The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Fall Colors Peak in Northern Lower Peninsula, Says AAA


PHOTO

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 17, 2007 -- Michigan's annual fall color show continues to migrate south reports AAA Michigan, with red, yellow and orange hues in "peak" condition in parts of the Northern Lower Peninsula. Most of the Upper Peninsula is now past peak.

Rain and wind have hampered color development across much of the state. AAA's weekly survey of state parks and regional visitor's bureaus shows muted tones in many areas of the northern lower peninsula. Naturalists at Petoskey State Park report that hues are 100 percent developed there. Alpena, East Tawas, Harrison, Harrisville, Ludington, Mackinaw City, Rogers City and Traverse City also report color development at 100 percent.

On the west side of the state, color is filling in fast. Prime viewing conditions are expected this weekend at Grand Rapids and Ludington, with 75-80 percent color development reported there.

In the Southwest, peak color is still a week or two away. At Holland State Park and Warren Dunes State Park in St. Joseph, color development is reported at 40 percent, with 50 percent color development reported at Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Hastings.

In the Southeast, prime fall color is still a week or two away. Fifty percent color development is reported in Milford, Shelby Township and Tipton.

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 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 50 million members in the United States and Canada.