Do you have a nagging feeling that you better spend some time outdoors before winter returns? Now is the time to do it and there is no better place to see the USA’s best fall colors than on our 13 top hiking trails. Our vibrant hues drench seven million acres of hardwood and pine forests. The hiking terrains are as easy-going as a short forest walk to as challenging as a rugged mountain cliff. The more you see of the U.P., the more you want to explore.
There are dozens more hiking trails in the U.P., but these 13 are the top picks for tenderfoots to cross-country trekkers. Before you head out, read “8 Things to Know Before You Go to the Upper Peninsula” and pack these hiking essentials. Let’s find your perfect path below.
EASY TO MODERATE
Bond Falls Loop, Watersmeet
Easy • 0.9 miles • Loop
Bond Falls is one of the most popular, year-round waterfalls. But it’s especially nice to hike here in the fall. There are six viewing locations on its wheelchair-accessible boardwalk. A developed trail runs on either side of the falls and has steps that take you to the top and the base of the falls for up-close viewing. Bridges complete the loop across the Ontonagon River. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. The setting is beautiful for an autumn picnic, too.
A resident or non-resident Michigan Recreation Passport is required to enter the lower parking lot. Contact the Michigan DNR at 906-353-6558 or the Bond Falls Outpost at 906-827-3235.
Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, Copper Harbor
Easy • 1-2.5 miles • Loops
You rarely can walk amid giants, so for that reason, include this virgin forest’s 1-mile Cathedral Grove Loop on your bucket list. Some of the state’s largest and oldest Eastern white pines (Michigan’s state tree) rise over 125 feet and date back 500 years! Extend your hike on the 1.2-mile Bertha Daubendiek Trail which presents that glorious Michigan contrast of deep green pine needles against a swath of red and russet maple and oak leaves. One pine tree on this loop was determined to have germinated after a wildfire swept the ridge in 1695. It’s a soul-stirring moment to stand in its shadow and listen to it whispering in the wind. The two trails intersect so you can complete a 2.5-mile hike.
Over 85 bird species inhabit this old-growth forest and it's an ancient flight path for even more southbound birds. Listen for woodpeckers and watch for hawks and red crossbills. If you can stop looking up at the magnificent trees, search the forest floor for ferns like maidenhair, spleenwort and holly fern.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Germfask
Easy to Moderate • 0.5-10+ miles • Varies
In 1935, this wildlife refuge was designated as a breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. It’s yours to discover on over 12 miles of trails that go along rivers, pools, across open land, over wetlands and through mixed hardwood/pine forests. Watch for signs of beavers and otters. Keep eyes and ears peeled for trumpeter swans, sand cranes, geese, ducks, loons, raptors and songbirds.
A discovery you won’t forget in the fall is the colorful slime molds that resemble the veins of your body spreading over downed trees along this trail. They can be black, gold, bubble-gum pink and white and they make very cool photos to share with family and friends.
Mackinac Island Outer Loop, Mackinac Island
Easy • 8 miles • Loop
This leisurely hike circles the perimeter of Mackinac Island, offering stunning views of Lake Huron and the island's natural beauty. This relatively flat and easy trail is popular for biking, walking and even horse-drawn carriages, as motor vehicles are not allowed on the island. The loop takes you along the shoreline passing by rocky beaches, iconic landmarks like Arch Rock, and historic sites such as Fort Mackinac. Along the way, you can enjoy the fresh lake breeze and there are plenty of spots to stop for photos or a picnic.
Fumee Lake Natural Area, Norway
Easy to Moderate • 1.5-4.45 miles • Loop
Just off U.S. 2, west of Norway and east of Quinnesec, Fumee Lake Natural Area offers a choice of hiking trails. The three marked trails maintained year-round are a 1.55-mile loop around Little Fumee Lake, a 4.95-mile loop around Big Fumee Lake and a moderate 2.8-mile south ridge loop. There are also miles of secondary and single-track trails if you prefer to explore where there are fewer boot tracks.
Hikers like this area’s back-to-nature experiences. The shorelines of both lakes are undeveloped and there is no fishing allowed, creating a fishery the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says is “very remarkable and unique.” Stay alert for bald eagles, common loons, nineteen rare or threatened orchids, walking fern, purple cliff-brake and marsh grass of Parnassus.
Chapel Basin/Mosquito Area, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising
Easy to Hard • 2-10 miles • Varies
On at least one Upper Peninsula fall hiking trip, bring your boots to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You rarely see colors like this — the vivid fall foliage, Lake Superior and the mineral-stained sandstone cliffs. For a must-do Michigan hiking challenge, complete the 10.2-mile Chapel Loop. It treats you to the Mosquito Falls, Chapel Falls, Chapel Lake Overlook, Mosquito Beach and Chapel Beach, plus a thrilling cliff-edge trail overlooking Lake Superior. Note that this trail strictly prohibits dogs.
Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon
Easy to Hard • 0.8 - 17.1 miles • Varies
As the quintessential U.P. fall hiking spot, Michigan’s largest state park features many trails to take in the season’s resplendent views. The 4.3 Escarpment Trail is one of the park's most popular hikes. It is a true mountain climbing experience, especially as you stop again and again to take in the grandeur of the Upper Carp River Valley and Lake of the Clouds.
Mission Hill Outlook, Brimley
Moderate • 4 miles • Out & Back
Just 20 minutes west of Sault Ste. Marie, this hike has wonderful leaf-peeping views — some of the best in the eastern U.P.! From this spectacular vantage point, you can see Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan’s oldest city), the Canadian Sault Ste. Marie across the St. Marys River, Whitefish Bay and Lake Superior. You may even spot a giant ore freighter out on the big water!
MODERATE TO EXTREME
Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette, Michigan
Moderate • 1.4 miles • Loop
The Sugarloaf Mountain trail is approximately one mile round trip, with well-maintained paths, including stairs and rocky sections. Though it’s short, it can be moderately challenging due to the elevation change. There are two primary routes to the top: an easier, more gradual ascent with switchbacks and a steeper, more direct path. Both converge near the summit, where hikers are rewarded with stunning panoramic views. From the wooden observation deck, you can see the vast expanse of Lake Superior, the Huron Mountains to the north and the city of Marquette.
Clark Lake Trail, Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area, Watersmeet
Hard • 8.2 miles • Loop
This trail loops around Clark Lake which sits on the edge of the 18,327 acres of Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area. As you hike through this vast land – the shoreline, grassy open meadows and old-growth forests of hemlock, maple and pine – show off autumn’s beauty. If you long to take a break from all things technology, this is a perfect silent vacation destination.
Trap Hills Loop, Bergland
Hard • 6.2 miles • Loop
Do you prefer to explore with as few other hikers as possible? Make Trap Hills your destination. The views from the hilltops are breathtaking in the fall. Often hailed as the best backpacking trail in the Midwest, this loop takes you through vast stretches of undisturbed forest, where you'll encounter rugged slopes, ridges, streams, waterfalls and peaceful ponds — all in serene solitude. Stay alert for the thrill of seeing rare and endangered species, including Eastern timber wolves, peregrine falcons, fairy bells and Braun's holly ferns. This 6.2-mile route connects a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail with the one-mile Hacking Site Trail.
Greenstone Ridge Trail, Isle Royale National Park
Extreme (Multi-Day) • 40 miles • Point to Point
Ready for the hiking adventure of a lifetime? It awaits in Michigan at one of the least visited national parks. Isle Royale National Park has everything the purest day- and multi-day backpackers dream about. Pristine beauty, boot-stopping views of Lake Superior, rugged backcountry and the chance to see moose, listen to howling wolves and gaze spellbound into a star-studded sky. Hiking this trail will take you the length of the Isle, so carefully plan your trip before arriving — the park is only open until Oct. 31. You are about to leave your tame life behind.
North Country Trail, The entire length of the U.P.
Easy to Extreme • 547 miles (in the U.P.) • Varies
This national trail system is 4,600 miles long and extends across eight states. Of those eight, Michigan holds the prize for the most mileage! If you want to take your hiking to the extreme, check out the nearly 550 miles of trails the U.P. has along the North Country National Scenic Trail. It’s a whole new level of outdoor fall fun. A spot along the trail you will want to see is Tahquamenon Falls State Park between Newberry and Paradise. You will hear Michigan’s largest waterfall roaring before you see it.
There are many more places with fall colors to visit in the U.P.!
Check out our 7 Great Fall Photography Spots for more trip inspiration. And keep an eye on the U.P. Fall Color Reports. The 2024 peak colors are only a few weeks, so plan your trip now for the best viewing!
Wherever you stay, fall beauty is outside your door
While autumn isn’t as busy as summer in the U.P., our national fall color accolades are bringing more and more people. Plan where you want to visit and make reservations early at the lodgings with the amenities and rates you want. Our trees are eager to wow you.
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