MARQUETTE — From mid- to late October, vibrant fall color can be found in just about any part of the Upper Peniinsula.

Colors start to show off the last couple of weeks in September at higher terrain. And for some folks, the best bet in autumn is always the Keweenaw Peninsula.

In Marquette County, now that we’ve made it to September, colors are starting to pop out here and there. But it will be October before the deciduous trees are fully abllaze.

By the end of this month or first of October, Sugarloaf Mountain provides an easy hike to get a good view of fall foliage and a sweeping view of Lake Superior.

A more rugged hike up Hogback Mountain will provide beautiful views of the landscape. And a ride out to old County Road 510 bridge on the Dead River is a photographer’s paradise.

Sugarloaf is a family friendly hike, with plenty of places to stop to rest or take pictures. And there are several steep areas with stairs to make the hike easier.

From Marquette, leaf peepers can head out in any direction.

The County Road Association of Michigan worked with all 83 Michigan county road agencies to put together a list of the best county roads throughout the state to view fall colors.

“The County Road Association of Michigan encourages Michiganders to explore the beauty of the Upper Peninsula this fall,” said Denise Donohue, CRA executive director. “We all know Michigan has a lot to offer, and the changing leaves are just one of the state’s admirable qualities.”

A full list can be found online at www.micountyroads.org/mibackroads.

The CRA includes several U.P. county roads in its list, including several in the Marquette area.

The Marquette list includes:

≤ Marquette County Road 510 from County Road 502 north to Big Bay.

≤ Marquette Triple A Road off County Road 510 in Big Bay.

≤ Marquette County Road 533 in Skandia.

≤ M-35 from Marquette County Road 480 to Gwinn.

Sometime this month, fall color will be showing its stuff in the Keweenaw Peninsula. A drive out U.S. 41 is draped with a canopy of golden trees leading to Copper Harbor at the tip. Brockway Mountain Drive is spectacular with its views of Lake Superior and a multitude of sun-dappled leaves glistening in the trees.

A popular and beautiful drive halfway up the Keweenaw leads to Eagle Harbor. In Eagle Harbor near Jacob’s Falls, which are not very tall, but splashy and refreshing, lies the Holy Protection Monastery, also know as Poor Rock Abbey, a Byzantine (Eastern Rite) Catholic Monastery. It is located three miles east of Eagle River and five miles west of Eagle Harbor.

The monks support themselves and their works of ministry by making jams and jellies, a variety of baked goods, and hand-roasted premium coffees.

Once snow comes to the Keweenaw, traveling to the monastery becomes difficult. So The Jampot closes up shop in mid-October. This year the monks’ last day in the store at 6500 M-26 will be Oct. 12.

It’s a chance to stock up for Christmas.

Declared the furthest town from a U.S. interstate highway — about five hours — Copper Harbor is a quintessential small town. Yet, what it lacks in population (less than 100 year-round residents and about 300 during the non-snow months) it is totally walkable, at least until it snows.

The village of Copper Harbor is only 10 blocks long by three blocks wide. Park anywhere in town and walk to the lake, shops, restaurants, a micro-bewery and the general store.

The town is anchored by Fort Wilkins State Park to the east and Hunter’s Point Township Park to the west. In autumn, all of it is surrounded by glorious fall color.

Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 506. Her email address is vfee@miningjournal.net.