Experience the magic of fall in Michigan's Upper Peninsula! Everywhere you go there are stunning must-see vistas, exciting must-do outdoor activities and hundreds of hidden gems to discover from September to November. Start falling deeper in love with the U.P. by adding these ideas to your bucket list. Let’s go adventuring!

BEST FALL VIEWS

We’ve organized these recommendations from the Wisconsin border in the west to Lake Huron in the east. It will take several days to see them all, but there are plenty of places to stay along the way or reasons to return every autumn for many more years to come! 

 

BLACK RIVER NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY

This scenic byway is spectacular when fall colors drench the Ottawa National Forest. The byway starts in Bessemer and winds north almost 15 miles to the Black River Harbor Recreation Area and Campground on Lake Superior. As you make your way north, plan to take short hikes to the Great Conglomerate, Potawatomi, Gorge, Sandstone and Rainbow Falls.

When you arrive at the harbor, you will be in no hurry to leave the shores of Lake Superior. There is a boat launch, fishing and a place to picnic on the idyllic beach. The North Country National Scenic Trail passes over the Black River’s fun-to-cross suspension footbridge. Explore this and the surrounding trails and find inner peace.

LAKE OF THE CLOUDS, PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK

Whether you drive, hike or mountain bike to this iconic fall destination, you will know instantly why people have taken thousands, if not millions, of photos of the Lake of the Clouds. Admire the tranquil lake reflecting autumn’s brilliance from a lookout just off Highway 107, or hike the Escarpment Trail for an immersive experience.

PRESQUE ISLE RIVER TRAILS, PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS STATE PARK

The Presque Isle River Trail forms a 2.3-mile loop along the river. This adventure-packed hike includes sections of boardwalks and stairs, silent walks beneath shady tree canopies and crossing a suspension footbridge. The trail’s top fall views are the Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls and Nawadaha Falls.

BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN, COPPER HARBOR

Want to see some of the best fall colors in the United States? Drive to the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and slowly wind your way up the 9.5-mile Brockway Mountain Drive. Keep your camera ready and prepare to stop at every turnout overlooking the bold yellows and reds of the hardwood leaves standing out against the blue autumn sky and Lake Superior’s waves. This might be the best fall foliage you will see in your lifetime.

TOBIN HARBOR, ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK

Add this destination near the top of your bucket list. Open only until October, Isle Royale National Park takes some advanced planning for transportation and overnight stays, but it is worth the effort. This is the most remote fall color destination in Michigan and one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the country. It is the ultimate unspoiled wilderness! The Tobin Harbor Trail, an easy and scenic route, allows you to enjoy the island’s brilliant colors and sparkling blue waters and possibly see moose grazing.

DARK SKY PARK, COPPER HARBOR

The Upper Peninsula has some of the darkest skies on Earth, making it a premier place to stargaze and watch the Northern Lights in the fall. Keweenaw Mountain Lodge is home to one of three International Dark Sky Parks in Michigan. Come earlier in the evening to see the fall colors cascading down the mountain, then stay for a free viewing of the star-studded skies above. Before you go, take a few minutes to read these stargazing and Northern Lights viewing tips.

SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN, MARQUETTE

Marquette, the U.P.’s largest city, offers a decorated downtown and spectacular fall views in outlying areas. Walk or bike the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and then hike up Sugarloaf Mountain for a panoramic view of the fall foliage surrounding Marquette Bay.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is world-renowned for its spellbinding mineral-stained sandstone cliffs and Caribbean-blue Lake Superior waters that stretch 42 miles between Munising and Grand Marais. It’s difficult to capture with words the awe you will feel as you hike along Lake Superior’s cliffs and beaches or deep into the wilderness on over 100 miles of trails. We highly recommend taking a Pictured Rocks Cruise by mid-October to see the magnificent cliff faces and waterfalls from the water.

Kitch-iti-kipi, Manistique

Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring, Kitch-iti-kipi, is a sight to behold in the fall. Board the hand-cranked raft to float across the “Big Spring” and peer into its crystal-clear waters teeming with giant trout, ancient fallen trees and ethereal sandy puffs from natural water vents. The Ojibwa called the spring the “Mirror of Heaven” and this hidden gem still has a magical aura. With luck, you might spot an otter playing in the water.

Whitefish Point

There are so many reasons to visit Whitefish Point this fall. It is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum which holds the stories of some of the bravest men and women in the U.P.’s maritime history, including the sinking of the SS Edmund Fitzgerald off its coast. 

Another fall treat is discovering that this is a premier birding location. The bird migration peaks in October and extends through mid-November as thousands of birds follow their ancient flight paths south. Watch for colorful warblers, majestic hawks, owls, songbirds, shorebirds and loons. Even if you never thought of yourself as a birdwatcher, this will awaken you to the wonders of avian migration.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Paradise

A visit to Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a must in any season, but the fall colors enhance the beauty of the Upper and Lower Falls. For a woodsy hike, follow the River Trail which links the two waterfalls. The Upper Falls observation trail and the footbridge access to the Lower Falls are barrier-free so everyone can enjoy the spirit-lifting closeness of this river’s masterpieces. Before or after your visit, satiate your hunger and thirst at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery & Pub at Camp 33.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Ste. Marie is the oldest city in Michigan. Over the centuries, it has seen a lot of jaw-dropping autumns. Besides hiking or biking on its beautiful trail system, visit the Soo Locks. As one of the longest lock systems in the world, they are an engineering marvel you can explore closely via the Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours or from the free Soo Locks Observation Platform. For a bird’s-eye view of the fall colors, ascend the 25-story Tower of History for a 210-foot-high vantage point of the eastern U.P. and Canada.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island’s car-free streets and Victorian-era charm make it a delightful fall destination. Visit Fort Mackinac and its Tea Room for bluff-top views of downtown Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge. Better yet, bring or rent a bicycle for an up-close view of vivid fall colors in the woods or along Lake Huron’s azure water.

LES CHENEAUX ISLANDS, LAKE HURON

The 36-island archipelago of Les Cheneaux offers tranquil fall activities like kayaking, boat cruises and art gallery visits. Enjoy hot cider on a lakeside patio and soak up the autumn sunshine.

HIKING TRAILS FOR EVERY LEVEL

There are thousands of miles of trails from easy forest walks to rigorous mountain climbs. Some fall-favorites include:

EASY TO STRENUOUS

  • North Country Trail, U.P. Section: Nearly 550 miles showcase the best of the U.P.’s fall scenery. The U.P. section starts at the Wisconsin border at the western edge of Craig Lake State Park and crosses the Mackinac Bridge to continue through the Lower Peninsula. This trail offers a gamut of terrains for seasoned to first-time hikers. The most challenging section of the North Country Trail is in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, where you encounter extremely rugged cliffs and dense wilderness forests. The U.P.’s least strenuous stretch is the relatively flat 83 miles in the Hiawatha National Forest between Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace. 

EASY TO MODERATE

  • Bond Falls Loop, Watersmeet: A 0.9-mile loop offering beautiful views of Bond Falls.
  • Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, Copper Harbor: Trails through a virgin white pine forest, perfect for birdwatching.
  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising: Various trails offering stunning views of fall foliage, towering sandstone cliffs and Lake Superior.
  • Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Germfask: Multiple trails offering wildlife viewing opportunities in its forests, marshes, pools, creeks, rivers and bogs.
  • Fumee Lake Natural Area, Norway: Enjoy autumn reflections in a calm lake on trails ranging from 1.5 to 4.45 miles.

HARD TO EXTREME

  • Clark Lake Trail, Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation Area, Watersmeet: For almost endless fall color, hike this 8.2-mile loop through a diverse wilderness. The over 18,000 acres of old-growth hardwood forests, colossal red and white pines, 34 crystal-clear lakes and 25 miles of trails is a back-country paradise.
  • Trap Hills Loop, Bergland: A 6.2-mile route with breathtaking fall views, its solitude and remoteness is a favorite with backpackers. While rarely, you might spy eastern timber wolves, peregrine falcons, fairy bells and Braun's holly ferns on your adventure.
  • Greenstone Ridge Trail, Isle Royale National Park: A 40-mile multi-day hike offering pristine natural beauty. Transportation to this remote island ends in mid-October

SCENIC FALL DRIVES

The U.P. boasts some of the best fall color drives in the country. Follow these scenic routes for the most stunning views:

FREE FALL ACTIVITIES

There is no need for a big vacation budget to check off your U.P. fall bucket list. Add these free fall activities to your itinerary:

  • Rock Hunting: Comb the beaches of the Great Lakes for agates, greenstones, Yooperlites®, puddingstones, beach glass, fossils and more.
  • Lighthouse Visits: Explore over 40 historic lighthouses, several offering tours, all worth photographing.
  • Paddling Adventures: Paddle on colorful lakes, rivers and streams.
  • Hiking and Biking: Enjoy thousands of miles of hiking trails and some of the most scenic and challenging mountain biking trails in the world.

UNIQUE FALL EVENTS

There is hardly a weekend from September through November when you will not find unique events to capture the spirit and culture of this wonder-filled region. From lively festivals to local traditions, these gatherings offer you and your family and friends memorable experiences amidst the U.P.’s stunning natural beauty. Here are a few favorites: 

  • Harvest Fest | Van Riper State Park: Join us in September for two weekends of spooky fun at Harvest Fest, featuring ghostly dances, hayrides, trick-or-treating and campsite decorating contests, with activities for the whole family!
  • A Paranormal Event | Fayette Historic State Park: Two thrilling nights in September let you go on a real paranormal investigation with ghost-hunting experts. Experience eerie surprises at this historic townsite. Pre-registration is required and remember your flashlight.
  • Parade of Nations & Multicultural Food Festival | Houghton: Another September favorite get-together is the Parade of Nations, followed by the Multicultural Festival at Dee Stadium. This is a one-stop, international cuisine-tasting spree hosted by Michigan Tech student organizations.
  • Fall on the Island Festival | Drummond Island: Two days of family fun, games, music, live entertainment, delicious food, beverages and much more in October.
  • Leif Erikson Fall Festival | Norway: In October, celebrate Viking heritage with a diverse lineup of events, including races, the crowning of Miss Norway, a parade, art displays, musical performances and the "Funeral Pyre" boat-burning. Plus, there are family-friendly activities like a mini zoo, horse rides, wagon rides, a corn maze and more.
  • World Migratory Bird Day | Throughout the U.P.: Celebrated the second Saturday in October in our forests and along our Great Lakes shorelines. Because birds migrate at different times, we encourage you to observe and celebrate during your fall stay — because every day is Bird Day in the U.P.!

PLAN YOUR STAY

To make the most of your fall trip to the U.P., plan and book your stay in advance to get the dates, locations and amenities you want. Before you come, check out our 13 Breathtaking Fall Destinations in the U.P. blog for more stunning autumn getaways. Be sure to explore the delicious restaurants, breweries and wineries the region offers — their choices all pair with our crisp fall days. See you amid our fabulous trees soon! 

 

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