22. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Add some variety to your fall color tour by visiting Silver Lake State Park. The dunes offer breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests, which are especially beautiful during peak foliage season.
Take an off-road vehicle out for a spin (the area is famous for off-roading), or simply sit back and drink in the natural beauty.
With rolling terrain, stark dunes, turquoise water, and masses of fiery trees, Silver Lake is a perfect destination for outdoor and fall color enthusiasts.
Check out the Little Sable Point Lighthouse while you’re at it.
23. Stony Lake Stables, New Era
Enjoy a gorgeous horseback ride through the wineries, fields, rolling hills, and deep ravines of New Era, Michigan. Saddle up, breathe deep in the crisp autumn air, and enjoy the clop of hooves as you ride through the vibrant forests of fall.
New Era is located in the heart of West Michigan. This area is known for its fine wines, lovely forests, and nearby Stony Lake.
Enjoy a horseback ride at Stony Lake Stables on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October.
Lower Peninsula: Gaylord to Lake Mitchell
With state parks, treetop resorts, Lake Mitchell, and the Cadillac route, there is plenty to attract when it comes to the Gaylord to Lake Mitchell cluster for a fall color tour.
You can easily connect to this cluster from Indian River, Hillman, Alpena, or Manistee.
24. Gaylord, Otsego County, Sturgeon River, Treetops Resort
Ready for something truly unique? Don’t limit yourself to driving around to enjoy the fall colors.
Instead, play golf on an award-winning golf course surrounded by scarlet and pumpkin-colored trees. Book a stay (and/or tee time) at the Treetops Resort in Gaylord.
This resort offers amazing views of rolling hills, wooded trails, and picturesque riverbanks. You can enjoy the heated pools and spa at the resort, or head outdoors for biking trips, delicious food, or a day at the shore.
25. Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling
Old-growth forest, serenity, and a logging museum await at Hartwick Pines State Park. Although there are many lovely pine trees here, hundreds of deciduous trees dot the woods, turning brilliant colors in the fall.
This is one of the largest parks in the lower peninsula. Majestic white pines create a stunning backdrop for autumn-colored poplars and maples.
Explore the old logging camp, the logging museum, and the chapel.
26. The Cadillac Route in Cadillac, MI
Another wonderful destination to visit when the fall colors peak is Cadillac, Michigan.
This fall color mecca features amazing loop trails, fall river floats down the Big Manistee River, fall fishing on the river (surrounded by beautiful trees), fat tire biking, and museums.
The In-Town Cadillac Route is a perfect ride to enjoy the fall colors. This 7-mile foot and bike path leads you through beautiful forests and past food and beverage stops, boutique stores, and more.
27. Lake Mitchell
Lake Mitchell, located right next door to Cadillac, is a perfect fall color stop. Why? Because of the Manistee National Forest!
This forest features nearly half a million acres of hardwood and conifer trees, beaches, and rivers. Maple, oak, and birch trees turn brilliant colors, contrasting with the splashes of green of the conifers. Enjoy the views from around Lake Mitchell, or travel further afield to enjoy some hiking trails.
The Silver Creek Pathway, Manistee River Trail, and Highrollway are all top fall color destinations in the area.
Lower Peninsula: Ocqueoc Falls to Tawas
Explore the beauty of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula by enjoying this fall color tour loop from Ocqueoc Falls to Tawas.
You can combine this cluster of autumn road trip destinations with the Indian River and Mackinac Island clusters mentioned earlier in this post.
28. Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway in Ocqueoc Township
Enjoy the beauty of Michigan’s fall colors by visiting the largest waterfall in the Lower Peninsula. If you have limited mobility, you’ll be happy to learn that this waterfall is universally accessible!
If you enjoy hiking or biking, don’t miss a stroll (or pedal) between gorgeous fall trees on the Ocqueoc Falls Bicentennial Pathway. This trail system offers three different loops with a total of six miles of trails.
Enjoy the spectacular foliage while keeping an eye out for wildlife.
29. Alpena Michigan
Alpena Michigan is another excellent place to stop and enjoy the fall foliage on Michigan’s “Sunrise Side”.
Bask in autumn hues that tend to linger until mid-October, and explore hiking trails, the Little Red Lighthouse, and Shipwreck Tours. Don’t miss the views of Lake Huron from Thunder Bay!
For hiking, The Alpena Bi-Path and the Norway Ridge Pathway are two favorites in the autumn. Knaebe’s Apple Orchard and Ciderworks is a fun stop for everything from cider and donuts to wagon rides and wood-fired pizza.
30. Hillman, Michigan
Hillman Michigan offers a unique opportunity to enjoy brilliant orange, red, and yellow trees during a horse-drawn carriage ride!
This amazing ride will take you through woods and over rivers on a carriage pulled by Percheron and draft horses. As you go, you’ll get to see magnificent elk in their natural habitat.
Finish off with a delicious 5-course meal in a cozy log cabin warmed by a crackling fire.
Hillman is worth putting on your list just for this!
31. Tawas, Michigan
Sunsets, lighthouses, and diverse topography await in Tawas, Michigan. Catch the sunset over Lake Huron at Tawas Point after admiring the Tawas Point Lighthouse.
Explore a beautiful autumn landscape by hiking the Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trails and the Corsair Trails, or biking along the Alabaster Bike Path.
Lumberman’s Monument will make another excellent stop, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery and learn lumberjack history while you’re at it.
Where to Stay to see Fall Colors in Michigan
Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan is a popular destination for those looking to see fall colors in the state. The resort overlooks spectacular lakes and forests full of changing foliage, offering stunning views of the changing season.
Other popular options for fall color-seeking visitors include Pine Cottage on Mackinac Island, as well as the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor and the Inn at Bay Harbor in Petoskey. Each of these resorts offers unparalleled views of Michigan’s fall colors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to see fall colors in Michigan? The best time to see Michigan’s fall foliage is typically in late September through early October. This is when the leaves begin to change color and create stunning vistas throughout the state. Michigan’s fall colors vary by region, with some areas seeing peak colors later than others.
Check out this Michigan Fall Color Interactive Map, or sign up for fall color updates for the most up-to-date information.
Where is the best fall color in Michigan? The best fall colors in Michigan can be found all across the state. Some of the most popular destinations for viewing vibrant fall foliage are Copper Peak, Marquette Morgan Falls, and the Greenstone Ridge Trail on Isle Royale.
What colors are fall colors? Fall colors are typically shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown. Michigan’s fall foliage is particularly vibrant, with many areas boasting a mix of all four of these colors.
Conclusion: Fall Color Tour Michigan
Autumn in Michigan means vibrant fall foliage, delicious cider, scenic horseback rides through colorful trees, crisp clean air, and stunning vistas.
Hiking, biking, ziplining, ATVing, carriage rides, and chair lifts offer extra ways to enjoy the beauty of fire-orange and crimson leaves.
Enjoy the best fall color tour Michigan has to offer by choosing from the featured destinations on this list. Whether you choose one town or national lakeshore, hit up a cluster of top autumn spots, or string them all together into a road trip of a lifetime, you’re sure to have a blast!
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