AAA: Fall Colors Begin To Show

Michigan's annual fall color show is beginning to shine across the far western and northern Upper Peninsula, reported AAA Michigan Wednesday, September 19, with the peak expected in late September.

A survey of state parks and regional visitors bureaus shows a tinge of color in most areas of the U.P. Naturalists at F.J. McClain Lake State Park in Calumet report that red and purple hues are 15% to 25% developed there. Newberry observers report color development at 25%, with vibrant reds and yellows. In the Ontonagon area, as well as Crystal Falls, Ishpeming, and Manistique, color development is up slightly from last week, at 15% to 20% developed.

Due to drought conditions across much of the U.P., many leaves are falling without changing color.

Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace report color development at 10%. In the Northern Lower Peninsula, color is just beginning to appear.

Fall color watchers looking for the best viewing opportunities can call Travel Michigan at (888) 784- 7328 for color updates provided by AAA Michigan each Wednesday through October. Updates also will be posted at AAA.com (enter ZIP code, click "About AAA" tab), or visit www.michigan.org.