Posted by Andy Richards on October 13, 2008 at 12:29 PM
I was out West for what I would normally think of a "peak" time her in Michigan (especially the UP and Northern parts). Coming back, I am surprised not to see much "chatter" about conditions.
Anybody have any reports on conditions anywhere in the state?
I just came back yesterday from a trip to the Minnesota North Shore and the western UP. The peak in the Keweenaw Peninsula was last week although there is still some color left. Still lots of color in the Porcupine Mountains but I think it will be going fast. Lots of wind yesterday and the leaves were falling. Here is a picture from the Lake of the Clouds taken on Sunday.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on October 13, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Andy....when I left southwest MI Friday morning, there was quite a bit of color in some areas...it's still spotty and according to forecasts, peak can be anywhere from 1-2 weeks away, depending on the area. The UP was supposed to be at or very near peak last week, while around Traverse City, peak should be this coming week and weekend. I'm hoping that the best color will be waiting for me in the Grand Rapids area when I go back home next weekend (fingers crossed here!). There is also spotty color towards the MI/IN border and in northern IN.
What surprised me was seeing color in and around Cincinnati, OH, and northern KY, but then again...it's been very dry there the last couple months and fairly warm, from what I hear. A lot of leaves are turning and almost immediately dropping in those areas, whereas western MI had almost perfect conditions this fall. A couple nice recent rainfalls, cool nights and fairly warm days. The colors that were out when I left were absolutely fantastic! Wish I could post an example or two, but I'm not on my own PC (and no internet connection on my laptop) and it will have to wait until I get back home.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on October 13, 2008 at 9:23 PM
P.S. Check Michigan Ring (http://www.michiganring.com/travel/color.htm) for current update.
The highest level of color at Muskegon State Park isn't saying much...PJ Hoffmaster at the southern end of Muskegon had maybe 5-10% last week.
The colors near Munising/Alger County are a bit past peak in many areas. The peak near town seems to have been Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There are still many spots that were quite vibrant Monday midday. The poplar and white birch are incredible right now.
We had a pretty good wind overnight as a front came in, now my yard is loaded with leaves. It will be interesting to see how the forest looks. I will be headed to the forest in a few minutes.
Posted by Andy Richards on October 14, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Thanks for the information, folks. I may try the Western part of the State and up toward TC this weekend
Posted by Toni Lankerd on October 14, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Be sure to let us know how the colors are doing, wherever you go, Andy!
If you go and if you have the time and/or chance, take M-22 north of Manistee, towards Sleeping Bear Dunes. If the colors are close to or at peak at that time, the display on that drive could be fantastic...hopefully they had the same pre-fall color conditions that we did.
Posted by Andy Richards on October 19, 2008 at 7:13 PM
I was in West Branch and St. Helen today and in parts of the Huron NF. We have had a fair amount of wind this weekend and the leaf drop is significant. I would say the area is well past peak. But there are isolated areas and trees with full foliage remaining. I am not sure this will work, but I attempted to link a photo here (it obviously didn't work, but you can follow the link in your browser.
Posted by Toni Lankerd on October 20, 2008 at 9:50 AM
Andy, the link didn't work, as such, but simply copying and pasting gets you there. Nice colors...I especially like the last one, October Morning...very nice!
Discussion
8 repliesAnybody have any reports on conditions anywhere in the state?
What surprised me was seeing color in and around Cincinnati, OH, and northern KY, but then again...it's been very dry there the last couple months and fairly warm, from what I hear. A lot of leaves are turning and almost immediately dropping in those areas, whereas western MI had almost perfect conditions this fall. A couple nice recent rainfalls, cool nights and fairly warm days. The colors that were out when I left were absolutely fantastic! Wish I could post an example or two, but I'm not on my own PC (and no internet connection on my laptop) and it will have to wait until I get back home.
The highest level of color at Muskegon State Park isn't saying much...PJ Hoffmaster at the southern end of Muskegon had maybe 5-10% last week.
We had a pretty good wind overnight as a front came in, now my yard is loaded with leaves. It will be interesting to see how the forest looks. I will be headed to the forest in a few minutes.
If you go and if you have the time and/or chance, take M-22 north of Manistee, towards Sleeping Bear Dunes. If the colors are close to or at peak at that time, the display on that drive could be fantastic...hopefully they had the same pre-fall color conditions that we did.
I was in West Branch and St. Helen today and in parts of the Huron NF. We have had a fair amount of wind this weekend and the leaf drop is significant. I would say the area is well past peak. But there are isolated areas and trees with full foliage remaining. I am not sure this will work, but I attempted to link a photo here (it obviously didn't work, but you can follow the link in your browser.