When it comes to spectacular fall colors, the Upper Peninsula stands unmatched. This year, USA TODAY readers confirmed it once again, voting Michigan’s premier autumn showcase the nation’s No. 1 choice in the 10Best Destinations for Fall Colors Awards. It’s an honor that the U.P. has earned repeatedly from visitors and locals who have stood in awe of this vast tapestry of vivid fall hues. 

Picture 8.8 million acres of hardwood and pine forests blanketed with crimson, emerald and gold, the colors sweeping across mountain peaks and river valleys. Along the way, you can discover hundreds of waterfalls framed by jewel-toned leaves, the shores of three Great Lakes sparkling in the sun and historic towns arrayed in autumn's harvest decor.

The U.P. Surpasses the Most Iconic Fall Color Destinations 

For seven years, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been selected by the national newspaper’s editors and a panel of travel experts for the annual Readers’ Choice contest. Repeatedly, the U.P. has ranked in the top five and earned the number one award multiple times. Other contenders and their rankings this year are:

  1. Upper Peninsula of Michigan
  2. Roanoke, Virginia
  3. Hot Springs, Arkansas
  4. Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania
  5. Potter-Tioga, Pennsylvania
  6. White Mountains, New Hampshire
  7. Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
  8. Adirondacks, New York
  9. Hocking Hills, Ohio
  10. Mountaineer Country, West Virginia

Each destination is worthy of the 10Best list, but none can match the fall colors you will find here.

 

See the Best Colors Over the Next Few Weeks

To make planning easy, locals mapped out the 10 best U.P. fall color road tours. You can’t cover all of them in a week, but you can come back year after year until you travel to each one. The magic of leaf-peeping in the U.P. is that just when you think the views can’t get any prettier, they do. So keep your camera ready to capture and share every moment.

Lake of the Clouds - Porcupine Mountains

Fall Color Routes

Ask fall color seekers their favorite destinations and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula makes their lists. Seven million acres of tree coverage, the pristine shores of three Great Lakes, picturesque historic lighthouses, mirror-calm inland… Read More

Fall Color Reports for Upper Peninsula MI

Fall Colors

Peak fall color season is typically the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. Reports are done every Wednesday throughout the fall color season. Read More

Jump into Much More Fun Than Leaves

Exploring the U.P. in the fall is a five-senses adventure. Each day brings something new, yet one thing never changes: the wonder you’ll feel. Seek out thrilling adventures, wander ghost towns, embrace peaceful moments or lean back, delighting in a world-famous Italian sausage cudighi with a cold, frothy craft beer. Best of all, the U.P. is one of the most beautiful destinations you can experience on a modest budget. Here are some ideas to help you plan your perfect fall trip.

Explore More Fall Adventures

 

Stay Near the Best Fall Colors

Start planning your adventure now to experience the U.P.’s award-winning fall brilliance. With its recent recognition as the top destination for fall color, expect others across the United States to join you. Book early to secure the lodging, amenities and dates you want.

We eagerly wait for you to discover just how gorgeous our trees are this fall.

Book Your Fall Stay