Fall color quickly developing at this rustic Up North state park

LUPTON, MI – Fall colors are quickly developing at this rustic Up North state park.

This weekend will be a great time to visit Rifle River State Recreation Area for a leaf peeping adventure, officials said on Facebook .

"Peak fall colors are quickly developing in the park," officials said. "This weekend would be a great time for a hike or drive through."

The 4,450-acre park has a 24-foot observation tower atop a ridge that provides views of four lakes and surrounding forestland as far as the eye can see. Another great spot to see fall color is the swinging bridge over the Rifle River. The 0.8-mile loop trail around the park's rare northern fen is another option.

The park, 2550 E. Rose City Road in Lupton, is about six miles east of Rose City in Ogemaw County. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entry.

Rifle River State Recreation Area is a practically untouched piece of wilderness in Northern Michigan. It became a private game preserve in the early 1920s and there has been little development since then.

It's a recreational playground with year-round opportunities including fishing, hunting, paddling, camping, swimming, hiking, mountain biking and more.

There are 10 non-motorized lakes and ponds sprinkled throughout the park, plus Rifle River, a 14-mile trail network and nearly 200 campsites. Popular amenities include the observation tower on Ridge Road and the swinging bridge near marker 17 along the trails.

The modern campground is currently closed for electric, water and lift station upgrades.