Fall Color Forecast and Where to Find the Best Views Around Rhinelander
Fall in the Northwoods is pure magic. As days cool, Rhinelander’s forests turn into a canvas of crimson maples, golden birches, and russet oaks. Whether you’re cruising country roads, hiking beneath a canopy of color, or catching reflections on the water, there are endless ways to enjoy the season.
Fall Color Forecast
Peak color in the Rhinelander area typically arrives around the last week of September through the first week of October. For the latest fall color updates, check out the Travel Wisconsin Fall Color Report.
Scenic Drives Around Rhinelander
Exploring Rhinelander by car is one of the easiest ways to soak in the views. Click here for some of our favorite scenic driving loops through the area.
Hiking Trails with Incredible Fall Views
If you prefer to stretch your legs, Rhinelander’s trails deliver up-close encounters with autumn beauty:
- Almon Park Trail
A 2.25-mile loop near Buck Lake, this trail offers stunning forest views, boardwalks and a peaceful lakeside setting. - Holmboe Nature Preserve
Just minutes from downtown, this one-mile path winds through old-growth forest along the Pelican River. - Washburn Lake Trail
Spanning 13 miles, this hilly and wooded trail is perfect for hikers or mountain bikers looking for a challenge.
More Scenic Spots to Enjoy Fall Color
Beyond trails and highways, Rhinelander is full of hidden gems and creative ways to experience the season:
• The Riverwalk & Davenport Street Bridge
This downtown path offers colorful views of the Wisconsin River and a short boardwalk overlook, perfect for a leisurely stroll or fall photography.
• Hodag Park
With open green spaces and lakeside scenery, this community favorite is ideal for picnics, playing with family, or simply enjoying the autumn colors. Enjoy the colorful reflections on Boom Lake.
• Pelican Rapids Boat Launch
A quiet, riverside spot where the Wisconsin and Pelican Rivers meet, offering peaceful waterside views and a boardwalk overlooking the water.
Tips for Capturing Fall
Want to take home more than just memories? Rhinelander is full of photo-worthy spots, and a few simple tips can make your shots shine:
- Aim for Golden Hour: Early mornings and late afternoons offer warm light that enhances fall’s vibrant colors.
- Seek Reflections: Lakes like Hanson Lake or the Wisconsin River provide stunning mirrored landscapes.
- Look Up and Down: Don’t just shoot the horizon—aim your camera upward for dramatic canopy shots, or downward for colorful leaf carpets on trails and sidewalks.
- Don’t Forget Small Details: Focus in on individual leaves, mushrooms, or pinecones—the little things often capture fall just as beautifully as sweeping landscapes.
- Embrace the Weather: Misty mornings or overcast skies can create moody, dramatic images.
Plan Your Fall Visit
With its scenic drives, quiet trails, and unbeatable photo opportunities, Rhinelander is the perfect place to celebrate fall. Plan your visit around late September or early October for peak color, and don’t forget to bring your camera along for the ride.
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