Embark on a gorgeous, pinch-me-I’m-dreaming Michigan color tour through the forests and waters (and waterfalls!) of our special place on earth. These are some of Up North’s best fall views and how to enjoy them to their fullest.
This article first appeared in Traverse Northern Michigan. Find this story and more when you explore our magazine library. Want Traverse delivered to your door or inbox monthly? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
1. Ransom Lake Natural Area // Lake Ann
Get There: The Lake Ann Road Parking Area has barrier-free parking and restrooms, and a universally accessible trail along Ransom Creek to a deck overlooking the lake. There is a second access point and parking lot off Bellows Lake Road and about 2 miles of trails. *Hunting is allowed at the natural area. Wear bright colors. (Ransom Lake Natural Area pictured at top of article.)
Don’t Miss: Grab a gourmet pizza at Stone Oven on First Street then mosey next door to Lake Ann Brewing for a craft beer or cider. Catching a fall color sunrise? The Red Door Coffee House serves breakfast, pastries and espresso. Take your goodies down the road to Almira Township Lakefront Park for a picnic by Lake Ann.
View the Northern Michigan Fall Color Map to see when and where peak color will arrive.
Photo by Heather Higham
2. Grand Portal Point // Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Get There: Park at Chapel Basin Parking Lot. You’ll be hiking out to the point. The 10-mile Chapel Loop will take you past Chapel Falls and Chapel Beach before Grand Portal Point, the halfway mark. Choose to add on 3.4 miles round-trip to see Spray Falls and 1.4 miles to get to Mosquito Falls.
Don’t Miss: See Grand Portal Point from the water with Pictured Rocks Cruises. Tours run through mid-October and often sell out so pre-purchase your tickets.
Do This: Spend the night at Paddler’s Village near Munising (open until the end of September). This snug village of yurts and safari tents is ideal for paddlers, hikers and outdoorsy folks seeking an idyllic beach retreat.
Photo by Heather Higham
3. Chateau Chantal // Old Mission Peninsula
Get There: From the base of Old Mission, head north for about a half-mile on Peninsula Drive. Stay right onto M-37 (Center Road) and drive 12 miles. Chateau Chantal will be on the right on Rue de Vin. If it’s warm out, enjoy a glass of wine on the back patio, but be sure to see the view of Power Island and West Grand Traverse Bay from the front yard.
Don’t Miss: Weekend brunch at Mission Proper, within the Seven Hills community center. The menu gets a chef’s kiss with cinnamon custard French toast, pastrami hash and avocado toast with a drizzle of hot honey.
Photo by Heather Higham
4. Scott Falls // Au Train
Get There: From Munising, travel 10 miles west on M-28. The H.J. Rathfoot Roadside Park will be on the right—park here—with restrooms, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and beach access. The falls are across the highway. Walk behind the falls for a fantastic photo op.
Don’t Miss: The “Face in the Rock” at the roadside park. The stone carving was done by a French voyager in 1820 as a tribute to Powers of the Air, the sole survivor of the Chippewa tribe who lived on Grand Island before a bloody battle with the Sioux. Plaques along the wooden boardwalk tell the full story.
Do This: Stop by Falling Rock Cafe & Bookstore in downtown Munising before you head out. An uber-local smoked whitefish breakfast bagel is served all day along with smoothies, espresso drinks, and deli sandwiches. Browse thousands of new, used, and rare books, too.
Photo by Heather Higham
5. Brown Bridge Quiet Area // Mayfield
Get There: Located about 11 miles southeast of downtown Traverse City. Take South Garfield Road to Brown Bridge Road. The parking area is on the left before you reach Wadsworth Road. Explore 6 miles of hiking trails and several overlooks of the Boardman River. You can also access the quiet area off Ranch Rudolf Road. *Deer hunting is allowed outside the core area and on the far east section. Wear bright colors.
Don’t Miss: Don’s Drive-In looks the same as it did in 1958. Order a burger and milkshake or warm up with a bowl of chili.
Do This: Go on a horseback riding tour at Ranch Rudolf. Trail rides are generally offered through mid-October but call ahead for availability.
Photo by Heather Higham
6. High Rollaways // Buckley
Get There: From downtown Buckley, take East Wexford Avenue 1 mile to N 17 Road. Hang a right and drive a half-mile to W 4 Road. Continue 4 miles. Stay on W 4 Road when it becomes dirt. Follow the North Country Trailhead signs to the trailhead and High Rollways Observation Deck.
Don’t Miss: Get homemade cider and fresh donuts then pick pumpkins at Pahl’s Country Store. Say hey to friendly farm animals (shoutout to cutie corgis Ollie and Poppy). Wagon rides and barrel train rides are offered on weekends (11168 M-37, Buckley).
Photo by Heather Higham
7. Petoskey Area // Along US-131
Get There: From Boyne Falls, head north on US-131 to Sheridan Road, about 14.5 miles. Turn right. Sheridan Road dead-ends at Howard Street. Turn left and head into downtown Petoskey.
Don’t Miss: Satisfy your sweet tooth at Johan’s Pastry Shop with giant apple fritters, or get cream cheese–frosted cinnamon rolls at Tillie’s Tafel. Then stop by Somebody’s Gallery and browse innovative works by Michigan artists, including jewelry, paintings, furniture, sculptures, and more.
Photo by Heather Higham
8. DH Day Farm // Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Get There: From downtown Glen Arbor, take M-109 west for about 2 miles. Turn left to stay on M-109, South Dune Highway. In a half-mile, the farm will be on your left. The farm is private property. Enjoy the view from the side of the road or hike to the top of the Dune Climb for a gorgeous aerial view. (You’ll need a park pass to hike the dunes; available at Dune Climb entrance.)
Don’t Miss: Glen Arbor has several galleries featuring Michigan artists. Park the car downtown and walk to Synchronicity Gallery, Ruth Conklin Gallery, Glen Arbor Artisans, Glen Lake Artists Gallery, and Forest Gallery. At Cottage Book Shop, a darling log cabin, you’ll find posters of iconic places within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—they look beautiful framed.
Photo by Heather Higham
9. Jordan River Valley // Elmira
Get There: This is the Landslide Overlook. From Alba, drive west on Alba Highway for about 1 mile and turn right on Harvey Road. Follow the overlook signs for 2 miles to the end of Harvey Road. It’s also a stop on the Jordan River Pathway loop, which is popular among backpackers.
Don’t Miss: The Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord is home to the second largest free-ranging elk herd in the Midwest. The best time to visit is September and October during mating season. Elk viewing has become popular, so visit during the week if possible. The best viewing is done from your car—don’t forget binoculars. Three places to go: On Fontinalis Road about 3 miles north of Sturgeon Valley Road you will find a small cleared parking area and field; the DNR-signed elk-viewing area on East Sturgeon Valley Road, about 8 miles east of Vanderbilt; less than 1 mile north of the Osmun Road and Clark Bridge Road intersection. If you don’t see an elk in the wild, go to Gaylord City’s Elk Park. Currently, about 40 elk can be viewed near the Elks Lodge off Grandview Boulevard.
Photo by Heather Higham
10. Chippewa Run Natural Area // Empire
Get There: From the intersection on M-72 and M-22 in Empire, head north on M-22 for about a mile. The parking area is located on the left just south of the creek. Hike the 1.5-mile trail on easy terrain.
Don’t Miss: Explore downtown Empire: The Misers’ Hoard for an enticing mix of old and new decor, hunky sandwiches at Shipwreck Cafe, the best hot cocoa (you must try it!) and treats galore at Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate.
Photo by John Hill
11. Ruth Lake // Near Marquette
A bonus stop, because we couldn’t help ourselves.
Get There: About 30 miles west of Ishpeming and 43 miles from Marquette, Ruth Lake is located right off US-41/M-28 in Three Lakes. Pull over at the Ruth Lake Picnic Area.
Don’t Miss: Head into Ishpeming and delve into the local culture of Yooperism at Da Yoopers Tourist Trap. Home of “Gus,” the largest working chainsaw in the world, and “Big Ernie,” the largest working rifle in the world, Da Yoopers has gifts, wacky vehicles, and sculptures made from found objects.