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Fall is the season Yoopers should make time to enjoy.
For many people in the Upper Peninsula, the arrival of winter brings a certain sadness. Summer seems to disappear almost overnight and before long we are facing icy roads, freezing temperatures and months of snow. Winter is part of life in the U.P., but that doesn’t mean we have to look forward to it.
Fortunately, before winter arrives, we are given one of the best gifts of living in the Upper Peninsula: fall colors.
It’s still early yet but one can observe Mother Nature’s paint brush at work here and there, splashing brilliant reds, oranges and yellows that will ultimately spread across the forests.
And here’s the thing: the color season is more than just something to admire from a distance. They are an invitation to get outside, take a drive and appreciate the place we call home. With the peak colors still down the road, now is the perfect time to start planning a fall weekend adventure.
For a relatively easy local outing, Sugarloaf Mountain offers hikers a chance to see the changing foliage while taking in a sweeping view of Lake Superior. It is the kind of destination that reminds us that some of the best scenery in the country is right in our own backyard.
For those willing to travel farther, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers another spectacular option. A drive north on U.S. 41 through Keweenaw County provides opportunities to see attractions such as Eagle River Falls. Continuing north brings travelers to Brockway Mountain, one of the area’s most memorable viewpoints.
The drive to Brockway may take some extra effort, and the road leading to the summit has certainly seen better days. But once you reach the top in October, the panoramic view of the colorful Keweenaw landscape makes the trip worthwhile.
There is no shortage of places to explore, whether it is a nearby mountain, a scenic backroad or a day destination several hours away. A list of suggested fall-color routes is available from the County Road Association of Michigan.
We spend much of the year preparing for winter. Before we do that, however, we should take advantage of what autumn gives us.
So check the forecast, fill up the gas tank, grab a camera or simply bring someone you enjoy spending time with--and go see the colors.
Winter will be here soon enough.