Fall Color Season Could Be Brilliant, AAA Says

DEARBORN, MI - September 10, 2008: A few trees in some parts of Michigan have already started to show their fall foliage, and AAA Michigan says this may be a harbinger of what could be an excellent fall color season if Mother Nature cooperates.

The current trend of vacationers staying closer to home -- along with a cool summer with substantial rainfall early -- points to a promising season statewide between mid-September, when the show usually begins in the north, and late-October, when it ends in southern Michigan.

According to Dr. Bert Cregg, associate professor in the departments of Horticulture and Forestry at Michigan State University, "the extent and brilliance of this year's fall color may depend on how quickly we recover from the current dry spell." A hot Labor Day weekend and dry weather preceding it have caused many trees in the mid-Michigan area to shed leaves, said Cregg.

The key to brilliant color also depends greatly on weather conditions that prevail in September and October, he said. Sunny days and cool nights are the best combination for a blockbuster season. Adequate soil moisture helps the trees to hang onto their leaves and increases the duration of the show.

Michigan is blessed with vibrant natural color, and leaf-peepers have plenty of places to enjoy it. There are more than 18.6 million acres of forested land, two national shorelines, nearly 100 state parks and recreation areas, hundreds of local and regional parks, three national forests and state forests in both peninsulas.

Autumn travelers can enjoy the season in many ways -- from leisurely canoe floats down rivers, pedaling mountain bikes, on horseback, or enjoying local fall color cruises, to taking a traditional weekend drive to see Michigan's more than 160 waterfalls. Fall color trips can be tailored to fit any budget - from hour-long treks through local woods to multi-day stays at a resort, with golf and spa packages included. Other stops include tours of pumpkin patches, wineries, cider mills and fall festivals.

AAA recommends two adults traveling in Michigan budget $211.19 per day for lodging and meals. Travelers can also seek discounts, and showing a AAA card, or other membership card, may help in obtaining discounts for meals, lodging and attractions.

When planning trips, remember that shoreline areas along the Great Lakes tend to have delayed peak color compared with inland forests because of lake-effect warmth. Valleys, hilltops and roadways often turn earlier because they are more likely to see cooler temperatures. AAA also recommends motorists pay attention to their driving - it is best to pull off the road to enjoy fall color.

Beginning September 10, 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 on the Internet at www.AAA.com (go to NEWS/SAFETY page), or visit www.michigan.org .

EDITOR'S NOTE: AAA's weekly Wednesday fall color survey will continue through October.