It has been a wet, cloudy weekend, but the fall colors have been spectacular. We were able to get out for a 2+ mile hike late this morning at the Brown Bridge Quiet Area along the Boardman River outside Traverse City. The river was once dammed up, but the dams were removed a few years ago. The resulting river meanders through this area with several trails wonderful for hiking.
![Trail Map](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6668.jpg?resize=640%2C421&ssl=1)
We started at the trailhead off Ranch Rudolf Rd near marker 13. We hiked to number 11 and down the 200+ steps to the river level. We headed east and followed the trail staying close to the river. There were a few ponds with reflections of the fall color.
![Reflection of Grasses](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6642.jpg?resize=640%2C493&ssl=1)
![Reflections in a Pond](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6644.jpg?resize=640%2C317&ssl=1)
![Meandering River and Fall Colors](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6648.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
The river wind its way along mixed forests with brilliant colors.
![Meandering River and Fall Colors](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6653.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![Beautiful Trees](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6654.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![Meandering River and Fall Colors](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6656.jpg?resize=640%2C489&ssl=1)
![Panoramic View of the Trees](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6658-Pano.jpg?resize=640%2C134&ssl=1)
![Meandering River and Fall Colors](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6662.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
![Meandering River and Fall Colors](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6663.jpg?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
We hiked a nice loop and headed back up another set of steps to the top. There was a viewing platform that offered a great view of the river and what was once the lake.
![Boardman River Valley from Viewing Platform](https://i0.wp.com/markyanceyphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG_6673-Pano.jpg?resize=640%2C175&ssl=1)
We have hiked in this area before and will return. It is easy to get to from Traverse City. I hope you can check it out sometime.
Mark
Glorious Fall beauty! Thanks
Wow! Prize winning photos Mark. Just spectacular.