Peak Color Conditions Reported in Upper Peninsula, says AAA Michigan

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 4, 2006 -- The fall color show in the state's Upper Peninsula is reaching its peak, with many of the state parks in the region reporting color development currently at 90-100 percent, reports AAA Michigan.

According to observers at Porcupine Mountain State Park in Ontonagon and Van Riper State Park in Ishpeming, the best viewing will be found this weekend and into next week. AAA's weekly survey of state parks and regional visitor's bureaus reveals the best color show in virtually all areas of the U.P. where the trees have turned vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow.

In the Northern Lower Peninsula, the prime viewing is only a week or less away. Color development in the region ranges between 80 and 95 percent, with the best viewing in Alpena, Boyne City, Frankfort, Harrisville, Manistee, Rogers City, Roscommon and Rose City. Expect peak conditions to occur in early October in the inland areas and mid October near the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Across the rest of the Lower Peninsula, color ranges between 40 and 60 percent. Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids says peak color could occur in mid-October in that area. Look for peak color development in the Thumb and Metro Detroit area during mid- to late-October.

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 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.