GRAYLING, MI -- If you’re headed Up North to enjoy this sweet transitional time of summer fading into fall, then pull off I-75 and stretch your legs at Hartwick Pines State Park.

The state park is known for its 49 acres of majestic, old-growth pine forest but the star right now are the maple trees welcoming in fall. Earlier this month, the tree in front of park headquarters debuted its fall colors ahead of schedule.

There’s 21 miles of trails, including the accessible, 1.25-mile, paved Old Growth Forest Trail leading to the peaceful solitude of the Chapel in the Pines .

To see the yellows and orange reflect off the water try the Bright and Glory Lakes Trail. The a quarter-mile foot trail leads hikers from the campground to Bright and Glory lakes winding through aspens and dense swamp

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