Color Your Fall Fantastic

Sept. 30, 2016

Vibrant Northern Michigan Driving Tours

Golden yellows, rich reds, vivid oranges, earthy browns. These are the colors of fall in northern Michigan, the annual happening that delights locals and attracts a whole new round of tourists. One of the best ways to enjoy this exuberant scenery is to drive through it, leaving time for leisurely stops along the way at overstuffed pumpkin patches, apple orchards serving up fresh cider, and farm stands where you can visit with the friendliest of folk and compare notes with your fellow leaf-peepers. According to the 2016 Farmers’ Almanac, the peak of this year’s fall colors will run October 1 through 17, so right now is the perfect time to try on one of these four driving tours.

THE US-2 TOUR

Driving across the Mackinac Bridge is only the first bonus of this more rustic trek through a section of Michigan’s upper half. Start up at St. Ignace’s Castle Rock for spectacular views of Lake Huron and Mackinac Island, and then head west on the quiet stretches of tree-lined US-2. You’ll follow the Lake Michigan shoreline, where there are ample spots for pasty picnics on the beach and shots of the surf with colorful trees alongside.

Route: US-2

Start: Castle Rock off of I-75 in St. Ignace

End: Manistique

What You’ll See: The Mystery Spot with its zany roadside Americana illusions, a plethora of small souvenir shops and snack stands, small sand dunes and swales, and towering pines, especially once you hit parts of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Best Photo Op: About 23 miles west of St. Ignace, you’ll find a striking steel bridge and scenic turnout over the Cut River that offers vast views of Lake Michigan, plus a wooden staircase for an impromptu exploration of the river valley.

THE TUNNEL OF TREES TOUR

Beginning in Harbor Springs, where tranquil off-season shopping abounds, this route ascends up the bluff on M-119, and it’s a favorite of drivers and cyclists alike. Pond Hill Farm, five miles north, is a fantastic place to stop at the start of your drive. You can either sit down for lunch or grab farm-fresh snacks in the farm’s market. Drive carefully, as the narrow highway has no center line but plenty of unexpected twists and turns, most notably at the spot locals call Devil’s Elbow.

Route: M-119

Start: Downtown Harbor Springs

End: Cross Village

What You’ll See: Thick hardwoods and pine trees arching over the road, with plenty of glimpses of a glimmering Lake Michigan far below; horses at farms alongside the route; the old-timey Good Hart General Store; and Legs Inn in Cross Village, home to quirky architecture, inspired wood carvings and pierogies.

Best Photo Op: There aren’t a lot of places to pull over on M-119 itself, so your best bet is to grab a beverage and take advantage of the garden behind Legs Inn, where you can catch spectacular lake-view sunsets.

THE BREEZEWAY TOUR

Freshly repaved for much of its scenic 26 miles, the Breezeway officially begins in Atwood, with Royal Farms poised as a great first stop for a bag of crisp apples to take on your jaunt. Several small lakes link together along the route for frequent inland-water views, and the rustic charm of the region carries through whether you’re at a farm stand, small motel, or local restaurant.

Route: C-48

Start: Atwood “The Adorable” on US-31

End: Boyne Falls on US-131

What You’ll See: Welcoming farm markets and orchards all along the route; Lakes St. Clair, Lake Charlevoix and Deer Lake; scenic overlooks; a plethora of rustic cottages and campgrounds.

Best Photo Op: At the end of your drive, make a stop at Boyne Mountain Resort (call ahead for times/prices) to snag a fall foliage chairlift ride, which offers some of the prettiest and most photogenic views in the region.

THE LEELANAU SCENIC HERITAGE TOUR

This fall trek out onto the Leelanau Peninsula can be driven in several different ways, depending on which towns you choose to stop in. At your service are Suttons Bay, Northport, Leland, Lake Leelanau, and Glen Arbor, all with their own character and attractions. There are so many things to do and see along this route, from casual and fine dining to art galleries, parks and natural areas, you might even want to turn this particular color tour drive into a full weekend getaway.

Route: M-22/M-109/M-204

Start: M-22 just outside of Traverse City

End: Empire

What You’ll See: Picturesque vineyards, wineries, and orchards; quaint shops; beautiful beaches and hiking opportunities; Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Best Photo Op: After visiting the village of Northport, take a quick side jaunt to Leelanau State Park to view the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, guiding the shore since 1858, and the beautiful lake views beyond.