can enjoy an umbrella of fall color in Murphy-Hanrehan’s hilly forest. Challenging trails wind through a canopy of thick woods and past many picturesque lakes and ponds just to the northwest of Orchard Lake.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Just up I-35 lies a scenic oasis along the river. The Bloomington Visitor Center is an interesting starting point, especially for children, to learn about terrain and wildlife of the area. Bluff-top trails provide panoramic views of the river valley and chances to sight numerous wildlife.

Afton State Park – Few views rival the St. Croix River valley as seen from the hillsides of Afton State Park in the fall. The park features 20 miles of rugged hiking trails and 4 miles of paved trails that provide excellent places to take in the wash of color. Stately oaks dominate the ravines while grassy hill-tops provide a birds-eye view.

Nerstrand State Park – Just south of Northfield, Nerstrand State Park explodes with color in the fall as one of the last stands of the “Big Woods” comes alive in orange, red and gold. Eleven miles of trails lead through the picturesque maple-basswood forest and visitors can linger at Hidden Falls for a special treat.