As we look around we are starting to see some of the leaves on the trees changing color. Summer officially comes to an end on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022, at 9:04 pm Eastern time.

While traveling in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan last week, I noticed a lot of the trees up there have already started to change to their fall colors. Once that process starts, it doesn't take long for it to travel southward and include the rest of the state.

What Is the Best Weather Weather for the Brightest Colors?

The colors start to change with the arrival of the cooler weather. The best weather for the brightest colors would be sunny days and cool nights. If overnight temperatures drop into the 40s, that is the ideal condition for the reddish color of the leaves.

When Will We Be at Peak Color?

Our media partners, Fox 17, have put together a Peak Color prediction map for the state of Michigan...

Fall Colors Prediction Map for Michigan
Graphic: Fox 17 via Facebook
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The map was put together by Fox 17 using data from the SmokyMountains.com website and the predictions from the FOX 17 Weather Team.

Colors should be at their peak in the Upper Peninsula beginning next week. Those colors will be peaking between September 19th and October 10th. Here is a picture I took last week in Copper Harbor in the far northern portion of the Upper Peninsula. You can see the trees already starting to change their color up there.

Fall Colors in the Upper Peninsula
Photo: Scott Winters/Townsquare Media
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Here in the West Michigan area, it looks like the colors should be at their peak during the period of October 3rd through the 17th. The furthest south areas of the state will be at peak color starting the following week.

To see how the color is doing throughout the entire United States, check out the interactive map on the SmokyMountains.com website.

Best Places to See the Colors in West Michigan

In the past, the County Road Association of Michigan has published a list of "Don't Miss" local roads to check out the fall color. This year's list has not yet been published, but here are the best roads from last year's list...

In Kent County:

  • Honey Creek Avenue from Pettis Avenue to Cannonsburg Road
  • Bailey Drive from Vergennes Street to Lincoln Lake Avenue
  • Fallasburg Park Drive from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
  • 5 Mile Road from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
  • Gavin Lake Road from 5-mile road to Belding Road
  • Wabasis Avenue from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road
  • Ramsdell Drive from 5 Mile Road to 11 Mile Road

In Ottawa County:

  • Lakeshore Drive from Grand Haven city limits to Ottawa Beach Road/Holland State Park
  • Hayes Street from M-11 intersection to Berlin Fair Drive/the Berlin Fairgrounds in Marne
  • Leonard Street from intersection on Leonard Street/S. Lake Avenue in Village of Spring Lake to Lamont
  • Mercury Drive/Green Street/N. Cedar Drive from Grand Haven to Riverside County Park

In Muskegon County:

  • Scenic Drive from Memorial Drive to Michillinda Road
  • Along Lake Michigan shoreline and Duck Lake

In Barry County:

  • Hickory Road from M-43 to east near Gilmore Car Museum

 

10 Stops For a Great Fall Colors Road Trip in Michigan

There's no doubt that Fall in Michigan brings us some gorgeous sights. If you're looking to hit the road for a Fall Colors tour, hopefully, this guide will help.

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