There is a point every fall in Northern Michigan when the landscape seems to change almost overnight. The roads become tunnels of gold, the hills turn shades of orange and red, and even a familiar drive feels worth slowing down for.
For those of us on the west side of Northern Michigan, fall color season is less about finding one perfect weekend and more about knowing where to go as the color gradually moves through the region.
As of mid September, Northern Michigan is only beginning to show early color. MyNorth’s September 17 update reported low color in parts of Northern Michigan, with the larger transition still ahead. Historically, the strongest color across much of the northern Lower Peninsula tends to arrive in early to mid October, although weather can move that window in either direction.
That means there is still plenty of time to plan a drive.
So, When Should You Go?
For the west side of Northern Michigan, I would generally plan your color touring around the first two weeks of October, then adjust as the season develops.
Higher elevations and inland areas often begin changing first, while areas closer to Lake Michigan can hold onto green a little longer. A stretch of cold nights can speed things up, while warm fall weather can slow the progression.
Pure Michigan maintains an interactive fall color map throughout the season, which is helpful if you are trying to decide whether to head north, stay around Traverse City, or venture farther south. (Michigan)
The best strategy? Do not wait for someone to declare one official “peak” day. Pick a beautiful route, leave yourself a few hours, and enjoy whatever stage of fall happens to be waiting for you.
The Leelanau Peninsula and M 22
If I were going on one classic Northern Michigan fall drive, this would be near the top of the list.
M 22 wraps around the Leelanau Peninsula through wooded hills, orchards, vineyards and some of the best Lake Michigan scenery in the state. Pure Michigan specifically highlights the route for fall, including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Leland, Northport and the eastern side of the peninsula back toward Traverse City.
Start around Traverse City and make your way toward Suttons Bay and Northport, or take the longer route through Glen Arbor and Leland. There really is no wrong direction.
A few worthwhile stops along the way include Sleeping Bear Dunes overlooks, downtown Glen Arbor, Fishtown in Leland and the drive out toward Leelanau State Park. The M 201 detour north of Northport is especially pretty when the trees are turning.
And because this is Northern Michigan, you can easily turn your color tour into lunch, a winery stop or a slow afternoon along the water.
More Than A Drive: Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Glen Lake Area
There are few places where fall color feels quite as dramatic as it does around Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The contrast is what makes it. Bright hardwoods, deep blue inland lakes, rolling hills and Lake Michigan all show up in the same view.
This is a great choice if you want more than a driving tour. Build in time for a short hike, stop at an overlook, or take the scenic route around Glen Lake before heading into Glen Arbor.
It is also one of those places where arriving earlier in the morning pays off. Fall weekends can be busy, especially once the colors really begin to turn.
Benzie County, Crystal Lake and Frankfort
If you want a little less traffic and just as much scenery, head south into Benzie County.
The roads around Crystal Lake, Beulah, Benzonia and Frankfort are beautiful in fall, with rolling terrain, mature hardwoods and frequent glimpses of water. From there, continue toward Elberta and Frankfort for Lake Michigan views.
This is an easy day trip from Traverse City and one of my favorite recommendations for people who want the Northern Michigan fall experience without feeling like they are following everyone else doing the same loop.
You can also continue south on M 22 toward Arcadia and Manistee. Pure Michigan calls M 22 one of the state’s standout autumn drives, with Lake Michigan on one side and forested scenery on the other.
Stay a Little South: The Arcadia Overlook and Manistee Route
For a longer color day, continue down the coast.
The stretch between Frankfort, Arcadia and Manistee combines wooded roads with some incredible Lake Michigan views. The hills around Arcadia are particularly impressive once the color settles in.
Pure Michigan also recommends the broader Manistee region for fall touring, including a 185 mile loop through Manistee, Cadillac and Ludington for anyone who wants to make a full day or weekend out of it.
My recommendation would be simpler: take your time, stop when something looks interesting, and do not be afraid to leave the main highway for a scenic county road.
Those unplanned stretches are often the best part.
The Tried and True: Harbor Springs and the Tunnel of Trees
If you are willing to head farther north, the Tunnel of Trees along M-119 between Harbor Springs and Cross Village deserves its reputation.
The narrow road winds beneath a dense canopy of hardwoods, with occasional openings toward Lake Michigan. Pure Michigan continues to recommend it as one of the signature fall drives in the state. Stop in at Pond Hill Farm for lunch and take a walk around the farm. Great pizza, cute farm store, lots of beverages to choose from. It is worth the stop.
This is one route where I would strongly recommend going on a weekday if you can. It is beautiful, but it is not exactly a secret.
You can also explore some of the surrounding Emmet County roads. Michigan’s fall color recommendations include Lower Shore Drive, Lamkin Road and roads around Walloon Lake as additional scenic options near the Tunnel of Trees.
Antrim County and the Jordan River Valley
For big views and a slightly different Northern Michigan landscape, head toward Bellaire, East Jordan and the Jordan River Valley.
Deadman’s Hill overlooking the Jordan River Valley is one of the standout fall viewpoints in Antrim County, and the surrounding roads give you plenty of options for wandering through the hills. Michigan’s recommended routes also include Jordan River Road, Pinney Bridge Road and Cascade Road.
This is a particularly good option if you prefer hiking boots to gift shops. You may also want to trek over to Boyne Mountain for a ride on the chairlift for a birds eye view of the colors or take a walk across the Skybridge. Get tickets before get there. Bring your clubs to get a end of season round in before the snow flies!
Make a Day of It
The best Northern Michigan color tour does not need much of an itinerary.
Pack a coffee. Choose a general direction. Stop for lunch somewhere you have not tried before. Pull over at the overlook. Walk through the small downtown. Buy the apples and fresh cider. Take the picture. One of my favorite things about living in Northern Michigan is that some of our best days do not require a reservation or a complicated plan. Sometimes it is simply getting in the car, taking the long way and remembering how lucky we are to have all of this in our backyard.
Fall up here is spectacular, but it is also short. Maybe that is part of why we appreciate it so much.
