Predicting Wisconsin's Fall Colors

Mornin' to everyone stopping by Kwik Trip for a few glazers today. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

*Psst. The new Wiscampsin gear is sweeter than Ma's apple pie, give it a gander here.

What we're peeping this week:

• Wisconsin Fall Colors 🍁 

• Ice Age Trail extended 🥾 

• Apples abound! 🍎 

Predicting Wisconsin's Fall Colors

We are now in the golden days, folks.

A beautiful, magical time where one can wear both shorts and a hoodie, forgo the bug spray and anti-perspirant (except you, Joe, sorry), and bask in the light thrown from red and yellow, orange and purple hues.

That's right - Fall Colors have arrived, and damn do they look good.

Yes, we're finally able to invite all our friends who live in "pretty" places and boast; our Fall Colors can hold their own against any ocean seascapes or mountain vistas you can find.

And so as we scramble to make the most of every weekend and catch "the peak" via hiking boots, bike seats, kayaks and canoes, many of us wonder when - and where - we should point our compasses to catch the fleeting Fall Colors at their prime.

Leaves for dummies

To get the full (custard) scoop on how these leaves work, ya gotta understand a little bit of biology. And don't worry - this won't be like the time you brought a 6-month old brat for the science fair.

Here's a rundown:

1. Leaves' green color comes from chlorophyll, which they create from the sun. As our sunny days come to an end, less and less chlorophyll is created

2. With less green in the leaves, underlying hues of orange and yellow can shine through due to the carotenoid present in leaves. Same stuff in carrots.

3. With longer, cooler nights, more sugar is trapped in the leaves, giving off purple and red coloration

Unlike last year, which had a delayed/non-uniform peak, this year will be better due to more normal temperatures Wisconsin had this summer. Phew!

Predicting the peak

As you can imagine, the colors will peak in the northern/cooler parts of the state first, and like the wave at Badger football games, roll their way down the state.

Besides relying on that mole on the back of Aunt Susan's neck, the best Fall Colors tool we can find so far is Travel Wisconsin's 2022 Fall Color Report.

Other sources provide a more simplified timeline:

• Northern Wisconsin: Oct 10th

• Central Wisconsin: October 17th

• Southern Wisconsin: October 24th

Where to go

I mean cripes, you could look out the window of the DMV and see some nice colors, but here's a list of our favorite places to catch a real beaut' of a view:

North(ish)

• Timms Hill County Park (highest point in the state!)

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

South(ish)

• Geneva Lake Shore Path

East(ish)

• Pike Lake State Park

• Peninsula State Park

• Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak

• Lion's Den Gorge Nature Preserve

West(ish)

• Wyalusing State Park

• Grandad's Bluff

• Interstate Park

Central(ish)

• Rib Mountain

• Picnic Point - Lake Mendota Trail

• Devil's Lake State Park

Well, enough staring at your computer/phone - grab a snack, a buddy, and maybe two-three post-hike beers and hit the trail!

Now get out 'der!

NEW: Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Well shucks, last week we asked yous what the first Wisconsin state park was called. Only a fella by the name of MrMathTeacher got it correct (Answer:The State Park). For the rest of yous, go easy on the Old Fashioneds, eh?

Let's see how much you've been paying attention...

The "Holy Cripes" Moment of the Week❗️

If you're heading to Picture Rocks to catch some of the fall colors, just keep an eye out - a while back a section of the cliff collapsed and nearly landed on some kayakers! More like, Falling Rocks!

Nuts and Seeds 🌰 

🔫 Hunter Safety Refresher: Heading into the fall hunting season, some of you folks may need to revisit your hunter safety skills (ahem, looking at you Cousin Joe). If so, consider joining 20,000 other Sconnie's taking the DNR Hunter Safety Course. For those 18 and older, you can take it online. No pants required! 

🥾 More land to get out 'der: The Ice Age Trail Alliance put their money where their boots are and purchased 80 acres of land in Manitowoc County to extend the Ice Age Trail, connecting segments to make for 680 continuous miles of the 1,200 mile trail. Lace up your boots, Sheryl!

🍎 More apples for the pie: Apples had quite the glowup from 2021, with the U.S. Apple Association declaring a 2.7% increase in production this year to 10.7 billion pounds, or 277 million bushels. Bayfield growers, who benefit from the microclimate produced by Lake Michigan, say that the peak is still coming due to the cold spring we had.

A review from the Trail... And our favorite animal to hunt? The Minnesota Gopher 🏈