Fall Color Report Oct 20 – 27th

This will be the weekend to enjoy the fall colors at Devil’s Lake State Park. Is it “peak”? Well, it sort of depends on where you look. Thing is, the weather forecast is calling for sunny days and temps in the 70s Friday through Sunday. You’re just not going to get a better weekend this time of year!

At A Glance

You know the drill, we’re not big on calling “peak” around here. Right now is a perfect example of why. There are great fall colors in spots, but there’s still a lot of green as well. At the same time, a good number of trees are already past it! The wind we’ve had over the last few days has even left some trees bare! That’s just the way it goes here in the Baraboo Hills. But again, there are lots of beautiful colors almost everywhere you look! Now is the time to come.

Devil’s Lake State Park

You find lots of colors yet on both Devil’s Lake State Park’s north and south shore day-use areas. For hiking trails, we are still recommending the East Bluff Trail because of the great vistas. That said, our top color hikes this week are not actually on the trails! We’d suggest hiking the Upper Ice Age Campground and the wooded sections of the Northern Lights Campgrounds. Both campgrounds are closed and gated for the season but you can walk around the gates. The Upper Ice Age is a knock-out right now!

The easiest way to hike into the Upper Ice Age Campground is from the Steinke Basin parking area. From there, cross the road and hike the Johnson Moraine trail (Ice Age Trail) west into the campground, from there you can explore all 3 loops.

If you’re driving around the park, we’d suggest taking a detour into the group camp loop on the south shore. There’s a lot of beautiful color in there that’s worth checking out. Keep in mind that folks will be camping there as well.

One more thing, with the great weather expected, Devil’s Lake State Park will be very busy. Arrive on Saturday & Sunday before 10 am for your best shot at getting a parking space.

Photo Gallery

Each week I post a selection of photos from around the park and the area to give you a feel for where the colors are at. The “rule” here is that I am taking the photos right out of the camera with little editing so that you can see what the camera sees. Keep in mind that I’m shooting with a DSLR which will still look richer than most cell phone photos.

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Outside Of The Park

I’d have to say that we’re probably past peak in some of our favorite nearby state natural areas. Parfrey’s Glen is beautiful as always, but you won’t see a lot of color until hike deep into the gorge. There’s certainly color to see out at Baxter’s Hollow as well, but again it’s probably just a little past peak. There are two out-of-the-way gems right now, McGilvra Woods & the Potter’s Preserve. Don’t expect parking or much in the way of trails at these spots, but a walk through their colorful forests will be inspiring.

If you prefer to see the autumn regalia from your car or bike, I’d our Baraboo Hills Scenic Drive route right now. (Bluff Road and Owen Park Road are the standouts.). Be sure to stop by Durward’s Glen on this drive as well.

More?

Here’s a little video tour around Devil’s Lake State Park and the Baraboo Hills to show you what we’re seeing this week.

Weather?

Amazing weekend on tap! Temps will be in the 70s Friday through Sunday. Here’s one local forecast.

Events?

The annual Halloween Hike & Pumpkin Carving Contest will be held at Devil’s Lake State Park on Saturday, Oct. 22^nd from 6 pm to 8:30 pm. Click here for more details.