CADILLAC, Mich. – Fall color fans have a new tool for following the spectacular change of seasons across nearly a million acres of Michigan forestland.
The Huron-Manistee National Forests, which span nearly one million acres across the Lower Peninsula, have launched their 2023 fall color interactive map. The continuously updated map allows viewers to select different colored icons within the forests’ interior to reveal recent images of emerging fall colors photographed by forest service employees.
“We introduced the map last year to create an opportunity for those who are unable to travel to the Huron-Manistee to see the colors changing,” said Acting Public Affairs Officer Travis Owens.
Owens said the interactive map also can serve as a great tool for those wanting to plan a leaf-peeping trip.
The national forests contain dozens of day-hiking areas and more than 500 miles of forest roads for a scenic drives. The forests’ Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center in Oscoda also offers fall color walks on the accessible Highbanks Trail along the Au Sable River on Saturdays in October until October 22, 2023.
A statement from the National Forests noted that fall colors are already beginning to show up in hardwood foliage as hues of red and lime green, hinting that full color is not far off.
The fall color interactive map can be found on the Huron-Manistee National Forests’ website at fs.usda.gov/hmnf.
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