This Little-Known Scenic Spot In North Dakota That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall
By Tori Jane|Published October 02, 2023
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Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
North Dakota is a well-kept open secret. Just ask anyone who lives here…. And during the fall, as with many places, something amazing happens: All the foliage in our beautiful little corner of the world comes alive with brilliant, vivid color. And, luckily for us, there are numerous wonderful places to witness it. Autumn is a unique, transitional, transformative time, and North Dakota gets a front-row seat to some awe-inspiring views of it all. Check out Pembina Gorge this year if you get a chance – it’s one of the downright best places for fall colors in North Dakota, and it’s well worth (at least!) a day trip.
With more than 2,800 amazing acres of jaw-droppingly beautiful wildlands, Pembina Gorge State Recreation Area is a special respite from the noise of the real world.
It is, predictably, nestled right within the gorge itself, and in the fall, the whole area blazes to life. Or, perhaps, it blazes to sleep, as soon the branches will be bare and covered with snow.
Thankfully, there are several trails weaving throughout the reserve that are perfect for the occasion. Take your time. Wear good shoes. Pack plenty of water. And then, finally, enjoy.
The reds, golds, and oranges of the surrounding foliage put on an unforgettably brilliant show.
When they think about fall colors, folks probably imagine states like, say, New Hampshire or Vermont. But, as long as you know where to look, North Dakota is just fine for the season, too.
Of course, Pembina Gorge isn't the only amazing place to witness fall colors in North Dakota.
We happen to have numerous favorites; our state parks, our county and city parks, and lots of our amazing hiking and biking trails are all excellent options when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors.
Best of all, thanks to the relative "emptiness" that is North Dakota, should you show up during the week you might even have the entire place - or places, depending on where you end up - all to yourself.
...and its fall colors are probably near the top of the list.
Need to know more about this amazing natural wonder in North Dakota? Check out the ND Parks and Rec website for more details. Planning a road trip to the gorge and need to know what to pack? No worries – check out our epic road trip essentials packing list.
Where are your favorite places for fall foliage in North Dakota? Let us know.
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