The prospect of winter is a time for sadness for many Yoopers. Summer months seem to fly in the blink of an eye, while icy roads and bitter temps seem to last forever.

While we have to deal with longer and more difficult winters than much of the country, the changing of the seasons gives us a special treat each year: fall colors.

Although we still have a few weeks until the wide variety of colors start to show in earnest, now is the time to plan your weekend trip to one of the many beautiful vistas in the U.P.

Locally, Sugarloaf Mountain provides an easy hike to get a good view of fall foliage and a sweeping view of Lake Superior.

The County Road Association of Michigan has a long list of suggestions for those interested in seeing the fall colors.

“The County Road Association of Michigan encourages Michiganders to explore the beauty of the Upper Peninsula this fall,” said Denise Donohue, CRA executive director. “We all know Michigan has a lot to offer, and the changing leaves are just one of the state’s admirable qualities.”

A full list can be found online at www.micountyroads.org/mibackroads.

For those willing to drive a few hours up north, the Keweenaw Peninsula may be the undisputed champion of the Upper Peninsula autumn experience.

Heading north along U.S. 41 will take you through Keweenaw County, which has many attractions in the fall months, including the Eagle River Falls. Another 20 minutes of driving will bring you to the crown jewel of the Keweenaw fall color experience: Brockway Mountain. While it is out of the way and the road leading up the mountain has seen better days, anyone who has experienced Brockway in October will tell you that its an experience you will never forget.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette