5. Huron-Manistee National Forest: This sprawling forest is home to some of Michigan’s most diverse fall colors, with everything from vibrant maples to deep purple beech trees. The forest also offers plenty of hiking trails for those looking to get up close and personal with the autumn beauty.
I’m Jenna Rainey.
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I’m an artist, self-taught designer, and multi-faceted creative entrepreneur who is hell-bent on teaching everyone how to find their inner creative voice.
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11/10/2021
In October 2018, I road-tripped my way through the PNW for my book tour. I got to drive on the Chuckanut Road (google it!!) and see the most vivid yellows, oranges and reds of the fall trees. It looked like fireworks!! There were so many moments during that trip where I had to pull over and take pictures. One in particular was coming around this curve in Bellingham, WA and weaving through the yellow trees on the coast. INSANE! For me at least, painting it is can be almost as beautiful and fun as seeing it. It may seem like they’re more complex to paint, but trust me. I teach you how to paint these fluffy, fall trees in a very simplistic way.
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Trees in the Fall
00:00 – Intro.
00:22 – Getting started with quick color mixing.
00:59 – First tree, yellow-orange.
01:45 – Second, more red tree.
04:26 – Third, more orange tree.
04:38 – What I’m thinking when I paint fall trees…
06:30 – Darker and darker with each layer.
06:59 – Now for the trunks.
08:50 – Adding the grass at the bottom.
10:26 – Finishing touches on the trees…
11:12 – If you want a painted sky…
12:32 – This outro will make you smile.
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A Symphony of Colors
The sight of fall trees is a true testament to the wonders of nature. It’s a spectacle that never fails to captivate and inspire awe. But what exactly causes these trees to change their colors, and why do they do it?
Understanding the Science Behind It
Chlorophyll: To appreciate the phenomenon of fall trees, we must first understand the role of chlorophyll in leaves. Chlorophyll is the green pigment responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which trees convert sunlight into energy. During the spring and summer months, chlorophyll dominates, giving leaves their lush green appearance. The Change: Trees undergo a remarkable transformation as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop in the fall. The reduced sunlight triggers a decrease in chlorophyll production. As a result, other pigments, such as carotenoids (responsible for yellow and orange hues) and anthocyanins (responsible for red and purple hues), become more prominent. This transition from green to a myriad of colors is what we admire as the fall foliage.
Beautiful Fall Trees to Admire
Now that we’ve unraveled the science behind it, let’s explore some of the most enchanting fall trees that grace us with their presence each autumn.
Maple Trees
Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum): Known for its stunning, fiery-red leaves, the Sugar Maple is a true icon of the fall season. Found predominantly in the northeastern United States and Canada, these trees create a breathtaking tapestry of red and orange hues. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum): With its delicate, lacy foliage and shades of red, orange, and even purple, the Japanese Maple is a favorite among garden enthusiasts. It’s a smaller tree, making it suitable for smaller yards or even container gardening.
Oak Trees
Red Oak (Quercus rubra): The Red Oak is renowned for its deep red leaves, which often persist well into late fall. These majestic trees are a common sight in many parts of North America.
Birch Trees
Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera): The Paper Birch’s striking white bark stands out beautifully against the backdrop of golden-yellow leaves. This tree is known for its graceful presence in the northern regions.
Dogwood Trees
Cornus florida: The Dogwood tree graces us with its elegant pink or white flowers in the spring, but it also has a unique charm in the fall when its leaves turn vibrant shades of red.
Ginkgo Trees
Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo trees are remarkable for their fan-shaped leaves that turn a brilliant golden yellow in the fall. They’re known for their longevity and unique appearance.
Sweetgum Trees
Liquidambar styraciflua: Sweetgum trees offer a mesmerizing mix of red, orange, and purple leaves during the fall season. Their star-shaped leaves are a captivating sight.
Planning for Your Own Fall Oasis
Now that you’re acquainted with some of the most beautiful fall trees, you might be inspired to bring a touch of autumn to your own backyard. But before you start planting, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind.
Understanding Planting Zones
Before selecting your fall trees, it’s essential to understand your region’s planting zones. The United States, for instance, is divided into USDA Plant Hardiness Zones, which indicate the minimum temperatures for specific areas. Knowing your zone helps you choose trees that will thrive in your climate. For instance, if you live in Georgia, you’ll likely fall into Zones 7-9, which have relatively mild winters. This opens up a wide range of options for fall tree selection, including many of the varieties mentioned earlier.
Timing Matters
When planning your fall tree planting, timing is crucial. It’s best to plant trees in the early spring or late fall when temperatures are cooler. This allows the roots to establish themselves before the harsh summer heat or winter cold sets in.
Consider Your Space
While the idea of a grand oak or maple tree may be appealing, it’s vital to consider the available space in your yard. Some of these trees can grow quite large and may not be suitable for smaller gardens. Look for dwarf varieties if you have limited space, such as Dwarf Weeping Trees, which maintain a more manageable size.
Caring for Your Fall Trees
- Watering: Ensure your trees receive adequate water, especially during dry spells. Deep watering is often more beneficial than frequent, shallow watering.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
- Pruning: Prune your trees as needed to remove dead or diseased branches and to shape the tree’s growth.
- Fertilization: Depending on your soil quality, you may need to fertilize your trees to provide essential nutrients.
Best state parks for fall camping and activities
Fall is a wonderful time to go camping in Michigan and enjoy the natural beauty of the changing leaves. Here are some of the best state parks in Michigan for fall camping and activities:
1. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Located in the Upper Peninsula, this park is known for its beautiful waterfalls and stunning fall foliage. The park has several campgrounds that offer a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.
2. Ludington State Park
This park is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and has over 5,300 acres of scenic sand dunes, forests, and beach. The fall colors are especially vibrant here, making it a great place for camping and hiking.
3. Sleepy Hollow State Park
This park is located in the central part of the state and offers a wide range of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and hiking. The park has over 2,600 acres of woodlands and offers scenic views of the fall colors.
4. Warren Dunes State Park
This park is located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan and has some of the largest sand dunes in the state. The park is popular for its camping, hiking, and beach activities, and the fall colors add to the beauty of the park.
5. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Located in the western part of the Upper Peninsula, this park offers over 60,000 acres of forests, lakes, and waterfalls. The park has several campgrounds that offer a peaceful setting surrounded by nature, making it a great place for fall camping and hiking.
$14.00
In addition to camping, many state parks offer a variety of fall activities such as hayrides, pumpkin patches, and Halloween-themed events. Check out the state park’s website for more information on fall activities.
Unique experiences for enjoying the fall season in Michigan
While hiking and leaf peeping are some of the most popular activities during the fall season, there are also some unique experiences you can enjoy in Michigan during autumn. Here are some ideas:
1. Visit a cider mill: Michigan is known for its delicious apple cider, and visiting a local cider mill is a must-do during the fall season. Many cider mills also offer activities like hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches, making it a great option for families.
2. Attend a fall festival: Michigan is home to many fall festivals, from the famous Oktoberfest in Frankenmuth to the Appleumpkin Festival in Tecumseh. These festivals usually feature live music, food vendors, and activities like pumpkin carving and apple pie baking contests.
$14.00
3. Take a hot air balloon ride: Seeing the fall foliage from above is an unforgettable experience. Many hot air balloon companies in Michigan offer fall flights, which allow you to soar over the colorful treetops and enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
$14.00
4. Go on a wine tasting tour: Michigan is home to over 100 wineries, many of which are located in beautiful fall scenery. Take a wine tasting tour and enjoy the colors of the season while sipping on some of Michigan’s best wines.
5. Visit a ghost town: Michigan has a rich history, and exploring some of its ghost towns can be a fascinating experience. Many of these abandoned towns are located in remote areas and offer a unique perspective on Michigan’s past.
No matter how you choose to enjoy the fall season in Michigan, make sure to take some time to slow down and soak in the beauty of nature’s spectacular art show.
Tips for capturing the beauty of fall foliage on camera
As you explore Michigan’s fall foliage, you’ll want to make sure you capture the beauty on camera to share with others or simply to cherish for yourself. Here are some tips to help you get the best photos of autumn colors in Pure Michigan:
1. Use the right camera settings: Adjusting your camera settings can help bring out the rich, vibrant colors of fall foliage. If using a DSLR camera consider shooting in RAW format and experimenting with settings like exposure, contrast, and saturation.
2. Find the right light: The golden hour, which is the hour after sunrise and before sunset, is the perfect time to capture fall foliage in all its glory. Soft, warm light during this time can create beautiful, flattering images.
3. Look for interesting perspectives: Don’t just stick to taking photos at eye level. Consider different angles and perspectives, like shooting upward through the leaves or down at the foliage from a bird’s eye view.
4. Get up close: Capture the intricate details of the leaves and the veins that run through them by using a macro lens or simply zooming in with your camera.
5. Use props and people: Including people, animals, or objects in your photos can add interest and scale to your shots, making them more dynamic and memorable.
6. Don’t forget about editing: Editing your photos after taking them can enhance the colors and create a more polished, professional look. Play around with editing tools and filters until you achieve the desired effect.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to capture the breathtaking beauty of Michigan’s fall foliage in all its glory.
In Pure Michigan, autumn is a special time of year when nature transforms into a breathtaking canvas of red, orange, and gold. From hiking and biking trails to scenic drives and state parks, there’s no shortage of spots to enjoy the beauty of fall foliage.
