The
autumn color in Michigan's Western Peninsula offers some of
the finest forest hues. Over 90 percent of the region are
forest covered and in the fall, the colors explode. The
colors are accented by the surroundings that carry them down
root beer tinted water and float to soft forest floors.
Most of the colors are
brilliant reds, radiant yellows and a deep pumpkin orange.
The vast hardwood forests hold more colors than an artists
palette. You'll even spot russet oaks with hints of purple
and brown. There's no need to travel far and wide to view a
bust of color, it's all here, in Michigan's Western U.P.
Visitors can also learn
about the rich old mining and logging history in little
towns that have survived even after the mines closed. One
will enjoy just touring the countryside admiring the orange
flames that burst from tranquil pine backgrounds. The bright
yellows cover themselves along fields of young poplar. The
colors form translucent canopies over country roads against
the cool blue fall skies.
The
sprinkling of evergreens, staying true to their color year
round help the woodland stars of autumn to shine through.
Hikes along colored leaf lined paths and view our brilliant
fall foliage.
Basswoods, ash, birch,
aspen, sumac, elder, oaks and maple embrace the land.
Stately branches of the white pine, the magnificent and
too-uncommon evergreen, Michigan's state tree, majestically
tower over like a king watching over it's forested kingdom.
Back in the bogs, dark cone-shaped spruces stand posted amid
the fiery hardwoods. It's a quiet hush of Mother Nature at
her finest.
The waterfalls also provide
a nice backdrop to the fall colors. Some of the more popular
and easy to find waterfalls are along the National Scenic
Byway on Black River Road heading towards Lake Superior. The
hike through hemlock stands and groves of maple and birch is
well worth it.
There's a selection of five
waterfalls to tour, Great Congolomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge,
Sandstone and Rainbow Falls. The footpath to Great
Conglomerate Falls, on the Black River, north of Big
Powderhorn Ski area, past Copper Peak winds through an
almost pure stand of sugar maple.
If you're seeking the
adventure of a picture perfect fall color journey, head up
to Gogebic and Ontonagon Counties in Michigan's Upper
Peninsula.
UPPER
PENINSULA AUTUMN FORESTS
