Call Today:
Resort: 218-481-8888 Restaurant: 218-336-3430

Fall Adventure

Your North Shore Fall Adventures Start and Ends Here

Pier B Resort Hotel places you right in the center of fall adventure making it your perfect home base for your North Shore getaway. Whether you’re a soft adventure seeker and prefer relaxing hikes through the changing leaves up the North Shore and Duluth or live by getting your adrenaline racing while on an ATV trail, the North Shore provides you endless options. After exploring the outdoors during the day, Pier B and Silos Restaurant gives you the space to wind down while taking in 360* views from our harbor side lawn fire pits, outdoor dining patio, rooftop deck, or outdoor hot tub. We’re here to equip you with what you need to get your Duluth, MN fall getaway planned on the right foot.

Choose your preferred adventure(s) below and get planning– we’ll be here every step of the way to help craft and execute your dream North Shore fall getaway! 

Viewing Adventure | Local Adventures | Adventure from Above | Adventure by Car | Adventure by Foot | Adventure by Boat | ATV Adventures

Questions on planning your fall adventures? Give us a call at 218-481-8888.

Being located on the edge of Lake Superior puts us in the perfect spot for breathtaking overlooks, gorgeous observation points, and incredible views at every turn. We know you are here for the view, so we are glad to offer not only 360* of views right from Pier B Resort, but also access to trails, parks, and historical sights with the best glimpses of the North Shore one can get!

Fall Color recommendations from https://NorthShoreVisitor.com, home to trail maps and a fall color report.

Fantasia Overlook

This is a short hike along the Superior Hiking Trail to Fantasia Overlook – a .5 mile spur trail with breathtaking views of Lake Superior and a beaver pond. There are three overlooks, all unique and breathtaking. The hike includes miles of maple hillsides with the blue of Lake Superior in the distance.

At mile marker 59.5, on Hwy 61 drive north on MN Hwy 1 for 1 mile to Superior Hiking Trail parking on the west/left. The trail departs on the east/right side of the Highway.

Summit Express Gondola - Moose Mountain Overlook

Wide open views of stunning maple hillsides drenched in reds, oranges and a splattering of yellow. You get to take a tram ride and an easy hike affords even more breathtaking views. Ride the smooth, quiet tram down into the Poplar River Valley, over the river and up the east face of Moose Mountain, with Lake Superior views framed by the river valley. 

From mile marker 90.1 on Hwy 61, turn north and drive 1.8 miles to the parking area. You must purchase your tram ticket at the Lutsen Mountains office.

Oberg Mountain Loop

The stunning Oberg Mountain Loop is the trail to hike during autumn’s early season of maple colors. Enter the maple woods and hike under the canopy of birch and maple before you begin the 2-mile loop that includes seven overlooks. Overlooks include views of adjacent LeVeaux Mountain, Lake Superior, the maple hillsides, and Oberg Lake.

From mile marker 86.1 on Hwy 61, drive north on the Onion River Rd (FR 336) 2 miles to parking.

White Sky Rock

A 230-foot climb in under a quarter mile brings views of Caribou Lake and the thick maple forests surrounding it. This little hike leads to a spur trail of the Superior Hiking Trail [SHT]. Look for the SHT trail sign on the left side of the lot, and follow the trail, which leads right to the Caribou Trail; cross the road and follow the trail to the top. This east-facing overlook makes for a pretty sunrise spot, too!

From mile marker 94.0 on Hwy 61, turn north on the Caribou Trail/Co Rd 4 for 4 miles to the small parking area on the left; if you come to the boat launch, you’ve gone too far.

Hovland Lookout

The tower overlooks sugar maples, quaking aspens and conifers, making it a good drive and hike all fall-color season long. This is a good wildlife viewing spot.

From mile marker 128.7 on Hwy 61 in Hovland, turn north on Arrowhead Trail for 3.7 miles, then park on the side of the road and hike 1.5 miles west on the Superior Hiking Trail. Return for a 3-mile overall hike. Note there is a Superior Hiking Trail Parking area 3.3 miles north on Arrowhead Trail; if parking is unavailable roadside, you will need to park and depart from there, increasing the hike length to about 4 miles.

Enger Park/Tower Overlook

Overlooking the lovely port city of Duluth, Enger Park features a majestic tower that is open to the public. Climb the stairs all the way to the top for breathtaking views of Lake Superior. The park boasts lovely and distinct gardens including shade hostas, over 200 perennials, 4,000 daffodils and an expanded Japanese garden.

Split Rock Lighthouse

Tour Minnesota’s most famous lighthouse and relax on the shore of the world’s largest freshwater lake. This is a great spot to see fall colors from the top of Corundum Point.

From Hwy 61 N toward the North Shore, turn right onto Split Rock Lighthouse Road.

Palisade Head

Enjoy an expansive view high atop Lake Superior. Nearby parking makes in-and-out easy with plenty of space to find a quiet perch to be alone. The contrast of the dark blue lake water and the orange sky at sunset is something to savor.

Located on Highway 61 just three miles northeast of the town Silver Bay. Look for milepost 57 and the small sign on the highway pointing toward the peak.

Take a tip from the locals and check out some of our favorite fall locations. These scenic treasures are located within Duluth (or very close to it) making them perfect for a shorter trip so you can adventure multiple trails in one day before heading back to Pier B for dinner and drinks on our outdoor patio and starting all over again in morning.

Chester Park Loop

Chester Park Loop is a 2.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking and nature trips and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.

Hartley Nature Center

Hartley Nature Center Loop is a 5.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail that features a lake. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.

Lester Park

Located in the east end of Duluth, Lester Park features 9+ miles of hiking and mountain biking trails between Amity Creek and Lester River. Seven Bridges Road follows along Amity Creek.

Skyline Parkway

Skyline Parkway is one of Duluth’s treasures, uniquely showcasing the city from end to end while providing spectacular views of Lake Superior and the St. Louis River Bay. Skyline Parkway offers many observations overlooks along the way. Many of the neighboring parks and trails offer recreational activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, and more

Jay Cooke State park

For the most part we all enjoy fall from below the trees, taking in the colors and feeling the crunch of leaves beneath our feet. Change your view and take in the sights from above this year with air tours of the North Shore. Pier B allows you to enjoy both – relax in the mornings and evenings on the resort grounds, then soar during the day as you take in new sights.

For the most part we all enjoy fall from below the trees, taking in the colors and feeling the crunch of leaves beneath our feet. Change your view and take in the sights from above this year with air tours of the North Shore. Pier B allows you to enjoy both – relax in the mornings and evenings on the resort grounds, then soar during the day as you take in new sights.

Lake Superior Helicopter Tours

See the fall colors from a unique perspective – by helicopter. This incredible tour will take you over the wonders of Jay Cooke State Park. Following the St. Louis River, you will fly by Ely’s Peak and Spirit Mountain. Continuing north you will get spectacular views over the Aerial Lift Bridge and the North Shore. 

Visit lakesuperiorhelicopters.com/helicopter-tours-duluth-minnesota to book your fall helicopter tour today.

Beaver Air Tours

Experience the fall foliage from above with Lake County, LLC and Beaver Air Tours. They will help plan a fitting trip to make it a memory you will never forget. Let their professional pilots guide you through air all while giving you a chance to see the beautiful scenery from above.

Visit https://beaverairtours.com/ to book your fall tour.

Enjoy a morning at Pier B with a Silos Restaurant breakfast and view of the harbor. Then take off on a mini road trip to explore all the beauty fall brings to the Northland. You know that phrase “It’s a perfect day for a drive”, well with a variety of day trips to choose from – every fall day becomes that perfect opportunity. After a day of cruising, come back to Pier B to relax with a drink and s’mores around our fire pits.

Fall Color recommendations from https://NorthShoreVisitor.com, home to trail maps and a fall color report.

North Shore scenic drive

Beginning in Duluth and winding along Lake Superior’s rugged North Shore to Grand Portage, this road offers stunning scenery at every turn. Lighthouses, waterfalls, and several state parks are among its many allures.

From I-35 merge onto MN-61 N toward the North Shore – choose your distance and return to Pier B to relax and rejuvenate for your next adventure.

North Shore scenic drive

Explore the backcountry including northern hardwood forests of oak, maple, and basswood and boreal forests of pine, spruce, cedar, aspen, and birch. Watch for deer and moose on this narrow, winding road. 

Follow MN-61 N toward North Shore/Beaver Bay. From mile marker 50.9 on Hwy 61 in Beaver Bay, turn north on the Lax Lake Road/Co Rd 4 for 3.2 miles, when the road comes to a T, turn left to stay on the Lax Lake Road/Co Rd 4/Scenic Hwy 11 for 2.0 miles, turn right on Lax Lake Rd for 6.7 miles.

Heartbreak Ridge

This short drive is breathtaking– it leads you down one of the prettiest maple canopied drives along the North Shore with stunning views of Lake Superior.

From I-35 merge onto MN-61 N toward the North Shore. From mile marker 80.4 on Hwy 61, turn north on the Temperance Rd / FR 343 for 5.1 miles. Turn right on the 6 Hundred Rd for 4.9 miles to the Sawbill Trail; turn south/right for 5.5 miles to Hwy 61. It is 2.6 miles southwest to the start of this drive.

maple hill

Picturesque Maple Hill Church sits center stage surrounded by maples. This short drive is just outside Grand Marais and is an easy add-on to your day. Allow a few contemplative moments to enjoy the serene surrounding.

From I-35 merge onto MN-61 N toward the North Shore. From mile marker 109.2 on Hwy 61, turn north on 5th Ave W for 0.7 miles, turn west onto Gunflint Trail for 3.1 miles, turn west onto Maple Hill Drive for 0.6 miles. Return the same way

Trout Lake Road

The Trout Lake Road / County Rd 60 loop is a lovely drive, with beautiful sugar maple-lined sections of road, often with their canopies meeting overhead. This is also a chance to get out into the woods from Grand Marais on an easy to navigate drive. You will head north on the Gunflint Trail, drive a loop and return on the Gunflint Trail.

From I-35 merge onto MN-61 N toward the North Shore. From mile marker 109.2 on Hwy 61, drive north on 5th Ave W 0.7 miles, turn left on Gunflint Trail for 10 miles; turn right on Trout Lake Road for 7.5 miles; turn right on County Rd 14 for 2.5 miles; take a slight right on County Rd 60 for 6.4 miles; turn left on Gunflint Trail for 4.7 miles, and, turn right on 5th Ave W for 0.7 miles.

Duluth to Bayfield, WI

On this scenic drive, you’ll enjoy a mixture of woods and farm fields as well as lake views. The scenic highlight of this portion is when you suddenly descend down a wooded canyon formed by the famous Brule River. A few miles later you rejoin the lake where there are a couple of pull-overs with nice beaches and lake views. The final destination is Bayfield, WI, a charming small town with adorable shops and restaurants and cafes. 

Take U.S. Hwy 2 East through Superior, Wisconsin to Hwy 13 South. Take Hwy 13 South 60 miles to Bayfield.

Fall Hiking / Walking Trails in Duluth

One of our favorite sounds of fall is hearing crisp leaves under foot while exploring the area’s nature trails. Pier B is surrounded by gorgeous trails ranging in difficulty and all including breathtaking over-looks and views. Start your morning adventuring by foot along Lake Superior, and then continue into the wilderness over a section of the Superior Hiking Trail and beyond. After a day of hiking, kick up your feet for a much-earned rest at Silos Restaurant. After dinner, don’t forget to soak in our outdoor hot tub overlooking the harbor to end a perfect fall day.

Fall Color recommendations from https://NorthShoreVisitor.com, home to trail maps and a fall color report.

Wolf Rock and Crow Creek

This hiking trail is so worth it. After a series of switchbacks, the trail parallels the ridge and rewards you with a Lake Superior view. Continue on to Wolf Rock for amazing wide-open vistas of the lake. The trail continues along the highlands over the Crow Creek Valley including an overlook and spur trail to the river. This trail is part of the Superior Hiking Trail, so you can continue on to Gooseberry Falls State Park, or return on the same trail

From Hwy 61 just past mile marker 36, go west on West Castle Danger Rd 2.3 miles, trailhead is on the right side of parking lot

Mic Mac, Nipisquit, and the Old Tettegouche Camp

Hike through the woods and along inland lakes with spectacular views of the backside of the ridge that rises out of Lake Superior. Hike to the Old Tettegouche Camp, four cabins and a lodge built in the early 1900s, sitting on the shores of Mic Mac Lake. Return south around Mic Mac, where an overlook gives way to the maple hillsides, and Nipisquit lakes, and return along the hiking/ski trails to the service road.

From Hwy 61 at mile marker 54.0, turn north on Outer Drive, go 1.1 miles where the road becomes Penn Blvd/Co Rd 11. Continue on and Co Rd 11 also becomes Lax Lake Rd. However after 4.4 miles, 5.5 miles from Hwy 61 make a right on the Lax Lake Rd and drive 3.4 miles to the parking area

Britton Peak

If you’re willing to hike up a hill, you’ll be rewarded with views of the maple and pine covered hills rolling down to Lake Superior, which stretches for miles to the south. The trail is about 1/4-mile to the top and you hike under maple and birch canopy before stepping out on a large basalt overlook. This hike is so short, it is worth it whether the colors are at peak or not. It is the hub for a variety of options – hike east to LeVeaux Mountain, return and cross the Sawbill Trail and hike to the top of Carlton Peak, or explore the adjacent mountain cross-country ski trails.

From mile marker 83.4 on Hwy 61 in Tofte, drive north 2.3 miles to the parking area on the east/right

Oberg Mountain Loop

The stunning Oberg Mountain Loop is the trail to hike during autumn’s early season of maple colors. Enter the maple woods and hike under the canopy of birch and maple before you begin the 2-mile loop that includes seven overlooks. Overlooks include views of adjacent LeVeaux Mountain, Lake Superior, the maple hillsides, and Oberg Lake.

From mile marker 86.1 on Hwy 61, drive north on the Onion River Rd (FR 336) 2 miles to parking.

Bean and Bear Lake Loop

The hike into the Bean and Bear Lakes is stunning and has some great views in itself. Though the best and most gratifying part of the hike is getting to the top of the overlook and seeing both lakes accompanied by beautiful fall foliage. 

From Hwy 61, turn left on Lax Lake Road then turn right onto County Hwy 5/Forrest 11 for 3.2 miles.

Tettegouche High Falls Hike

Take a relatively short, easy hike that leads to one of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls. As a bonus, you’ll get two waterfalls within 1/2 mile from one another located on the Baptism River. This is a great area for photography year round.

Tettegouche State Park is at Hwy 61 mile marker 58.5 northeast of Silver Bay

Castle Danger to Gooseberry Falls

Consider leaving a car at Gooseberry Falls for this 9.1-mile stunning hike. The trail runs north of Castle Danger to Gooseberry State Park. Highlights include overlooks at Wolf Rock, Crow Creek Valley and Mike’s Rock. The upper reach area of the Gooseberry River is particularly gorgeous. The round trip hike to the Crow Creek Overlook and back is 2 1/2 miles.

From Hwy 61, turn right onto Co. Hwy 1

Duluth MN Boating Adventures Near Pier B Resort

After a morning of looking out over Lake Superior from your suite at Pier B or from one of our relaxing harbor view chairs on the lawn, get out on the lake and cruise. We offer a boat slip right outside our door, making it easy to access either your own boat, or a boat rented from Your Boat Club. Fall is the perfect season to take in the vibrant red, orange and yellows of the Duluth Hillside while enjoying relaxing time on the water.

Rent a Pontoon from Your Boat Club at Pier B

Want to see the city from the water but don’t have a boat of your own? Whether it’s a day trip with the family, a fishing excursion, or a romantic getaway for two, we’ve got you covered and will get you out on the water to view the beautiful city of Duluth from a different perspective. We’ve partnered with Your Boat Club to provide pontoon rentals to our guests. Pontoons can be rented on a daily basis through https://www.yourboatclub.com.

Bring Your Own Boat

When you stay at Pier B Resort Hotel, launch your boat once, and dock right in front of your room – how convenient is that? Enjoy a day on the big lake, cruise the bay, or fish the river and return to Pier B for the night. Then, relax in Silos Restaurant with your favorite beverage and dinner overlooking Duluth’s spectacular harbor and city on a hill. We love the lake life as much as you do, and we want your Lake Superior experience to be as amazing as it is for us each and every day!

Vista Fleet Cruises

Enjoy the city view and beautiful fall sights of Lake Superior and the Duluth Superior Harbor with a Vista Fleet tour! All sightseeing cruises are professionally narrated and offer an abundance of interactive fun and information. Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating is available.

The Vista Fleet Dock is just a short walk from the Pier B Slip Bridge. Visit https://www.vistafleet.com to learn more.

ATV Adventures in Duluth MN Near Pier B Resort

Looking for something a little faster paced than hiking through the woods? The North Shore offers many ATV trails for those looking for more speed. Start your early morning off with Silos breakfast to-go and hit the road for your day ATV adventure up the shore. Return to Pier B for a relaxing evening at Silos Restaurant or cozy up to one of our many crackling fires on water’s edge with a signature cocktail and our one-of-a-kind view of the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Bring your own ATV or rent one from Beaver Bay Sport Shop. Visit https://www.beaverbaysports.com for information on ATV rental (please note, due to COVID-19 ATV rental may not be available at all times).

Red Dot Trail

The 30-mile Red Dot Trail runs through the Palisade Valley Recreation Unit of Tettegouche State Park before connecting to the Moose Walk and Moose Run trails.

From Hwy 61, turn right onto Co. Hwy 1

Moose Run Trail

Located in the Sawtooth Mountains along Minnesota’s scenic North Shore, the Moose Walk Trail is family-friendly. It connects with the Red Dot Trail for a hilly ride winding through stands of spruce and pine. Shelters are located along the trail for riders in need of a rest stop.

Parking is in Beaver Bay, Finland and Silver Bay. Trail access is from the Moose Run Trail and Red Dot Trail.

Timber Fear Loop

Something for everyone! Approximately 25 miles of old railroad grade with some rough terrain, mud puddles, and a couple of gravel pits to play in. Lovely places to stop along the way are Cross River and Timber Frear area lakes.

From Hwy 61 N toward the North Shore to Tofte, turn off Highway 61 onto the Sawbill Trail. Head north for about 14.5 miles. Turn left onto Four Mile Grade (Forest Road 170). Travel about 2 miles to Whitefish Lake Road. The gravel pit there has plenty of room for parking and unloading trailers.

Pancore-Rice Lake Loop

This scenic loop is an approximately 13 mile changing path of wider forest road to close-in riding experiences, with a mix of deciduous and evergreens. Take in lots of nice water views with two crossings of the Poplar River. 

From Hwy 61 N toward the North Shore to Tofte, take the Sawbill Trail to the Grade Road turnoff and head east about 2 miles, crossing over the Temperance River and in about a half mile, turn right onto the Rice Lake Road