A Symphony of Color
As summer gently gives way to autumn, nature stages one of its most breathtaking transformations. The once-green canopies of trees become a mosaic of red, orange, and gold, painting the landscape in hues that seem almost too vivid to be real. This annual spectacle never fails to impress. And though we may be saddened by the impending end to summer, we can’t wait for yet another new masterpiece of nature's artistry.
And it’s not just a feast for the eyes. One can smell the falling leaves as they dance in the crisp cool air. Each breath feels clean and refreshing, as if the world has been scrubbed anew. In the midst of this seasonal shift, there’s a profound beauty that encourages us to slow down and just enjoy the nature that surrounds us - especially in beautiful Rome, Wisconsin.
Whether it’s a leisurely walk, kicking up the leaves as we trek along one of the area's many hiking trails. Or we take a few last leisurely laps cruising the shoreline of Lake Arrowhead, Camelot, or Sherwood. Or we take a drive to one of the spectacular hot spots to view the incredible tapestry of autumnal hues, fall offers us a chance to reconnect with the world around us. Something we often take for granted the rest of the year.
One of the best places to take in the spectacle of color is from the highest point in Rome, that being at the top of the ski jump at Tri-Norse Ski Club and Winter Park. Especially when they’re hosting the annual Colorama Festival in mid October. Hike, or hitch a ride on a UTV, to the top of a 55 Meter ski jump, a place that not too many people get to experience, and you’ll be able to see the fall colors like nowhere else as they stretch out in front of you across four counties.
Another great vantage point is at nearby Roche-A-Cri State Park. With a 300 foot-high rock out-cropping, Roche-A Cri offers spectacular panoramic views of the magnificence below. Standing high above the trees you’ll experience an art exhibit created by Mother Nature herself, as she does this time of year, every year, but only for those in the know. And now you know.
Then there’s the Cranberry Highway, a self-guided tour that winds its way through the fields and farms surrounding Rome in every direction. The Cranberry Highway reveals some of the best fall colors you’ll see anywhere. And we’re not just talking about trees. Mile after mile, the red-ripe cranberries ready for harvest, abundant in their bogs, seem to glow as if electric.
Those are just a couple of suggestions, but of course, you really don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy fall colors because they'll be all around you in every direction. That being said, you still may want to know when it’s the best time to experience it when the colors are at their absolute peak.
Well, we’re here to help.
Simply go to the Travel Wisconsin website, at travelwisconsin.com, and search for the Wisconsin Fall Color Report. There you’ll find a great interactive tool with everything you need to know about the changing colors of fall – not only in central Wisconsin, but throughout the state. This weekly “color forecast ” will let you know where and when to actively seek out nature’s beauty at its peak. You know, when the fall colors are truly a symphony of color.
Written by: Lydell Capritta
