A special part of fall in Michigan is experiencing the spectacular changing leaf colors. There’s something uniquely midwestern about spending a crisp fall day soaking in the gold, bronze and rouge shades painting the skies. The best time to view peak colors is between late September and mid-October. Luckily, Ann Arborites have several spots to check out within a few hours’ drive. Read on for some ideas for your next fall colors trip.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Why travel far when you can enjoy the amazing colors right in your own backyard? Matthaei Botanical Gardens boasts beautiful fall foliage amid 90 sprawling acres. The gardens include 6 nature trails where visitors encounter maple groves shedding bronze leaves. Visitors can participate in the free Autumn Wonder Walks on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM or Sundays at 1:00 PM.
1800 N. Dixboro Rd. Ann Arbor; M-Sat 10am- 8pm, Sun. 10am- 4:30pm; Free
RELATED: See the Fall Colors From the Sky Walk in Tipton
Maybury State Park
Nestled in Northville, Maybury State Park offers autumn enthusiasts 1000 acres to explore. Visitors can stroll through forests of sugar maple, oak and beech trees. There are 4 trails ranging from 4 to 8 miles in length. The park includes paved and gravel roads, hiking, bike, and equestrian trails.
49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville; M-Sun. 8am- 10pm; Entrance Fee: Recreation Passport
M-22
M-22 is a storied winding road which offers visitors a stunning visual treat during the fall months. Stretching from Manistee to Traverse City, the 116-mile-long highway skirts Lake Michigan and takes about three hours to travel from start to finish. The journey along M-22 will pass lighthouses, scenic lookouts, charming fisheries, wineries, beer gardens and truly breathtaking views of the azure lake. Visitors can also stop by the Frankfort Fall Festival Celebration on October 12. A fall trip up north won’t disappoint!
Highway M-22; Free
RELATED: See the Fall Colors From the Sky Walk in Tipton
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Located 5 hours from Ann Arbor, and encompassing around 50,000 acres of hardwood forests, Tahquamenon Fall State Park is another great fall colors destination. Take a road trip to this Michigan state park to experience unparalleled natural beauty, waterscapes and colors galore. There are many routes which offer great views, including Newberry to Whitefish Point, Newberry to Crisp Point Lighthouse, Newberry to Brimley to Paradise Loop and Newberry to Grand Marais Loop. Visitors will marvel at the brilliantly marked cedar, spruce and hemlock trees.
41382 West M-123 Paradise; M-Sun. 8am- 10pm; Entrance Fee: Recreation Passport
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Those who can spare a weekend trip to the Upper Peninsula will be blown away by the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. During the fall months, this area bordering Lake Superior presents a spectacular burst of shades. In addition to hiking along the lakeshore, visitors who seek an extra thrill may embark on the kayak tour to take in the colors from the water.
Sand Point Road Munising; Open 24/7; Entrance Fee: $15-$25
