Lower Tahquamenon Falls in all its splendor.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

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Michigan Fall Colors
Always Worth the Trip

October 27, 2013       Leave a Comment
By: John Keuvelaar

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There is no question that the State of Michigan is an outdoor paradise. Fall colors are just one of those events that many of us look forward to as a cap to the summer and a prelude to winter's white. But a color tour is not only about timing of peak colors; it is also about finding the time to enjoy all nature has to offer. So come along as we take you on our 2013 Fall Color tour.

Last year we learned that not being in a place for peak color and not having perfect weather doesn't mean you miss out. In fact, the rainy conditions last year were a blessing with the dark contrasts increasing the vibrancies of the color. It also is more about the time you spend and the journey you take than just the colors you see. This year, at the family's request, we traveled back to the Tahquamenon Falls area. If you have never been there, it is really one of those places you need to go and see. For us, the lower falls are just as fantastic as the upper falls.

Due to commitments, we had to make this a one day trip. It is doable but makes for a long day. Our journey began at six in the morning as all four of us and our golden retriever settled in the car. As we motored through Bay County, the fog makes for a unique view as it lies in layers just above the fields. This is a scene only the early birds get to view but is well worth it.

As we traveled the I-75 path two weeks in a row, we got to see the dramatic changes in color in areas from one week to the other. As we traveled further north, we noticed pockets of degrees of colors. It is not just a transcending degree of color but you see great color, then past peak and then pre-peak and back. Interesting.

There is something special about the Mackinaw Bridge. It must be the majestic nature of it with the beautiful backdrop of the water, the island and the shoreline. It doesn't matter what time of day or weather condition, it is just inspiring.

On the way is a curve in the road called Trout Lake. At that curve is a grocery store that features Bigfoot Sandwiches. We just had to check this out. These were big, no BIG sandwiches on homemade bread for $4.95. We grabbed the roast beef and it was tremendous. I swear there was $10.00 worth of meat on it. We started at the lower falls. One thing we have learned with the falls is you spend a lot of time at the first stop because there is so much to take in. The first viewing area had a bald eagle perched at the top of a tree. Nice start. In front of us are the two sets of falls, short in height but mighty in viewing. We headed right on the paved path and the trees were full of bright yellow and orange leaves with many already on the ground. They have a wooden planked path along the way that is wide with a railing. The various trees including cedar drape the path forming a canopy above. Various beech and poplar trees are scattered throughout the pathway adding great contrast to the greens in the woods. There is a wonderful observation deck at the base of one of the main falls. Due to the rain earlier in the week, the river was roaring and oh, so inspiring. There is plenty of room on the deck to accommodate even the busiest days but we were in luck on this day. I could of just stood there for hours, OK but a long time just taking it all in.

Farther up the trail, we came across another observation deck overlooking another set of falls. The tannic water made from the leaves gives the falls that "root beer" or golden amber look that is captivating. This was another "stand for hours" spot but alas, much more to see. By now, Mya (our golden retriever) was whining for the water. We wandered further up the path and found a nice spot for her to venture into the now, very cold, water. No mind. In she went lapping up the cool water and getting a good soaking.

The upper falls are always spectacular. Several locations allow you to view the falls from different vantage points. If you are up to it, there are stairs leading down to the top of the falls. From there you not only see but feel the majestic nature that is the Tahquamenon Falls. They are really incredible to view at any time of year but especially in the fall. Back next to the parking lot you can picnic on the grass or up on the large deck that also has an open fire place, great on chilly days. We enjoyed our Bigfoot sandwiches here, toured through the gift shop then headed for Whitefish Point, just some 30 minutes from the falls. Whitefish Point was a great ending to the day. The color along the route was bright and vivid as you glanced through the trees to see Whitefish Bay before ascending on the Point. This is a Coast Guard Station with a working lighthouse, bed and breakfast, museum and yes, a movie of the Edmund Fitzgerald. But for us, the real beauty is the shoreline. As you walk along Lake Superior, the stones are beautiful. Old pylons extend into the water almost reaching for the Canadian shoreline. But the real beauty is the many trees with roots that are now driftwood that seem to accent the beach. While there wasn't a lot of fall color to view, no mind. The rest was well worth the cool, check that, chilly breezes off the shore.

We had hoped for a sunset to finish off the day but once on the beach, we quickly realized it was behind us. But the colors filled the clouds and soon it was time for the long trip home. The chatter in the car, a hot meal and another set of memories made the time fly by. Thanks for joining us on our 2013 Michigan Color Tour.

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John Keuvelaar
John Keuvelaar is a college student at Midwest Photography Workshops and Delta College. More from John Keuvelaar

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