If you’ve ever said, “Some fall I’m going to the Upper Peninsula,” this is the year to do it! Already visited during our nationally renowned season? Then you know it’s worth coming back. To make planning easy, locals mapped out the 10 best fall color routes, and we’ve called out at least one must-see stop along each. Realistically, you can’t cover all 10 in a week, but you’ll want to return each year until you do. Grab your camera and let’s go!
Choose your route to see the country’s best fall colors
Fall Color Tour #1: Keweenaw Peninsula
Brockway Mountain | Copper Harbor
Wind your way up to the summit, pulling off often to take photo after photo of the forest’s autumn hues, Copper Harbor and Lake Superior. This is one of the most photographed stops in the U.P., so expect a slow climb and descent.
Local Tip: Return at night to see countless glistening stars.
Fall Color Tour # 2: Porcupine Mountains
Lake of the Clouds | Ontonagon
Spectacular! There are lots of fall vistas in the U.P. that will leave you speechless, but this overlook of the acres of forest and lake hundreds of feet below is in the top five. Easily drive to the lookout, then access it from a short woodland trail or an ADA trail.
Local Tip: Feeling extra adventurous? Hike or mountain bike to the overlook or down to the lake — it’s a story you’ll pass down for generations.
Fall Color Tour #3: Iron Country
Black River National Scenic Byway | Ironwood
This is 100% worth extending your travels to drive along the approximately 14-mile County Road 513, stopping at each of the five impressive waterfalls. If the beauty of each fall doesn’t leave you awestruck, wait until you cross the suspension bridge at the river’s mouth and gape at the immenseness and wildness of Lake Superior in the fall.
Local Tip: Pack a picnic and stay on the beach to watch the sunset and sparkling night sky.
Fall Color Tour #4: Marquette
Sugarloaf Mountain | Marquette
Sugarloaf Mountain, the highest point in Marquette County, rises six miles north of downtown on County Road 550. Hike a half-mile up a series of trails and stairs for a cardio workout or tackle the steeper side for a more direct climb. Both routes lead to summit platforms with breathtaking panoramas of Lake Superior and a landscape of vivid red, orange and yellow.
Fall Color Tour #5: Wild River and Lake Michigan Bays
Pine Mountain Ski Jump | Iron Mountain
Pine Mountain Ski Jump is not only one of the best ski jumping hills, but it is also one of the highest artificial ski jump facilities in the world. In the fall, the view from its lofty summit is stellar, reaching nearly 600 feet above the surrounding patchwork landscape.
Local Tip: At the base of the ski jump, you can honor all those who defended our freedom at the free Upper Peninsula Veterans Memorial.
Fall Color Tour #6: Lake Michigan
Cut River Bridge/Roadside Park | Epoufette
If you want coastal views to the south and fiery-hued trees to the north, travel east or west along US 2. About midway between St. Ignace and Manistique is an engineering masterpiece, the Cut River Bridge. Built in 1947, it is one of two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan and spans the Cut River Gorge. The trees here are gorgeous.
Local Tip: Don’t just drive over the bridge, pull into the roadside park and follow the trail to the river mouth as it empties into Lake Michigan.
Fall Color Tour #7: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore/Seney National Wildlife Refuge
Pictured Rocks Boat Cruises | Munising
Like every fall color tour in the Upper Peninsula, choosing one top must-see stop is extremely difficult, but especially on this tour. If you can only do one thing off the road, take a Pictured Rocks boat cruise. Some sites can only be seen as you cruise along these colorful cliffs, waterfalls and forests on Lake Superior.
Fall Color Tour #8: Tahquamenon Falls/Whitefish Point
Upper Tahquamenon Falls | Paradise
Whether this is your first visit or 20th to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, seeing Michigan’s largest waterfall will be a highlight of your fall color getaway. The foamy, rootbeer-colored water is mesmerizing to watch. Hike or drive to the nearby Lower Tahquamenon Falls or catch a snack or meal at the onsite brewery and gift shop. This is the Moose Capital of the U.P., so you may catch sight of one of these magnificent animals along the riverbank when paddling.
Fall Color Tour #9: Whitefish Bay
Brimley State Park | Brimley
This tour may be our shortest in miles, but it is big on trees and shoreline scenery. Bring a picnic or your fall fishing gear and relax in the autumn fresh air. This park also has an observation area for watching passing Great Lakes and international freighters. Then drive 30 miles and you will be immersed in the Hiawatha National Forest, the stage for acres of hardwood and pine trees showing off all their fall glory.
Local Tip: Drive to hike to Naomikong Point and Naomikong Overlook, a 7.5-mile round trip worth every step. The sandy Lake Superior shore is spectacular, but when you learn more about this once being the home of the native Laurel people between 1000 BCE and 1000 CE, you will feel the specialness of this land.
Fall Color Tour #10: Lake Huron to Sault Ste. Marie
Drummond Island | Drummond Island
The largest island on the Great Lakes is a year-round recreational adventureland. Fall will quickly become your favorite season to ride the ORV trails, bike, hike and kayak its waters. This is one of the last places in the U.P. when trees are drenched in brilliant hues, so if you want to make a fall color tour in October, here’s where to come.
Local Tip: Not all of fall’s colors are in the U.P.’s trees. Scattered across its Great Lakes shores are multi-shades of rocks, pebbles, fossils and beach glass.
There’s a Perfect Place to Stay Just Down the Road
As you travel along any of these routes, you are never far from lodgings with the comfort and hospitality that makes you feel you belong in the U.P. More and more people are discovering what a national fall treasure this part of Michigan is, so plan your route and reserve your stay before you come. There will be a warm welcome and a place to call home when you arrive.
We would love to see your favorite autumn scenes and adventures! Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our Fall Content Collector below.