Fall Color Hikes in the Driftless

Image - friendly stranger

Happy autumn equinox! Despite warm temperatures, autumn colors are just around the corner (we hope!). Here are some of my favorite fall color blufftop hikes in the Driftless region. These favorites usually have fewer views of houses, big box stores and cities and more of bluffs, rivers and natural areas. 

And check out state leaf color forecasts and real-time reports for Minnesota from MN DNR here; Wisconsin from WI DNR here; and Iowa from  IA DNR  here!

Have a great fall!

[Note: Click on the brown titles in bold below to go to a blog post link describing the hikes listed]

Great River Bluffs State Park   43605 Kipp Drive, Winona (off Hwy 90)

This leaf-peepers dream park has moderate trails to many amazing overlooks. These hikes during the fall color season are spectacular. Easy hikes to North and South Overlooks give sweeping views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs. East Overlook and ridge trail along the road to the campground is moderate for elevation gains has glimpses MN bluffs AND Mississippi views. The King's Bluff trails on the north side and Kern lookout off the walk-in campsites also have amazing views and easy trails. Park website. Family friendly.

Beaver Creek Valley State Park, 15954 County 1, Caledonia

Head up onto the rim trails - Hole in the Rock has expansive views of the west rim and northwestern rim; Steep Rock Trail and Switchback trails are both narrow and very steep but the views of the valley and park from the top of each are well worth the climbs. Park website

Sugar Creek Bluff State Natural Area, N. Buck Creek Road Ferryville

Head south on Hwy 35 until about 1 mile south of town and turn left on N. Buck Road. Drive up about a mile until you see a Mississippi Valley Conservancy kiosk on the left.

You start almost at the top of this beautiful mixed savannah/oak prairie and mixed hardwood trail (1.5 miles out and back) that leads out to a spectacular high view of the Mississippi River and MN/IA bluffs in full fall color. There are slight elevation gains on this grass and dirt trail. MVC website Family friendly.

Stoney Point Trail, Vetsch Park, 722 N. 2nd St, La Crescent, MN

Put on those serious hiking boots to scramble up to this iconic La Crescent Overlook. To reach Stoney, you get to hike a large part of the park's trails - always a good thing but you will be going steadily and sometimes steeply up. The views of nearby MN bluffs and Blue Lake as well as my city make this a special fall view and well worth the hike. Website

Apple Blossom Overlook Park, 33642 Cty Rd 1, La Crescent MN
This Winona Co park has a magnificent view of the Mississippi River, WI bluffs, the city of La Crosse, Lock and Dam 7 and the municipal airport. There are also a few outlooks to explore on this oak savannah and hardwood short 2 mile trail system. Be sure to head north after leaving the park on Apple Blossom Scenic Byway - it takes you along the blufftop for more fall color views all the way to Great River Bluffs State Park. Family friendly.

Mathy Quarry, N3065 Cty Road FA, La Crosse WI

The rim trails here give some clear views to the southeast portion on La Crosse County and the fall colors can be breathtaking from the numerous lookouts around the rim. This is easy hiking with a great autumn reward. Family friendly. MVC website

Perrot Park Brady's Bluff Trail, 26247 Sullivan Rd, Trempealeau, WI
The climb is worth the reward. Sweeping views up and down the Mississippi River and over to the MN bluffs covered in a riot of color are breathtaking. Park website

Buena Vista Overlook, on Buena Vista Rd off Cty Rd E, Alma, WI

You can drive up to the top to enjoy colorful views of MN bluffs and the Mississippi River and Alma's lock and dam (family friendly) or hike up from the town below and earn the view! Website

Frontenac State Park, 29223 Cty Rd 28 Blvd, Frontenac MN

Unbelievably wide views of Lake Pepin and the WI and MN bluffs are available at a number of lookouts near the rim parking area and trails connecting from there. Park website. Family friendly.

Yellow River State Forest, Harper's Ferry, IA

The Paint Rock unit and Luster Heights (family friendly) unit have great overlooks with spectacular views of the river and WI bluffs around Harpers Ferry area. The hiking is great as well!

Mt Hosmer Park, 271 Main St, Lansing, IA

Drive up to the top of this city park and walk along the safety fence for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and WI bluffs in a riot of color. Walk along the quiet park road to see huge pines and beautiful views. There are also a few challenging trails with significant elevation gains. Rim walk - family friendly.

Magelssen Bluff, Magelssen, off Hwy 30 east and right on Magelssen Bluff Rd in Rushford MN

You can hike from the bottom to the top or simply drive to the top (family friendly) and gawk at the amazing fall leaf colorama of Rushford and points southeast to southwest at three lookouts. One lookout is just above the "Rushford " letters on the bluff's south slope. But do take time to hike some or all of this well-maintained trail system to enjoy the fall woods (access from the bottom, head to Oak Grove Cemetery in Rushford and park opposite the gate near the trailhead). Rim trails/lookouts are family friendly.

Well, you see I could go on! Suffice it to say that any blufftop hike will wow you. Check out this Big River Magazine article for the many, MANY overlooks on the Upper Mississippi River.

Additional hikes nearby in the Driftless that give you colorful fall views along with views of cities include:

Crown Blvd, La Crosse WI

Greens Coulee, Onalaska WI

Shelby Butterfly Trails, 3701 Old Vineyard Rd, La Crosse, WI 

Miller's Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

Easter Rd (Hass), La Crosse WI

Eagles Bluff Park, La Crescent MN

Grandad Bluff, La Crosse WI (family friendly)

If you don't see YOUR favorite autumn hike/outlook in the list or the Big River Magazine article, please share it in the comments. I love adding to the list and finding new places for some breath-taking leaf-peeping.

All images, unless noted - Marge Loch-Wouters