Countdown
to Autumn
The
timing of color change and leaf fall
is effected by shorter periods of
daylight, temperature and rainfall.
The
composition of the mixed hardwood
forests and contrasting leaf colors
provides a stunning fall display
each year around Grand Rapids.
Different types of trees peak at
different times and their color
displays are quite different from
one variety of tree to the next.
The maple trees generally peak first
in late September, followed by
aspens and birches, and the tamarack
and oaks usually change color later
in October.
Tip for late season color:
While the deciduous trees are
shedding their leaves, the tamarack
trees (Western Larch - found in wet
or swampy areas) are turning
bright gold in color. This
gold tamarack color is most
prominent in late October.
Fall Color
Folklore:
Native
American folklore explained the fall
colors by telling of the celestial
hunters who had slain the Great Bear
-- the red leaves came from his
blood, and the yellow from the fat
that splattered from the kettle as
the hunters cooked the meat.
(source: Chippewa National Forest.)
Suggested Scenic Driving Route
for Fall Colors: Maps
available at the Marcell Ranger
Station
From Grand Rapids, follow Highway 38
North past Marcell. (Road reconstruction in
the town of Marcell is now complete.)
North of Marcell, take County Road
43 West to Highway 6. Go North
on Highway 6 to Forest Road (FR)
2423. Follow Forest Road 2423
East back to Highway 38 and go back
south. Before you reach the
town of Marcell, take Forest Road
2182 East, to Forest Road 2181
South, to County Road 45 West, back
to Highway 38. Go south on
Highway 38 to return to Grand
Rapids.
(Writer's Favorite Stops on this
route: Dinner at the Timberwolf Inn,
snacks and supplies at Frontier
Sports.)
Other
Scenic Driving Routes:
Click the link for
motorcycle touring to view or
print suggested driving routes.
| Fun
Fall Activities |
|
|
| Leaf
Color Guide |
| Reds/Oranges |
Golds |
Greens |
Rusts |
Maples
Dogwood |
Tamarack
Birch
Aspen |
Pines |
Oaks |
|
|
