Many geocachers love stats and challenges - any kind of stats or challenges. Personally, just about all of my geocaching outings are based on goals. One of my goals has been to attend an event in every county in Michigan. A number of other cachers are working on this goal also. I wasn't able to attend the series of events in May, so I decided to host my own series. At first, I wasn't sure when would be a good time to do this, then the idea of a Upper Peninsula Fall Color Tour popped into my head. I have never been in the UP during this time of the year, so I thought that it was about time to make it happen.
This series will include at least one event or CITO in each county in the Upper Peninsula. I have looked for locations for each event that will hopefully highlight a view of the fall colors, but the colors and the weather are up to Mother Nature. The views at each event will vary. Some will have great views and some will be just average. The road time should have some great views too.
Timing is set up so that you can grab a bite to eat or find some caches between each event. No one is required to attend all of these events. Some cachers may only attend a single event. Also, being the fall, there is a chance for cooler and wetter weather, so plan accordingly.
I can not stress enough that if you are going to attend any of these events that will require an overnight stay, make your reservations as soon as possible. The Upper Peninsula does get quite busy during the fall color season. I have talked with several hotels and campgrounds and both have said that they fill up quickly.
Addendum
Please check this area for things I missed or other important information.
August 1
I would like to make an "Announcement" when there is news. I don't want to post an announcement to every single event. Lots of work for me and duplicate emails for you. If you would like to get the announcements, I will only issue them on the UP Fall Color Tour - Narnia Trails event. If you haven't posted a will attend on that event, put a "Watch" on it and you will get them.
I have created a Facebook group for those of you that are on Facebook. The name is "UP Fall Color Tour Geocaching Events".
Cell coverage can be poor to nonexistent in some areas. Have all of your caches and maps downloaded to an "offline" list or file will be very helpful.
The counties of Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson and Menominee counties are in the Central Time Zone. (One hour behind of our Eastern Time Zone). The times that are posted on the events in those counties are the local time, Central Time Zone. I believe your phone and GPS will update. My GPS can be slow to update.
I have just learned that there is an issue with the UP Fall Color Tour - Tahquamenon Upper Falls. The stairs leading down to the upper falls will be closed starting early September. The stairs are going to be replaced with a ramp system.
About this location
Among Michigan's largest and most well-known historic bridges is the iconic Cut River Bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This bridge is large enough that MDOT actually has maintained this bridge as an area attraction. Surrounding the bridge is a roadside park and a series of trails around the bridge. The intent to make this bridge something more than just a crossing goes back before this bridge's status as a historic bridge to its initial construction. The bridge was designed as an attraction even when it was built, since sidewalks above the bridge in this rural area are present. Also, a set of stairways, part of the original design, take pedestrians under the bridge where they can view the supporting trusses. The abutments and piers were also given unusually exceptional detail, in particular the use of decorative stone facing. The two main piers give the appearance are attractive cut stone arches. The bridge is 147 feet above the Cut River and a stairway provides access to trails along the Cut River and Lake Michigan's scenic shoreline.
The Cut River Bridge was built in 1947 and is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan. The bridge is 641 feet long and is composed of over 888 tons of structural steel. Along with the bridge, there is also a roadside park that visitors can stop at and enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Superior and the mouth of the Cut River Gorge. The real beauty of this site, however, lies hidden among the forested dunes of the Lake Superior State Forest and within the forested river valley below. Visitors will notice a variety of wildflowers, plants, and various wildlife.
The State Highway Department designed this structure, and W.J. Meagher and Sons, Contractors, built it. Actual construction began in 1941. Due to the demand for steel during World War II, construction on the bridge was halted until after the war.
Below is a list of all events in this tour.