Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a photographer’s paradise and the views in the fall become even more alluring. Vibrant vistas, shimmering shorelines lined with multicolored trees and waterfalls surrounded by the glow of autumn all await you. In the blog Seven Great Spots for Fall Photography in the UP, we highlighted some of the most renowned locations this region has to offer, but there are so many more. Here are another six must-photograph locations:
- Located 30 minutes west of Sault Ste. Marie, Mission Hill Overlook near Brimley offers one of the most stunning overlooks in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The view of Spectacle Lake with Lake Superior in the distance is breathtaking. If you are there at the right time, you can capture both the stunning colors and one of the giant ore freighters traveling Lake Superior.
- Castle Rock, called "Pontiac's Lookout" by the Ojibwa Tribe, offers scenic views up to 20 miles, featuring Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Lake Huron and miles of wilderness. If you are looking for an opportunity to take photos from a bird's eye view, this is your location. When planning your trip, be aware that Castle Rock closes in mid-October.
- The Garden Peninsula and Fayette Historic State Park offer a beautiful mix of hardwoods, evergreens, orchards and history. Driving along M-183 S from Garden to Sac Bay, there is a wealth of scenic views. However, the most popular location for fall color photography on the peninsula is Fayette Historic State Park. The historic ghost town, a once-thriving iron smelting community, surrounded by the brilliant glow of yellow and orange leaves makes for haunting nostalgic images. Moreover, the limestone cliffs of Snail Shell Harbor aglow with fall color are a delight to photograph.
- Bond Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula, is a must-stop in autumn. The park offers numerous accessible viewing locations in addition to rustic trails leading to additional views. Bond Falls is a year-round photographer favorite but when the surrounding forest is interspersed with bursts of color, it is irresistibly dazzling.
- Located on the westside of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, the Presque Isle River is home to several picturesque waterfalls. The three beautiful cascading falls, Manabezho, Manido and Nawadaha Falls are popular year-round but especially in the fall when the surrounding rocks are covered with vibrant leaves. The trails between the falls along the scenic Presque Isle River also offer a wealth of photo-worthy scenes.
- The protected Sylvania Wilderness is a perfect location for creating images from the vantage point of a boat, canoe or kayak. The extensive wilderness and 34 named lakes offer an outstanding experience for those who want to enjoy the solitude of an in-the-wild photography expedition. If you watch the trees and sky closely, you may even capture a photo of a bald eagle.
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There are so many more great fall photography locations across the U.P. We would love to see your favorite fall color locations; be sure to hashtag them with #uptravel. For an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials, please upload your photos to our Fall Photo Crowdriff Collector below.