Fall Color Picks Up Pace in Upper Peninsula, Says AAA

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 20 -- Michigan's annual fall color show has picked up the pace in the state's Upper Peninsula, with many of the state parks in the region reporting color development at 45-50 percent, reports AAA Michigan.

According to observers at Bewabic State Park in Crystal Falls and Muskallonge Lake State Park in Newberry, a recent cold snap has accelerated the color development, with peak colors expected the last week in September for many locations across the U.P.

AAA's weekly survey of state parks and regional visitors' bureaus reveals the best color show in the Copper Harbor area, where 60 percent of the trees have turned vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow.

In the Northwest Lower Peninsula, the color change has also accelerated with the cooler weather. Color development in the region ranges between 25 and 50 percent, with the best viewing near Onaway. Expect peak conditions to occur in late September in the inland areas and early October near the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Across the rest of the Lower Peninsula, color is just beginning to appear, with peak conditions not expected for another two to three weeks. Fall color watchers looking for the best viewing opportunities can call Travel Michigan at (888) 78-GREAT (784-7328) for color updates provided by AAA Michigan each Wednesday through October. Updates also will be posted at http://aaa.com/ (enter ZIP code, click ABOUT AAA tab), or visit http://www.michigan.org/ .

AAA Michigan offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 1.6 million members in Michigan. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with approximately 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization with more than 49 million members in the United States and Canada.