Thinking about heading up to the BWCA on October 7th. Will the leaves in the BWCA be gone by then? I wanted to go a week earlier to see them in full color but that isn't going to work.

Hard to say. Seems like the peak has been later the last few years. I used to think the last week of September was the average peak time, but the last few years it seems early October was better.

It’s usually the week before or the first week in October. I’m banking on the first week in October.

I was there last year at that time. Seemed like the peak was just over then

I think it depends on where you go too. I don't know the best spots but I can tell you I didn't think too much of Brule the last time I went the 1st weekend in October. It was not very good colors.

The Mudro area usually has great color as well as all along the Echo Trial.

It varies so much. In 2013, about a week into October we didn't have much color on the lakes but the drive from Ely to Virginia was amazing. The trees on the lakes turn later because the water moderates the air temps. South of Virginia and onto the TC it all went back to green.

The 7th is a perfect date imo... You'll have color and the trip of your life! (Smiling face)

Rode the tram in Lutsen on Oct 3 a few years ago.( for my anniversary) it was amaaaazing.

had great color last year in Northern Quetico during the first week of October, but not as great the last 2 weeks of September. The 3 years before that had little color the last week of September.

Sounds like it really varies. The only time I was in during that time was Oct 6-13, 2012. There weren't many leaves left at that time. The tamaracks were still nice but most everything else brown/down.

I've always found the best colors are in the 1st week of October.

we did an early Oct trip in 2010 I believe - there were a few areas that had already passed peak, but most areas we hit at 100%.

Driving home, we took a wrong turn out of Ely and hit the most magnificent stand of birch trees that were screaming yellow/red, just as the sun was going down....best sight of the entire damn trip!

This was taken October 7 last year

egknuti: "This was taken October 7 last year "

Wow, I hope it looks like that when I go up there. Almost gave me the chills.