Autumn has arrived in Michigan, and there’s no better place to see the dynamic colors of a trillion trees than along highways, country roads and coastlines.
Rolling farmland, hilly woodlands, and beach and dune views makes Michigan one of the best places in the country for fall color viewing. Brilliant burnt hues and kaleidoscopes of orange, yellow and crimson, accompanied by farmland and shoreline, make Michigan a living postcard in autumn. All across the state, the changing leaves provide amazing views.
Grab your jacket and enjoy some of the best autumn scenery in the Great Lakes state.
M-22 AND THE LEELANAU PENINSULA
The Lake Michigan shore may be at her loveliest along M-22 in autumn. The highway traces the edges of the Leelanau Peninsula, offering glimpses of Lake Michigan along the way. One of the most popular color routes of the area for the entire viewing season. (Fun fact: M-22 was voted America’s Best Scenic Autumn Drive by “USA Today” in 2015.)
DETROIT/PORT HURON/ALGONAC
The Motor City is the starting point for a 195-mile fall color route that skirts three waterways to the maritime city of Port Huron, and rolls through historic southeast Michigan towns. The month of October is prime for viewing autumn hues at a variety of parks, and stopping for seasonal treats at cider mills along the way.
GRAND RAPIDS/GRAND HAVEN/KALAMAZOO
This fall color tour takes in all the sights, from city scenes and sand dunes, to wineries, farm markets and Lake Michigan sunsets. Best enjoyed from early to late October.
TRAVERSE CITY
This northern Michigan town’s orchards, vineyards, forests and villages create a beautiful patchwork of orange, crimson, scarlet and gold. A fall drive here combines fall colors with views of the bay.
M-119 TUNNEL OF TREES AND HARBOR SPRINGS
Northern Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees along M-119 is one of the area’s most iconic attractions. The road winds from Harbor Springs (north of Petoskey) to Cross Village. From Harbor Springs, M-119/Tunnel of Trees.
FLINT/BRIGHTON/BLOOMFIELD HILLS
There is plenty to see and do in this loop of 150 miles from Bloomfield Hills to Flint, back down to the Brighton area. This route is best enjoyed early to late October. Here you can find a variety of recreation centers, nature trails and state parks. While you’re at it, stop by any of the three cider mills along the way. You won’t be disappointed.
GRAYLING/TORCH LAKE/LAKE CITY
Enjoy this area’s fall color by car, on foot or in a canoe. The winding Au Sable River is the perfect waterway to paddle and enjoy the splashes of vibrant color. Best enjoyed late September to mid- October.
U.S. 23: SUNRISE COAST
This 200-mile stretch of U.S. 23 that connects Standish to Mackinaw City combines scenic views of Lake Huron and an outstanding array of large public forest and recreational properties. Called the “Sunrise Coast” Pure Michigan Byway, it hugs the Lake Huron shoreline and passes through coastal towns.
TAHQUAMENON FALLS
Tahquamenon Falls State Park encompasses close to 40,000 acres stretching over 13 miles. Most of this is undeveloped woodland without roads, buildings or powerlines. The centerpiece of the park is the Tahquamenon River, with its waterfalls. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park offers amazing sights all year long, but is especially magnificent in the fall.
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