Finding Fall Color in the Mitten
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the height of the Fall color season.
Few places match Michigan’s natural Autumn beauty
By Sarah Kittle
Michigan is such a beautiful state. We are surrounded on three sides by water – fresh, glorious water – and have the advantage of experiencing all four seasons of the year, sometimes in the same week! (You may have seen memes on social media that say, “Everyone: “You can’t have all four seasons in one week.” Michigan: “Hold my Faygo.”)
Now that summer has wound to a close, it’s time to get in our cars and make the drive to see the fall colors. Our Upper Peninsula (UP) was named the “#1 Destination for Fall Foliage” by USA Today. It’s not just about the color either; autumn smells and sounds abound across the Great Lake State. The crisp autumn air and gentle post-summer wind rustling through the trees are experiences to savor. With nature trails to hike and delicious aromatic apples to munch, Pure Michigan has it all for fall.
Higher elevations in the Lower Peninsula are experiencing peak color right now, and areas closest to the Great Lakes will peak mid to late October, according to the state website. It is the best time of year for a regional road trip! Leaf-peepers are encouraged to keep in mind that there are always exceptions to the rule, and that some areas have been stressed by summer weather.
When you’re in Michigan, they say you are never more than six miles from a body of water, so add some sparkling turquoise water to your tour. The setting sun reflecting off a clear blue lake is an iconic scene but imagine seeing the fall color tour from the air. The highest point in the Midwest, a ski jump at Copper Peak in Ironwood accessible by an 800-foor chairlift, promises a spectacular 360-degree view called the Copper Peak Adventure Ride. Their marketing claims that on a clear day, you can see three states plus Canada at the same time.
Or try the Lake of the Clouds in the UP’s Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. There’s a hiking trail to match anyone’s ability, and when you reach your destination, there are views for days! There’s a reason why the Lake of the Clouds Overlook is one of the most photographed spots in the UP. The view reflected in the pristine lake is unmatched.
Stay in your car and take a look at Lake Michigan from the Cut River Bridge Overlook, which is located about 50 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The bridge stands 150 feet above the Cut River and, if you do want to venture out of your vehicle, it has access trails to both the river and the lake.
In fact, Michigan has many points providing panoramic views of fall beauty, from Sunset Park in Petoskey to Pyramid Point in Maple City near Glen Arbor. Take a scenic drive along the shores or rent a kayak or paddleboard to get up close and personal with the vibrant hues.
For a day trip, Whiting Overlook Park in Midland is just down the road from the Chippewa Nature Center and its trails. Its wide-open spaces allow visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the wildlife. The park is known to bird watchers across the state because rare species of waterfowl visit during migration season. Additionally, the park features an extension of the Chippewa Trail, allowing bikers, hikers, and joggers to loop through Overlook Park and connect to it.
From Grand Rapids to Port Sanilac, Belleville to Belle Isle, Michigan has the most when it comes to fall color.
Horizon Park is a gem you may never have heard of. Located on the shore of Belleville Lake, the site is home to the Belleville War Memorial and offers lovely lake views. Abundant trees give gorgeous fall color and with a picnic pavilion, arbor, benches, tables, and restrooms, it is a nice place to spend an autumn afternoon. The Horizon Park Waterfront offers a lakeside boardwalk, courtesy boat docks and an ADA accessible canoe/kayak launch. A favorite activity of area residents is watching the sun set over the lake.
Trees are not the only thing showing color in nature at this time of year. Sunsets and sunrises are spectacular at Belle Isle’s Sunset Point. Brilliant reds, oranges and purples blend to give a showstopping scene everywhere you look at sundown; the park is surrounded by water that reflects the view, effectively doubling its glory. As a bonus, the aquarium and conservatory are now open to enjoy as well.
But of course, trees and leaves are what we want to see in Michigan in fall, and there are distinct routes planned out to take advantage of the fall color. In the Petoskey area, you have the Tunnel of Trees. Closer to home, we have Addison Oaks Park in Leonard, where the beauty of the trees is reflected in the water. The park boasts a 20-mile trail system to hike, bike, or ride on horseback. What a way to see the trees!
Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion gives you a chance to get up close to fall color. With a beach, streams, lakes, and 15 miles of marked trails, you can spend all day here. It has some of the most rugged terrain in southeastern Michigan if you’re up for it.
Brighton Recreation Area in Howell offers a shoreline of oaks and maples for color and grassy shrub marches for wildlife, such as sandhill cranes and herons. 20 miles of trails to bike and hike plus picnic shelters and modern bathrooms make this site a hit for family fun.
If a local color drive is what you’re looking for, there’s a 150-mile loop from Flint, through Brighton and Bloomfield Hills. Be sure to circle through Cranbrook, a historic landmark with gorgeous grounds (and attractions like an art museum and science center). Beyond fall-prime cider mills and orchards, swing by other beautiful parks including Seven Lakes State Park in Holly, Ortonville Recreation Area, and For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum near Flint — and even more in Brighton, Commerce Township and White Lake.
Cranbrook House and Gardens in Bloomfield Hills are beautiful all year ‘round, but they are spectacular in the fall. There are 40 acres of gardens to see on a self-guided tour, and you can even bring your dog, provided you also bring (and use) a leash!
Michigan is known for its breathtaking fall foliage, and there is no better way to experience it than with a scenic drive. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, the many bodies of water around the area reflect the stunning autumn colors, creating a picturesque landscape that is sure to take your breath away. On Pure Michigan’s site, you’ll find tips for leaf spotting and planning a fall color tour.
Take a leisurely drive through the winding roads and enjoy the stunning views of the forests and lakes. Don’t forget to bring your camera and capture the beauty of fall in Michigan. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, a scenic drive through Michigan’s fall foliage is an experience you won’t want to miss.
With 19 million acres of forest, the state motto rings true: “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.”