Fall colors will soon take over Michigan’s county roads in the U.P.

CRA of Michigan
IRON COUNTY  – As the crisp fall air arrives, Michiganders flock to the best color viewing spots – and many of those are located alongside the U.P.’s county roads. It’s the ideal time to enjoy an afternoon drive and take in the splendor of the fall leaves.
“The County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan encourages Michiganders to explore the beauty of the Upper Peninsula this fall,” said Denise Donohue, CRA CEO. “We all know Michigan has a lot to offer, and the changing leaves are just one of the state’s admirable qualities.”
The CRA of Michigan has worked with the state’s 83 county road agencies to develop a list of the best county roads in the state for fall color. The list is located on CRA’s website at micountyroads.org/mibackroads.
This list of fall color drives reflects the best suggestions from eight U.P. county road agencies. Peak viewing conditions for the Upper Peninsula are expected from September 18 to October 9.
Best fall color drives in Iron County are:
  • Ottawa Lake Road/Hagerman Lake Road loop
  • Pentoga Trail (CR-639) to CR-424 along Chicagon Lake and Pentoga Road from CR-424 to Brule River
  • Bates-Amasa Road (CR-643) US-2 to US-141 by Paint River and Hemlock River
  • Gibbs City Road and Ponozzo Road
The 83 members of the County Road Association (CRA) of Michigan represent the unified voice for a safe and efficient county transportation infrastructure system in Michigan, including appropriate stewardship of the public’s right-of-way in rural and urban Michigan. Collectively, Michigan’s county road agencies manage 75% of all roads in the state, including 90,000 miles of roads and 5,700 bridges. County road agencies also maintain the state’s highway system in 63 counties. Michigan has the nation’s fourth-largest local road system.