Come along on a photographer’s magnificent fall color chase across Northern Michigan.
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As the first whispers of autumn brushed the air with a tantalizing chill, I found myself drawn to the promise of nature’s colorful spectacle in Northern Michigan. Armed with a camera (or three) and an insatiable sense of wanderlust, I set out on a fall color chase, eager to see the vibrant tapestry of hues that transform this region into a living painting. Follow along as I take you on a photographer’s autumn journey across Northern Michigan …
O KUN DE KUN FALLS, BRUCE CROSSING
As an astrophotographer at heart, I wanted to incorporate night sky images in this tour. However, there was one glaring problem: The trip coincided with the full moon. I took this as an opportunity to leave my comfort zone and incorporate the moon and moonlight into my images. After all, growth only happens when you are presented a challenge, right?
On the first night of my trip, I planned to hike out to O Kun de Kun Falls in the Western U.P. to capture the constellation Orion as soon as the moon set. On the drive up, I noticed the aurora data looked spicy. I pulled the car over and hopped out. To my delight, there were auroral pillars dancing across the northern horizon. I knew it was a decent show because the moon was up and bright. Noting the intensity of the solar storm, I knew that it was likely visible from behind the waterfall, so I immediately high-tailed it over to the trailhead and blasted down the 1.5-mile path. Meanwhile, the moon was setting, so the aurora became brighter to the naked eye. What a way to kick off this fall color trip!
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
BOND FALLS, ONTONAGON COUNTY
After an exciting night of capturing aurora and Orion, I stopped at one of my favorite waterfalls in Michigan, Bond Falls. This cascading waterfall never disappoints. However, this time, I decided to concentrate on the various smaller cascades that feed into the main waterfall. As day faded into night, the full moon rose and created this dreamy purple sky, with clouds kissed in a cotton candy pink.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK
Also known as “The Porkies,” this expansive park encompasses 60,000 acres of forest land. It’s a photographer’s and hiker’s playground, offering everything from simple overlook hikes to multi-day backcountry adventures. Dotted with waterfalls and beaches along the Lake Superior shoreline, this area is a must-see for any fall color tour. Lake of the Clouds offers one the most breathtaking spots to catch a sunrise—watch the light bring the trees alive.
Read Next: Try Yurt Camping in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
SLATE RIVER
Keweenaw and Baraga counties offer miles of trails—both on and off road—to get your forest fix. This quaint scene was a short hike along the Slate River. The stillness of the forest is punctuated by the breeze rustling the leaves, as you are immersed in the colorful 360 degree tapestry.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
TAHQUAMENON FALLS STATE PARK
No fall color trip is complete without a stop at the crown jewel of Michigan: Tahquamenon Falls. At 48 feet tall and flowing 7,000 gallons of water per minute, it is the state’s largest waterfall. The sheer power is something that must be experienced in person to feel the full effect—and may just leave you speechless. Arrive about an hour before sunset, and you’ll catch the golden hues peeking through the leaves.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
THE NARNIA TRAIL, CEDARVILLE
The Eastern Upper Peninsula is sandier than the western half, so there are plenty of beaches to take in views of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. However, if it’s fall colors you want, then you’ll have to stick to the trails or backroads. One of my favorite Eastern U.P. hikes is Bush Bay Trail (aka The Narnia Trail) near Cedarville. This nature trail will take you through the woods, where you can get your close-up leaf photography fix. It truly does feel like being transported to Narnia.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
MACKINAW CITY
Another can’t-miss photo op: the Mackinac Bridge. Beyond the iconic views, Mackinaw City offers plenty of shopping and dining when you need a break from all that driving and hiking. Framing the bridge with this turning tree was perfect. Alexander Henry Park, along North Huron Avenue, offers access to views like this.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
TUNNEL OF TREES
If you’ve never driven this windy road that hugs the coastline from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, you must add it to your list. The entire drive under a canopy of gold is jaw-dropping, even in the pouring rain (which was the weather I encountered).
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
Read Next: 48 Hours on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Fall
LUDINGTON STATE PARK
This scenic spot has something for everyone: Sand dunes. Check. Beaches. Check. Camping. Check. Hiking trails. Check. Inland lake. Check. Stunning lighthouse. Check! This is one of my favorite state parks in western Michigan—perfectly peaceful. And a perfect spot for capturing fiery sunsets.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
SILVER LAKE STATE PARK, MEARS
A summer staple, Silver Lake is well known for its exhilarating off-roading. In the fall, when all the ATV-ers pack up for the season, a quieter and tamer landscape prevails. You’ll find the trees and shoreline flora don their autumn hues, which are fun to use when framing Little Sable Point Lighthouse.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Towering dunes, majestic forests and historic barns await you in and around Sleeping Bear Dunes. The 7.4-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive meanders through colorful foliage with pullouts to take in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan; the golden and fiery tones contrast beautifully with the deep blue and teal colors of the water. This park’s northerly location and darker skies also offer aurora chasers and stargazers a place to enjoy the stars in the Lower Peninsula.
Photo by MaryBeth Kiczenski
Fall Color Forecasts
The road to my autumnal adventure began, as most do, with research. When is the best time to go? Where to go? For how long? What about the weather? Where to stay? These are all valid questions. The answers to some are simpler than others.
For one, I ended up splitting this trip into two legs, as leaves change at different times based on geography. On top of that, the weather leading up to fall affects both when the leaves turn and their vibrancy.
I like to reference webcams to help gauge how the colors are panning out in a particular location, and another fun tool is the Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Prediction Map. This map “forecasts” the color change rate for all of the U.S. based on data inputs from the summer. While neat, keep in mind that this is just a model, and like all educated guesses, it’s subject to change!
For in-the-moment fall color updates across Northern Michigan, head to MyNorth.com’s Fall Color Map, where you’ll find weekly forecasts, as well as specific areas, roads and points of interest you should check out for the best leaf peeping.