Fall is here, and the leaves are starting to put on a show around Rochester, Minnesota! If you want to get outside, go for a peaceful walk, and enjoy the crisp autumn air, here are five of our favorite local trails with the best views of the changing leaves.
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Gamehaven Park
Gamehaven Park is located in southeast Rochester at the Gamehaven Lake Reservoir. With miles of trails meandering through the woods and near the water, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy the fresh, fall air. Gamehaven also has a disc-golf course, nature playground, mountain biking trails, picnic areas, and fishing if you’re looking to spend a longer afternoon outdoors.
Izaak Walton Wetlands
Located in southwest Rochester, the Izaak Walton Wetlands is a 27-acre nature preserve stewarded by the Rochester chapter of the Izaak Walton League. The George Poch Nature Trail runs throughout the preserve and is a roughly one-mile easy walking loop that even includes a bird-watching stand.
Root River Park
Root River Park is located in southeast Rochester and includes a 2-mile hiking trail loop that winds through the meadows and wooded hills along the Root River. The park also offers a variety of picnic areas, fire pits, and fishing, making it one of our favorite local trails to enjoy the fall leaves.
Indian Heights Park
Encompassing 40 acres of wooded trails, Indian Heights Park is a historical site tucked into the Elton Hills neighborhood of northwest Rochester. Home to an oak savannah, the park offers some of the best fall views in town, with vibrant leaves along the trail. While enjoying the leaves, make sure to also check out the city skyline view that can be seen from a lookout point along the trail.
Quarry Hill Park
Likely the most well-known place to enjoy the changing fall leaves, Quarry Hill Park is a 320-acre park with more than eight miles of paved, grassy, and rugged trails, making it easily accessible for a variety of ages. The park also features a nature center with local wildlife exhibits. Some of the best leaf views can be found around the pond and on the wooded trails leading up to the limestone fossil quarry.
Note: While these are five of our favorite local parks to watch the colors change, Rochester also has more than 85 miles of paved trails to explore. Winding through every corner of the city, these paths offer a front-row seat to diverse landscapes and beautiful views. So pick a starting point, take a walk, and soak in everything our beautiful town has to offer!
