Autumn in Michigan
Fall Questions & Answers
What is the best time to view Michigan’s fall colors?
Generally, the annual seasonal show peaks in stages, beginning at the top of the state in the Upper Peninsula, where it gets cooler first. It then moves southward. Peak color is usually found in the U.P. between mid-September and early October; in the northern Lower Peninsula between late September and mid-October; in mid-Michigan from early to mid-October, and in southern Lower Michigan from mid- to late October. Color patterns, however, depend greatly on the weather as well as other factors including lake-effect warming, which delays color changes near Great Lakes and inland water shorelines. In addition, cooler valleys or exposed hills may see color changing faster, so call ahead before you go.
How does weather affect the fall colors?
As the days trend shorter, moving toward autumn, and hours of daylight dwindle, leaves are unable to produce as much chlorophyll. Soft tissue in the leaf stem hardens which reduces nutrients to the leaf, forcing the green color to fade while yellow, orange and red colors emerge. The red, orange and yellow colors seen in leaves during autumn are always there, but large amounts of chlorophyll in the summer months overpower the leave with green color (red and purple color is formed by sugars trapped in the leave).
Conditions which typically favor brilliant autumn leaf color are; a moist summer growing season, followed by warm and dry autumn days, with cool overnight temperatures (no frost or freezing temps). Freezing temperatures at night can cause the soft membrane of the leaf stem to burst, making the stem brittle and allowing the leaf to fall off prematurely. Drought early in the growing season, spring and early summer, can harden parts of the stem early and ultimately force leaves to drop earlier in autumn before full color. Significant fall rains tend to mute colors due to the lack of sunlight which reduces that trees ability to make late season food. Gusty winds and extremely cold morning temperatures will make leaves fall prematurely.
How many species of trees are there and what colors do they turn?
There are nearly 150 different species of trees in Michigan’s 18.6 million acres of forest. Our state boasts a colorful mix of yellows, reds, golds and oranges. Some of the most beautiful colors are displayed by such hardwoods as aspen, maple, birch, sumac and oak. When combined with a background of evergreen forest, the result is one of the best shows in the nation.
What will our fall be like this year?
According to Patrick Bak of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Michigan experienced quite a few warm and sunny days in the mid-late summer, which would generally be favorable for good colors. Current indications are that September will be cool overall. If we end up with too many freezing nights or end up with several stormy days with high winds, this may tend to mute colors or leaves could be stripped off trees before full color is realized. A trend toward warmer conditions in October is currently favorable. Warmer than normal conditions by late September or early October could also mute colors. Learn more about the “Science of Fall” through the USDA Forestry Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/fall-colors/science-of-fall-colors.
How can I keep track of the most current fall color conditions?
You can track color peaks around the United States using this Fall Foliage Map, as well as from the Foliage Network.
What is the best way to view West Michigan’s fall color show?
There is no single best way to enjoy the fall color display. Michigan travelers have a plethora of ways to enjoy the show, either by car, train, boat, bicycle, hot air balloon rides, at festivals, hiking, on golf courses and luxury resorts, or historic highways. Many of these “old roads” cut through great stands of hardwood and pines and make perfect color tours, and some are state-designated scenic routes.
Are there driving tours already mapped out for my convenience?
West Michigan Tourist Association has dozens of Autumn Color Tours — from 40 miles to 140 miles, worth exploring! Travel Michigan also has an extensive list of “Driving Tours” on its award-winning website, Michigan.org. You can also download the Fall 2019 Pure Michigan Travel Guide magazine, which is loaded with suggestions for traveling throughout both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas.
Where can I find a list of fall festivals and events for Michigan?
www.Michigan.org
www.WMTA.org
www.UPTravel.com
www.PromoteMichigan.com
www.MichiganFun.us
Recreation:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Becoming An Outdoors Woman
Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds
West Michigan Tourist Association
Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association
Michigan Association of Paddlesport Providers
Agriculture:
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Michigan Agri-Tourism Association
Michigan Farm Markets & Pick Directory
Michigan Farm Markets Association
Michigan Apple Tours
Michigan Wine Council
Michigan Brewers Guild
Great Lakes Cider & Perry Association
Michigan Hard Cider Guild
Michigan Craft Distillers Association
Read more about:
Winter in Michigan
Spring in Michigan
Summer in Michigan