Looking for the best places to see fall color in Michigan? Michigan’s fall color rivals New England if you know where to look. From the best hiking trails and views to cozy harbor towns, here are the best places to experience Michigan’s legendary fall color:

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I was born and raised in Michigan. I spent my college years (Go Green!) exploring the Northern Lower Peninsula every weekend, and since then have worked as an outdoor guide and outdoor writer since 2018. I’m stoked to show you around my home state!

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Best places to see fall color in Michigan:

From the shores of Lake Michigan, to the highlands of the Porcupine Mountains, Michigan has excellent fall color! Here’s where to begin your search, in order of what I consider to be the best location first:

1) Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Hands down, the best place to see fall color in Michigan is Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Here you can hike the Escarpment Ridge Trail towering over Lake of the Clouds, to a number of waterfalls, and other overlooks throughout the park.

Typically, you can expect fall colors to peak to in mid-October. Personally, I think the fall colors are actually most dramatic here on a chilly, rainy day or right before sunset or after sunrise. Beyond simply checking out the stunning overlooks like Lake of the Clouds or Summit Peak, consider a backpacking trip and venturing a few miles in to one of the dramatic campsites in the Porcupine Mountains.

Overall, the Porcupine Mountains definietly make for some of the most dramatic fall color views in Michigan.

READ: Ultimate Guide to the Porcupine Mountains

2) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

If you like turquoise water, red sandstone cliffs and dramatic views head over to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore! Here, you can expect a mid-October fall color peak.

For the best views, check out hiking the Chapel-Basin Loop or the out-and-back hike to Spray Falls. Note that fall weather up on Lake Superior more often spells chilly, windy, wave days with temperatures dipping into the 40s F, so pack extra warm if you’re planning on camping.

I’ve worked as a sea kayaking guide on Lake Superior since 2018 and I strongly recommend not kayaking on the lake in October without a drysuit! Pictured Rocks is a bucket-list kayak destination, but you’ll find that the fall brings less than ideal weather for kayaking and even if it looks calm from the beach you’re standing on, you might find it much bumpier around the corner.

READ: Best Things to do in the Pictured Rocks

3) Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes are known for towering sand dunes and world-class beaches, but did you know you can also find excellent fall color here? When planning your trip, keep in mind that the leaves here change along the shore about a week later than farther inland. Usually around the third week of October is a good bet, but I’ve seen peak color here as late as the last weekend of October.

The best places for fall color in the Sleeping Bear Dunes are Empire Bluff Trail, the Pierce-Stocking Scenic Drive, and Alligator Hill. Beyond the official lakeshore, there are plenty of other trails outside of the lakeshore that offer really incredible views as well, like the roadside stop at Arcadia Overlook.

READ: Best Things to do Sleeping Bear Dunes

4) Torch Lake, Antrim County

If you’re looking for a quite fall getaway, avoiding the rush of the leaf-peepers in more popular locations consider heading to the Torch Lake area of Antrim County and the Chain of Lakes. Here, fall colors will typically peak in the second half of October lingering into early November.

While here, check out Avalanche Mountain Recreation Area (above, left), Deadman’s Hill Overlook, and the Grass River Natural Area. For one of the coolest places to stay for fall colors, check out Retreat North tiny cabins, with gorgeous king-sized bed views and private hot tubs that feel like you’re up in the forest canopy.

[Note that my stay at Retreat North was hosted!]

READ: Best Things to do Torch Lake, Michigan

5) Keweenaw Peninsula

If you’re looking to catch some early fall colors in Michigan, head way up north to the Keweenaw Peninsula, where the colors start changing as soon as the last week of September and linger into mid-October. The Keweenaw has a handful of beautiful fall color hikes like Mount Baldy and hiking off the Brockway Mountain Scenic Drive, the peninsula is even better for fall color chasers who are not necessarily looking to hike.

In the Keweenaw, you can find so many short walks and hikes to waterfalls, beautiful scenic beaches, saunas with views, cozy cabins, and more! Personally, I think the Keweenaw is one of the best destinations for couples looking for a romantic fall color getaway. For an adorable cabin stay, check out the Fresh Coast Cabins on Lake Superior.

READ: Best Things to do in the Keweenaw Peninsula

6) Upper Peninsula Waterfalls Fall Road Trip

Beyond the Keweenaw, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to excellent fall color and waterfalls! There are hundreds of great waterfalls and fall color hikes throughout the peninsula, and you can easily string a few smaller destinations together into one epic road trip.

If you’re prioritizing waterfalls, I recommend for sure hitting Tahquamenon Falls in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, crusing through parts of the Pictured Rocks, and checking out Canyon Falls and Bond Falls.

READ: Ultimate Upper Peninsula Road Trip

7) Fife Lake Loop, Fall Backpacking

If you’re looking for a beautiful 1-2 night backpacking loop for fall color in Michigan, the Fife Lake Loop. This loop overlaps some with the North Country Trail, and has several excellent overlooks of the Manistee River along with really beautiful wooded trails and crystal clear streams.

The Fife Lake Loop tends to be less crowded than it’s counterpart, the Manistee River Trail, and a really good fall backpacking option in Michigan for hikers looking for a more secluded experience.

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8) Jordan River Pathway, Fall Backpacking

If you’re looking for an especially gorgeous off-the-beaten path fall adventure in Michigan, check out the 18.5-mile Jordan River Pathway. This loop trail follows the gentle rolling hills and crystal clear waters of the Jordan River and makes for a great one-night backpacking trail. I recommend starting and finishing Deadman’s Hill and camping at the Pinney Bridge Campground, where there are pit toilets and water available.

Beyond of course the classic overlook of Deadman’s Hill, the Jordan River Pathway has several other dramatic overlooks (including Landslide Overlook, above left) and views of the gin-clear Jordan River. One of my favorite parts about this long trail is soaking my sore feet in the river!

9) Ironwood, Michigan

For a unique and rugged fall color destination in Michigan check out Ironwood! Located at the very western edge of the Upper Peninsula, Ironwood is home to waterfalls, overlooks, quiet lakes and so much more! It’s also a great place to basecamp in the Upper Peninsula to visit the Porcupine Mountains and even some of the scenery in northern Wisconsin.

My favorite things to do in Ironwood are checking out the Black River Scenic Byway, visiting the Porcupine Mountains, and exploring North Country Trail in the region. My bucket-list cabin stay here is the off-grid Lake Superior side Dreamwood Wilderness Refuge.

READ: Best Fall Color Getaways in the Great Lakes

10) Ludington State Park

For a coastal autumn vibe, check out Ludington State Park on Lake Michigan. Here you can find fall color on inland ridges with lake views, lighthouses, sand dunes, walkways between islands, great camping and more!

11) Traverse City

Michigan’s Traverse City is also a great way to experience fall colors. From cozy inland lakes and cabin rentals to hiking trails with dramatic views and coastal towns, Traverse City is perhaps the best fall color destination in Michigan for variety.

I recommend basecamping in Traverse City (KOTI cabins are on my bucket-list!) and dividing your time between checking out the variety of great restaurants in Traverse City and exploring nearby views and hiking trails. For a great fall color day trip from Traverse City, check out hiking in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, visiting Historic Fishtown, visiting The District Glen Arbor, or heading up to experience the highlands near Torch Lake.

Ready to leave Michigan for fall color? Here are some fun nearby fall color ideas!

12) Wisconsin Northwoods

Just over the border of the Upper Peninsula, the Wisconsin Northwoods make for a wonderful fall color destination for Michiganders looking to travel! The Wisconsin Northwoods are a great spot for waterfall-lovers and cabin lovers!

My favorite fall color destinations in the Wisconsin Northwoods are Copper Falls State Park, the North Country Trail and Bayfield (AppleFest anyone!?). South Shore A-Frame is my bucket-list cabin stay here, followed by The Haven on Madeline Island, and Hayward Haus.

Fall colors in the Northwoods tend to peak Mid-October.

READ: Northwoods Waterfall Road Trip Guide

13) The North Shore of Minnesota

If you’re looking for one of the most dramatic fall color destinations in the Midwest, check out the North Shore of Minnesota. Here, you can find what most regard as the best fall hiking trails in the midwest. Between cruising backroads looking for wildlife, cozy cabin rentals, and incredible waterfalls and overlooks there is truly just so much to do up here!

Personally, I recommend Tettegouche State Park for the most possible bang for your buck hiking-wise. Here, you can find dramatic waterfalls, rugged shoreline hikes, and dramatic inland lake overlooks. If you’re up for a trip a little farther north, check out the cozy harbor town of Grand Marais, Minnesota. Generally, fall colors up the shore change as early as the last weekend of September, and linger into the first half of October.

READ: Best Things to do on the North Shore

When does fall color peak in Michigan?

Peak fall color depends on the temperatures this year, rainfall, location, and species of tree. As you might imagine, different species of tree peak at different times. In the Upper Peninsula, peak can begin as early as the end of September and all of the color can be gone by mid-October. Additionally, a big windstorm can take out the bulk of the fall colors in an area much sooner than if it wasn’t hit by a storm.

In general, coastal areas near a Great Lake will peak a little later as this time of year, the lakes have a warming effect. For example, if you’re looking to chase fall colors both in the Sleeping Bear Dunes and along the Manistee River, you’re likely to find that the colors right on the coast in Sleeping Bear are about one week behind the colors along the bluffs over the Manistee River.

Looking for more Michigan adventure inspiration? I’ve got you covered:

• Plan out your Michigan Bucket List
• Check out the best Great Lakes Destinations
• Check out all of the best hiking trails in Michigan
• Check out the best fall color destinations in Wisconsin

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