9 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in Michigan

Be sure to book ahead for the best tours around Michigan and make the most of your trip.

In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan lies wild forest, with trails that attract serious hikers from far and wide to enjoy the stunning fall foliage. The Porcupine Mountains, also known as ‘the porkies’ is the perfect destination to soak up the beauty of Fall in Michigan. The overlook at the Lake of the Clouds hike is something else in fall, when you can see the sky turn as orange as the leaves are reflected in the water – it’s a scene you’ll struggle to capture in a photo. Make sure to enjoy the waterfalls here, inviting a refreshing and cleansing feel into the fall as we move into a new season.

There are an abundance of many spectacular drives in Michigan, but by far the best in fall is the Tunnel of Trees on the M-119. Its twists and turns will guide you through a canopy of beautiful trees including hardwoods. There are some pretty hairy turns, so please be careful at the notorious Devil’s Elbow and Horseshoe Curve. To get the best experience, this is definitely one to be done in a convertible if possible, this is a drive you’ll want to write home about.

Detroit is putting itself firmly back on the map with visitors getting a chance to thankfully embrace its full cultural heritage. In the old Elmwood Cemetery, which dates back to the 1800s, there are nearly 100 different types of tree and it is now a certified arboretum. With detailed tours available, this is a destination for all botany enthusiasts at any time of year, although fall is when the trees and the history of the cemetery come alive so be sure to add this onto your agenda.

The waterfall in this state park, in the Upper Peninsula, are visited by nature lovers year round, but from the observation platform at the crest, you can see it at its most attractive during fall. There are hikes through the park that lead under a canopy of colors that flow with the energy of the changing season. You can do this on foot or by bike, but by boat is truly delightful as the white pines turn to flaming copper-red.

Michigan’s Pictured Rocks in the Upper West Peninsula, is the ideal location if you love outdoor activities and exploration in nature. But it also has pretty waterfalls and hikes through woods of beech, spruce and cedar. There’s kayaking and boating on the lake, and as the trees change into their fall colors, the backdrop of reds, yellows and oranges brings a joyous end to summer.

Dead River Falls, just outside of the town of Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, away from the tourist trails, is a 100ft (30m) waterfall in a setting that’s just right for you to enjoy in fall, when the trees are transitioning. The trek is not too difficult, and it gives you a chance to connect with nature. However, the current is deceptively strong, so do not be tempted to go in unless you’re a strong swimmer.

Ann Arbor, otherwise known as Tree Town, is only 45 minutes’ drive west from Detroit, but could not be further away in terms of energy. Quaint and filled to the brim with old Americana, it is best visited in fall, when it displays incredible colors of red, yellow and orange. For best views, visit Nichols Arboretum, in the University of Michigan, and Riverside Park. Be sure to book ahead for the best tours.

If you’ve never been to Michigan’s wine country, then a Fall trip is the perfect time to enjoy the fall foliage whilst soaking up a delicious glass of local wine. There are many ways to explore the wine country depending on your taste, but this tour of the Old Mission Peninsula is one experience you’ll savor. Not only will you drink in views of winding country roads and gentle slopes against a coastal sunset, but you’ll also sip on wine from 3 of the highest rated wineries in the state. Taste flights of wine alongside locally crafted cheeses. See stunning autumnal bay views from a vineyard estate. Marvel at a beautiful sunset with wine in hand and make the most of Fall in this beautiful area. Check out this tour to make the most of your time at the Wine Country.