Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Wins USA Today’s Best Fall Foliage Destination for 2024

[glowe]

Well, we did it again. No coverage on the national news, but satisfaction that someone noticed the remote Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We get little recognition, including from our state government, but at least we have this going for us. Short in duration, but spectacular in viewing this bit of nature's treasures.

My yard is full of evergreens and maples, giving a great variety of colors every fall. We have a massive structure called Copper Peak, a former ski flying hill that gives visitors a great view of the fall colors. Pictures below are from my front yard, local color displays, and pics of Copper Peak.

 

[lihpster]

Yeah, but do you have one of these?
This giant smiley face of trees greets drivers in Polk County every fall - oregonlive.com

 

[dockmurgw]

My states population - 600,000
Number of people that pour into the state to look at leaves - 2.5 million
Towns close roads to keep them out because they can't handle the volume of people.
They invade and trample private property for the perfect picture, use the roadsides as toilets because there are no facilities.
Locals pray for the last leave to drop so they all go home.
Can we send a couple million to the UP?

 

[Rule3]

Yeah, but do you have one of these?
This giant smiley face of trees greets drivers in Polk County every fall - oregonlive.com

That is very "cool"

 

[Rule3]

My states population - 600,000
Number of people that pour into the state to look at leaves - 2.5 million
Towns close roads to keep them out because they can't handle the volume of people.
They invade and trample private property for the perfect picture, use the roadsides as toilets because there are no facilities.
Locals pray for the last leave to drop so they all go home.
Can we send a couple million to the UP?

But then when the snow falls they all come down here
Actually, not many from Vermont but lots from Michigan!

 

[Super Trucker]

But then when the snow falls they all come down here
Actually, not many from Vermont but lots from Michigan!

I'll disagree with "all" and change it to "not enough".

 

[PatriotX]

My states population - 600,000
Number of people that pour into the state to look at leaves - 2.5 million
Towns close roads to keep them out because they can't handle the volume of people.
They invade and trample private property for the perfect picture, use the roadsides as toilets because there are no facilities.
Locals pray for the last leave to drop so they all go home.
Can we send a couple million to the UP?

LEAFERS!


Headed to top of the Mitten this weekend, will report back.

 

[Gamecock]

Western NC out of the running this year. Helene took all the leaves.

 

[zwartepiet]

Way to represent Gary!

Here are a couple from the middle of the UP.

 

[soFlaNative]

Good on the yoopers that appreciate the change, enjoy.
Small town western NC will miss the tourist revenue on top of their other problems.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have seen the UP, New England, The Smokies, Cumberland and the Ohio Valley all decked out in their autumn glory. All were spectacular.

It's not a contest.

 

[Hair Trigger]

The only two reasons the southern Appalachians didn't win the award this year is 1- Helene blew all the leaves off before they could turn colors, and 2- you can't find a complete road into the mountains to see them anyway.

 

[glowe]

My states population - 600,000
Number of people that pour into the state to look at leaves - 2.5 million
Towns close roads to keep them out because they can't handle the volume of people.
They invade and trample private property for the perfect picture, use the roadsides as toilets because there are no facilities.
Locals pray for the last leave to drop so they all go home.
Can we send a couple million to the UP?

Absolutely!! The UP has 16,400 square miles and 300,000 population. 80% is forest so more than enough leaves for everyone to look at. Vermont is 2/3 the size of the UP and the double population. Cannot imagine 2 million people more in the UP, but the tourist dollars would be tough to pass up. A couple dozen cars on my road so far today, so the tourists must be out in force.

 

[dockmurgw]

Absolutely!! The UP has 16,400 square miles and 300,000 population. 80% is forest so more than enough leaves for everyone to look at. Vermont is 2/3 the size of the UP and the double population. Cannot imagine 2 million people more in the UP, but the tourist dollars would be tough to pass up. A couple dozen cars on my road so far today, so the tourists must be out in force.

Be careful what you wish for!!!
Seriously though, the UP has always been on my bucket list...I cherish Northwoods solitude.

How small Northeast towns are combatting fall foliage social media frenzy - ABC News

 

[Greyman50]

We used to go to Boone and Blowing Rock every fall for the leaves. Since wife is gone and Helene wiped things out up there have no idea when or if I’ll go back.

 

[moosedog]

Michigan's UP is a true treasure.

 

[Oldengineer]

Absolutely beautiful. I went to school at Michigan Tech in the 60’s and recall the colors vividly. Thanks for reminding me how spectacular they are….as well as the “Northern Lights”.

 

[glowe]

Absolutely beautiful. I went to school at Michigan Tech in the 60’s and recall the colors vividly. Thanks for reminding me how spectacular they are….as well as the “Northern Lights”.

Class of 1970 for me.