The County Road Association of Michigan is predicting the best time to view fall colors along the state’s roads will begin around September 25 in the Upper Peninsula.

Association Deputy Director of Engagement Dustin Earley tells us the wet conditions we’ve had of late aren’t really expected to have much of an effect on the peak fall color times.

“Looking at the forecast compared to last year, we’re really surprisingly close,” Earley said. “Maybe within five days to a week or so, maybe a little bit early, but really not what you might expect.”

Earley says the best place in the state to see fall colors tends to be the U.P. The time to head up there will be between September 25 and October 9. You want to get off the beaten path, if possible.

“The best place to view colors is definitely on those back roads, the ones where you can drive through forested areas, or there’s those big open expanses over farm fields where you can see all the colors painted on the trees across the way.”

In Southwest Michigan, the peak fall colors are expected between October 9 and October 23.

Earley says the road association contacts local road commissions and departments to learn which routes will be the most scenic in their area. In Berrien County, that would be Blue Star Highway, or M-63, along Lake Michigan from Van Buren County to St. Joseph and Red Arrow Highway from Stevensville to New Buffalo.

You can see the County Road Association of Michigan Fall Color Guide right here.