OCTOBER 2023

FEATURE
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the height of the Fall color season.
Finding Fall Color
in the Mitten
Few places match Michigan’s natural Autumn beauty
BY SARAH KITTLE
Michigan is such a beautiful
state. We are surrounded on
three sides by water – fresh,
glorious water – and have the advantage
of experiencing all four seasons of
the year, sometimes in the same week!
(You may have seen memes on social
media that say, “Everyone: “You can’t
have all four seasons in one week.”
Michigan: “Hold my Faygo.”)
Now that summer has wound to a
close, it’s time to get in our cars and
make the drive to see the fall colors.
Our Upper Peninsula (UP) was named
the “#1 Destination for Fall Foliage” by
USA Today. It’s not just about the color
either; autumn smells and sounds
abound across the Great Lake State.
The crisp autumn air and gentle postsummer
wind rustling through the
trees are experiences to savor. With
nature trails to hike and delicious aromatic
apples to munch, Pure Michigan
has it all for fall.
Higher elevations in the Lower
Peninsula are experiencing peak color
right now, and areas closest to the Great
Lakes will peak mid to late October, according
to the state website. It is the
best time of year for a regional road trip!
Leaf-peepers are encouraged to keep in
mind that there are always exceptions
to the rule, and that some areas have
been stressed by summer weather.
When you’re in Michigan, they say
you are never more than six miles from
a body of water, so add some sparkling
turquoise water to your tour. The setting
sun reflecting off a clear blue
lake is an iconic scene but imagine
seeing the fall color tour from the air.
The highest point in the Midwest, a
ski jump at Copper Peak in Ironwood
accessible by an 800-foor chairlift,
promises a spectacular 360-degree
view called the Copper Peak Adventure
Ride. Their marketing claims that
on a clear day, you can see three states
plus Canada at the same time.
Or try the Lake of the Clouds in the
UP’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
State Park. There’s a hiking trail
to match anyone’s ability, and when
you reach your destination, there are
views for days! There’s a reason why
the Lake of the Clouds Overlook is one
of the most photographed spots in the
UP. The view reflected in the pristine
lake is unmatched.
Stay in your car and take a look
at Lake Michigan from the Cut River
Bridge Overlook, which is located about
50 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge.
The bridge stands 150 feet above the Cut
River and, if you do want to venture out
of your vehicle, it has access trails to
both the river and the lake.
In fact, Michigan has many points
providing panoramic views of fall
beauty, from Sunset Park in Petoskey
FALL COLOR continued on page 38
36 CHALDEAN NEWS OCTOBER 2023