Looking for a new place to peep the changing leaves this fall? Check out these five fall foliage tours with driving through this time of year.
Huron River Drive
dzܳٱ:From Ann Arbor to Dexter
This 10-mile stretch along the Huron River features five (Barton, Bird Hills, Kuebler Langford, Brokaw, and Burns-Stokes) and three (Delhi, Dexter-Huron, and Hudson Mills).
“Huron River Drive hugs the river on both sides at various points, providing ample opportunities to pull over and enjoy gorgeous views of the river and fall foliage,” says Amy Karbo, director of communications and community engagement for .
Highlights: In addition to the nature preserves and parks, “there are two great spots for pictures,” says Karbo, “between Barton Park and Delhi Metropark just south of Honey Creek and the East Delhi Road bridge looking north as you head into Delhi Metropark.”
Pit stops:,,and in Dexter. In Ann Arbor, check out,,,, or.
Red Arrow Highway
dzܳٱ:Along the Lake Michigan shore from New Buffalo to St. Joseph
Collette Kemper of sums up what this 21-mile route is all about.
“There are 16 miles of continuous Lake Michigan beach lined with grassy dunes and old-growth foliage and more than 15 state and county parks and preserves with diverse landscapes,” she says. “The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail features nine vine- yards/wineries in an easy loop, stunning color, and agricultural fields at peak harvest.”
Highlights: ’s dunes with sweeping views of Lake Michigan; ’s 985 acres of undeveloped woods and dunes; ’s beech-maple forest that is the last of its type known in Michigan; ’s 300-foot canopy walkwaythat leads to a 60-foot-high overlook tower.
Pit stops: (Sawyer), (Harbert), (Stevensville), (Bridgman), (Union Pier), and (New Buffalo).
U.S. Highway 41 to M-26
dzܳٱ:From Canyon Falls to Brockway Mountain Drive and Copper Harbor
Encompassing many of the Copper Country’s must-see attractions, this route features five of the state’s most scenic waterfalls, mesmerizing views, historical sites, and unspoiled Lake Superior shoreline.
Highlights: Canyon, Hungarian, Eagle River, Jacob’s, and Manganese Falls; , the highest-elevation road between the Rocky Mountains and Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania; ; and lighthouses; and ’s trails to rocky beaches, , the ; the canopy of trees south of Copper Harbor on 41.
“The drive along U.S. 41 and along Brockway Mountain Drive offers sweeping views of Lake Superior, Keweenaw wilderness, and the rugged Cliff Range,” says Executive Director Brad Barnett. “The landscape is a blaze of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds.”
Pit stops: The (Houghton), (Copper Harbor), and (Eagle Harbor).
M-119, aka Tunnel of Trees
dzܳٱ:From Harbor Springs to Cross Village
With 135 curves in just 20 miles, this drive mustbe taken leisurely. That’s a good thing because the views along the coastal bluff high above Lake Michigan are spectacular.
“For its 20 miles of scenic winding roads that give glimpses to Lake Michigan, Beaver Island, and two lighthouses, the Tunnel of Trees has become world-famous for its portal of fall color,” says Ellen Auten of the .
Highlights: ’s 950 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, nature center, and hiking trails (one with a boardwalk through cedar swamps and another with an observation deck above dunes); ’s 3,300 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline; ; ; ’s gallery and outdoor sculptures; ’s livestock and trails. and are also at Pond Hill.
Pit stops: (Harbor Springs) and (Cross Village).
M-22
Route: M-22 from Manistee to the Leelanau Peninsula
readers named this 117-mile route along Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay the nation’s , four years after picked one of the sites along it — — as the Most Beautiful Place in America.
“M-22 is the quintessential Michigan road trip, winding through quaint small towns and past unique attractions, roadside farm markets, and dunes,” says Tim Riley, president of the board. “The fall colors really last due to the lake effect, offering a beautiful driving tour later in the [fall] than other regions of Michigan.”
Highlights:, 800 feet above Lake Michigan;’ sweeping overlooks and 2 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline;;’s colorful cliffs; some of Sleeping Bear’s must-sees (,,, and the).
Pit stops: (Arcadia), (Suttons Bay), (Leland), the official (Glen Arbor), and , featuring a hilltop tasting room with amazing views.
This post has been updated for 2024.
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