Cooler days and shorter nights are creating a late start for this fall's tree color "glow-up". To make sure you don't miss the rapid seasonal leaf changes, the Huron Manistee National Forest has once again launched their Fall Color Interactive Map online.
The map allows people to experience the changing colors of the forest from the convenience of any mobile device or computer. U.S. Forest spokesperson Debra Ann Brabazon said the map is their way of offering accessibility to the forest.
"People who may be out of state or maybe someone who is in a nursing home who can't get out to see the colors because they are limited by mobility issues. To share this with them, so this way they can also enjoy the color from the convenience of their home," she explained.
Brabazon said people can click on the map’s icons to see current color conditions at specific locations. She says the real-time updates will be online through October.
While colors started to pop in early September, the irregular weather patterns made the season somewhat of a "color tease" in northern Michigan.
Brabazon said "One night we had frost and it started to slowly pop in and then we had another night of frost. And then this weekend Boom...it was like someone had just turned the On switch and it just started glowing up!"
She advised 'leaf peepers' get out and see the most vibrant colors through the weekend in northern Michigan counties as hues are at their peak now.
Learn more on Huron-Manistee National Forest's website.
