R. R. Branstrom Traces of fall color are shown in Delta County in this file photo.

ESCANABA — Color-changing leaves in a comfortable climate with plenty of natural scenery draw tourists from other regions to the Upper Peninsula and encourage residents to explore the outdoors in autumn. This year’s September was unusually warm, potentially pushing the timeline back slightly in places, but areas around the U.P. have begun to turn and should be peaking within the next week or two.

Businesses and hotels experience a swell when visitors come to take in the splendor, though Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association (UPTRA) Director Tom Nemacheck has referred to the fall tourism wave as “an extension of summer,” as it immediately follows the warm season and can be difficult to distinguish as a separate entity.

“We are seeing a rise in park visitation for our fall color season,” said Katie Urban, Park Interpreter for Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, this week. “There generally is a slower portion of the year between when the kids go back to school and when fall colors start to pop up.”

Locals can expect a surge of both returning sightseers and those who’ve only heard or read about the area. USA Today, a popular, nationwide publication, annually releases a top ten list of destinations “ideal for viewing the entire spectrum of fall foliage,” and this year, they crowned the U.P. as the number one destination in the country.

“Talk about being on the radar screen,” Nemacheck had quipped last year, when Tahquamenon Falls had landed at number two. The U.P. has emerged near the top of the list for several years, something leaf peepers take note of.

A benefit of being on a peninsula — and one full of inland lakes and rivers, at that — is that scenery can be reflected upon a watery surface, making for double the delight when clear skies and trees full of yellows and reds wink back at viewers from a rippling lake.

The Colwell Lake Trail, approximately 30 miles north of Manistique, is “particularly stunning in the fall,” according to the Manistique Tourism Council. Its two-mile loop, designated an “easy” one, is surfaced to be accessible for wheelchairs and those with mobility impairments.

To the northwest, the famous Lake of the Clouds is ADA-accessible, and chairlift rides on the ski hill offer views of the lake and surrounding colors from the sloping Porcupine Mountains during the first two weekends in October. Another great spot for taking in autumn vistas in the Porkies, suggested Urban, is Summit Peak, where a 35-foot observation tower is a half-mile from the parking lot.

For people who relish in a more rugged hike or otherwise remote terrain, the U.P. is home to 10 designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers. In the central U.P., the Whitefish and Indian Rivers, plus the Sturgeon River of Hiawatha National Forest, have earned that classification.

A general rule of thumb for those planning color tours in the U.P. is that leaf change happens from west to east, and first in the center (inland) areas of the peninsula before spreading towards the lakeshores, where weather around the water modulates the temperatures, according to UPTRA.

Typically, prime colors are seen in the U.P. during the last week of September and first two weeks of October.

This year, Urban noted, “It has been very warm but also very dry. From what we have seen, our colors are not changing as early as we have seen in the past, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the colors will be pushed later.”

UPTRA, who publishes a fall color map with detailed updates by county every Wednesday on uptravel.com, reported the following on Oct. 2:

– In the western U.P., color is developing, with “beautiful reds and oranges” already in Iron County and a peak expected by the first and second week of October.

– In the central U.P., some color change was noted. Peak is expected the second week of October most places; Alger County’s peak might be a little later than Dickenson, Menominee and Marquette.

– In the eastern U.P., “small pops of color change” are seen in Chippewa, and places in the region should see their peaks the second week of October or mid-month.

The association also points out that “fall color may change rapidly based on current weather conditions.” Additionally, winds and rain often bring leaves down earlier than expected.

With the onset of fall also comes increased viewing conditions for the Northern Lights, yet another draw for visitors from lower latitudes.

Many people will view from the comfort of their cars, while others may be on trails, but all should remember to navigate safely for conditions. Motorcyclists likely know that wet fallen leaves can be slippery and not to brake too hard or count on having the usual amount of traction on such surfaces; therefore, it’s wise to reduce speeds and lean angles on leaf-scattered surfaces. Similarly, car drivers should also be attentive and careful.

Urban urged hikers to take caution, as well: “Leaves that pack onto the trails can cover tripping hazards and tricky spots to navigate. It is always a good idea to come prepared for a hike with sturdy, lace-up shoes or boots, snacks and water and a walking stick or trekking poles to help keep your footing while exploring our beautiful park,” she said.