Natural History Wanderings

Eastern Regional National Forests have the following Fall Color updates:

Illinois

Colors are popping on the Shawnee National Forest! The sassafras has a brilliant palate of orange, yellow and rust red.  The tulip poplar, oak, hickory and sycamore trees are a bit more yellow and brown this week. The sweet gum and maples are showing a touch of yellow and rust red. The sumac bushes are almost full rust red, and farkleberry has a touch of red. Colors are around 15%, with peak expected the second week of October.

Indiana

Hints of fall are showing their colors on the Hoosier National Forest this week.  Sumac and dogwood trees are beginning to show off their beautiful deep reds as well as the poison ivy.  Maples are starting to glow with orange and the black and sweet gums are turning yellow. Many of the walnuts are yellow or already dropping their leaves. For the weekend the days are to be in the mid 70’s with nights into the 50’s; perfect conditions for a fabulous camping expedition!

Michigan

Fall Color in the Detroit Metro area began around Sept 18, after a three day cold spell. Since then isolated bright color is starting to show, with some maples having turned a brilliant red and the honey locust are in full yellow. Color is at approximately 15%. Check out this link to observe real time fall color on belle isle/Detroit River.

Fall Color is at its peak here in the Hiawatha National Forest. Some great spots to take in the amazing fall color are Bay Furnace, Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway and Point Iroquois Light House. Also, check out Soldier Lake, and all along Forest Road 13. Plan your trip now to catch the best of fall color on the Hiawatha.

The color on the Huron-Manistee National Forest is an odd mix, with one tree at 100% color, and the tree next to it at 0%. Roadways, openings, river corridors and lake shores are starting to see more color along their edges, while the interior portions of the Forest are still green. Fall flowers you may see right now include: asters, purple coneflower, hyssop, wheat grass, big blue stem and prairie sage. For detailed locale information, see below:

• Manistee/Cadillac Area– The dune grass along the Lake Michigan shoreline turned gold in August, but the trees are still mostly green.  Along M-55, M-37, US-31 and US-131 the trees are turning brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow, but the further you go into the woods the more like summer it still looks.  Overall color is still around 30%
• Baldwin/White Cloud Area– Along M-37 there are twinges of color, but nothing like further north.  The Pere Marquette and White Rivers are starting to show more color, as are the swamp/wetland areas and lakeshores near several campgrounds, but overall color is still around 20 to 25%
• Mio/Grayling Area– Further north, towards M-72, there is some color.  The further north you go, the brighter the colors.   Near M-55 and M-65 colors are still just beginning along the roadway, while the river corridor for the Au Sable is beginning to show signs of fall. Overall color is still around 30%.
• Oscoda/Tawas City Area– River Road National Scenic Byway and the Au Sable River corridor are starting to see some color.  But most areas are still very green.  Overall color is still around 20 to 25%!

Wow!!! What a difference a week makes on the Ottawa National Forest. Last week was the perfect week to view the fall color further inland from Lake Superior with peak color just occurring in certain areas. Other areas of the Forest, especially those along Lake Superior are slower to change, with the aspens just starting to turn golden yellow. For some fantastic views, take a scenic drive up Forest Highway 16 north of Kenton. Just off the highway are a number of side roads with a wonderful view of the fall color display. Another beautiful drive is along U.S. 45 from Bruce Crossing to Rockland and Ontonagon; Military Hill along 45 is spectacular. There is definitely still time to plan your trip to the Ottawa to catch the blazing fall color. For a safe trip, be aware of an abundance of traffic along forest roads so proceed with caution.

Minnesota

Fall is definitely here in the Chippewa National Forest, with vibrant bright red and oranges of maples along forest roads. There are still a lot of green leaves, but more color is expected this week. Now’s the time to hike or drive forest roads and trails, especially near lakes and wetlands for beautiful colors and moving wildlife. State Highway 38 Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway is always a nice drive.  Grab your camera and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of autumn in the Chippewa.

The Superior National Forest is hovering near peak colors this week, at around 80-100%. While leaves are still changing, rain this week might knock some down. Plan your visit with a weather report in hand.

New Hampshire

Color and weather have been truly exceptional this foliage season in the White Mountain National Forest, with an unusual amount of red this year. Colors are at peak along much of the Kancamagus Highway, Route 16 from Pinkham Notch and Franconia Notch. Based on the weather, we expect colors to remain fantastic through this week-end; so plan your trip today!

Pennsylvania

Color is at about 50% right now on the Allegheny National Forest, with peak expected anywhere from October 8 through Columbus Day weekend.

Vermont

Foliage in the Green Mountain National Forestis nearing peak at the higher elevations. The impending cooling weather is likely to accelerate the process at all locations and elevations, but there is still plenty of green to eventually catch up with heightened red, orange and yellow tones.

West Virginia

Areas of the Monongahela National Forest are near peak, with others just starting; please see below for local details:

• Cheat Area (Parsons, WV):  the Forest’s most northern district is currently at about 50-60%, with color really popping in the higher elevations. The reds, oranges, and yellows are providing some spectacular scenery. The lower elevations are a bit behind at only about 20%.
• Gauley Area (Richwood, WV): the higher elevations are peaking or are at peak. For a gorgeous display of bright reds, yellows and oranges mixed in with a few greens; check out route 150 of the scenic highway at sugar creek and Williams River Valley. The drive along route 55 from Richwood toward the cranberry mountain nature center provides a nice change at about 40-50%, and 60% at the Center. As you drop over the mountain towards Marlinton, the color is at about 10-20%.
• Potomac Area (Petersburg, WV): The trees in the valley near Petersburg are still mostly green, but as you leave the area, the colors begin to appear. The picturesque Seneca Rocks area is between 15-20%. Travelling up the Allegheny Mountain towards Elkins, the color increases to 30-45%. Even more color can be observed at Backbone Mountain near the tucker county high school, with the foliage at about 50-65%.
• Greenbrier Area (Bartow, WV) the area is currently at about 45% color change, with some really bright colors to observe. For optimal color right now, check out higher/mountainous elevations.
• White Sulphur Area (White Sulphur springs, WV) The Forest’s southernmost area is currently at about 25% with color changing rapidly.
• Marlinton Area (Marlinton, WV) the hills in the upper elevations are alive with the colors of fall foliage. The highland scenic highway is at its peak with a beautiful array of colors. Though, lower elevations are only at about 10%. Mostly sunny skies are predicted throughout the remainder the weekend. Plan your visit now

Wisconsin

Cooler North woods temperatures are a sign that the fall color season is heading toward its peak. But, there’s still plenty of time to get out and see the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest at its autumn best.

Milwaukee Metro Area: Despite recent wind and rain that have brought some leaves down, ash trees are showing brilliant golds and maples are starting their blush of orange and red. West of downtown and away from the moderating climatic influence of Lake Michigan, colorful maples dot the mostly still green landscape. Some oaks are starting to turn red and brown, and the sumac bushes are a brilliant red.