Here Are The Best Scenic Drives To See Michigan’s Fall Colors

MICHIGAN — It’s getting closer to the peak of fall foliage in Michigan, and that means it’s time to map out the state’s best scenic drives to see those beautiful color transformations.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts Michigan’s fall colors will peak the week of Oct. 13, while other forecasts predict the colors will peak roughly a week earlier.

As with any meteorological forecast dependent upon weather variables, leaf predictions aren’t always 100 percent accurate, but the maps do give Michigan leaf-peepers a pretty good shot at seeing autumn leaves when they turn their most blazing reds, vibrant orange and sunny yellows.

M-119, Harbor Springs to Cross Village

Also known as the “Tunnel of Trees,” this 20-mile route will take you around Lake Michigan on a curvy two-way road with sharp turns surrounded by trees. The rural road, which splits off Michigan 31 near the tip of northern Michigan is a can’t miss for scenic drivers.

M-22, Manistee to Traverse City

While the entire 126-mile route from Manistee to Traverse City takes you up the Lake Michigan coastline, offering breathtaking views around several bodies of water, including Portage Lake, Crystal Lake and Glen Lake, the stretch from Glen Arbor, up the Leelanau Peninsula and back down to Traverse City offers some of the best fall colors you’ll find anywhere.

U.S. 41, Copper Country Trail National Byway

This route in the Keweenaw Peninsula is about as far north as you can go in the state, and takes you along the Brockway Mountain Drive, which is about a 10-mile stretch of one of the most gorgeous roadways in the state.

Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor to Dexter

One of the best fall drives in the greater Metro Detroit area is this hidden route, which takes you on a 10-mile drive alongside the Huron River from Ann Arbor to Dexter. Who knew a scenic fall drive could be so close to the metro area? But don’t overlook it, as the meandering road is surrounded by fall colors on both sides.