Fall Colors

Rustic Road & Minocqua Fall Color Tours

A jaunt along Rustic Road 58, one of three such state-certified routes in the area, meanders through hardwood and fragrant pine forests, crosses two burbling creeks, one with two beaver lodges, then rolls through cedar lowlands. Rustic Road 60, north of Arbor Vitae, winds through a slice of the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest, where you're bound to spot a plethora of wildlife, plus leads you past the Minocqua area's numerous sparkling, blue lakes.

In the fall, capture the breathtaking beauty of the bright reds, vivid yellows, and warm oranges reflecting off the sparkling water of area lakes, arching over our three local state-certified rustic roads or along the hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails.

Generally, peak colors can be seen between the last two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October. Make plans to stay in the area while visiting the local Colorama celebrations, and you will be sure to experience the glory of the Northwoods in the fall.

Stop by the Visitors Center for information about fall color tours, as well as trail and area maps.

Colorama Tours

Colorama Tour #1

Colorama Tour #2

Colorama Tour #3

Rustic Roads

These rustic roads are a beautiful drive year-round, but the fall colors really make these rustic routes extra majestic.

Rustic Road 58

Fall in the Forest in Northern WisconsinWith approximately 9.6 miles of paved roadway, R-58 skirts many scenic Northwood’s lakes as it winds through scenic pine and hardwood forests. This route also crosses a railroad bed that was used in the 1800's as a mainline to Minocqua, which has now been converted to the Bearskin State Trail for hiking and biking.

Directions

Rustic Road 59

Lakeside Fall ColorsWith a narrow gravel road bed that is much less traveled than Blue Lake Road, R-59 offers frequent glimpses of native wildlife, hidden flashes of early homesteading cabins and great views of shady, tall pines and colorful hardwoods. This trip is approximately 4.5 miles long.

Directions

Rustic Road 60

Fall Colors by the LakeThis winding route travels through the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest. Canopies of coniferous and hardwood trees enhance the scenic beauty of R-60 as it passes near old logging camp sites, hiking trails and an old saw mill located in Star Lake. The entire stretch of this scenic drive traverses heavily wooded areas abundant with wildlife. R-60 offers frequent scenic vistas of numerous, clear Northwoods lakes and dense forestland.

Directions

Fall in Minocqua

Fall Getaways Start Here

From scenic drives and colorful hikes to cozy cabins and seasonal adventures, fall in the Minocqua Area is full of reasons to get away. Explore our fall travel guides for inspiration to make the most of the season Up North!

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Where to Launch Your Canoe or Kayak This Fall

September 8, 2023

Oneida and Vilas counties are home to one of the highest concentrations of freshwater, so there’s an abundance of scenic waters to explore in a kayak or canoe. That’s especially true in fall when Mother Nature paints the Northwoods of Wisconsin in a stunning palette of reds, yellows, and oranges.
Here’s a look at some great area paddling lakes to discover this fall.

Bittersweet Lakes Natural Area

Part of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, this natural area just east of Arbor Vitae is home to four non-motor lakes that provide a peaceful paddling experience. The lakes range in size from 30 acres (Prong Lake) to 104 acres (Bittersweet Lake) and are connected by short overland portages. The
area is about 3 miles from end to end (including lakes and portages) and can be paddled in a few hours.

Madeline Lake

This 172-acre lake east of Woodruff sits on the border of Oneida and Vilas counties in northern Wisconsin and offers a serene, scenic paddling experience. Canoers and kayakers looking to extend their paddling adventure can reach neighboring Carrol Lake via a channel on the eastern end of Madeline Lake. A public boat landing can be found off Madeline Lake Road on the west side of the lake.

Hemlock Lake

This smaller (38 acres) lake east of Minocqua is a great place for paddlers, as there is a canoe/kayak slide to help you launch your boat at the public boat landing off Woodruff Road.

Where can I rent canoes and kayaks?
Several area businesses offer canoe and kayak rentals (as well as rentals of boats, jet skis, and other watercraft), including:

The Beacons of Minocqua
Chequamegon Adventure Company
Coontail
Indian Shores RV Resort & Campground

Many local lodging properties also offer the use of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for guests to use. Browse our lodging listings to find more information.