5 Leaf-Peeping Road Trips In Michigan: When Foliage Peaks

MICHIGAN — Fall foliage is nearing peak brilliance in Michigan. The 2023 Fall Foliage Prediction Map indicates leaves will peak the week of Oct. 9.

The predictive map, from the travel site Smokymountains.com, uses a refined data model based on historical and forecast temperatures and precipitation, the types of trees prominent in specific geographic areas, and real-time user reports.

The map is easy to use. The slider at the bottom resets weekly to include the latest data. To see when leaves are expected to peak, move the slider to the right. Leaves haven’t started changing yet in green areas, and the brown color means foliage has passed its peak.

As with any meteorological forecast dependent upon weather variables, leaf predictions aren’t always 100 percent accurate, but the map does give Michigan leaf-peepers a pretty good shot at seeing autumn leaves when they turn their most blazing reds, vibrant orange and sunny yellows.

Here are five Michigan fall leaf-peeping road trips:

M-37, Baldwin to Traverse City

The 90-minute route from Baldwin to Traverse City will take you on a hilly ride winding around some of the densest forests in the state. A portion of the direct route will take you through the Manistee National Forest, which is home to thousands of trails perfect for a fall walk and encompasses all kinds of wildlife, including deer and bears.

M-119, Harbor Springs to Cross Village

Also known as the "Tunnel of Trees," this 20-mile route will take you around Lake Michigan on a curvy two-way road with sharp turns surrounded by trees. The rural road, which splits off Michigan 31 near the tip of northern Michigan is a can't miss for scenic drivers.

M-22, Manistee to Traverse City

While the entire 126-mile route from Manistee to Traverse City takes you up the Lake Michigan coastline, offering breathtaking views around several bodies of water, including Portage Lake, Crystal Lake and Glen Lake, the stretch from Glen Arbor, up the Leelanau Peninsula and back down to Traverse City offers some of the best fall colors you'll find anywhere.

U.S. 41, Copper Country Trail National Byway

This route in the Keweenaw Peninsula is about as far north as you can go in the state, and takes you along the Brockway Mountain Drive, which is about a 10-mile stretch of one of the most gorgeous roadways in the state.

Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor to Dexter

One of the best fall drives in the greater Metro Detroit area is this hidden route, which takes you on a 10-mile drive alongside the Huron River from Ann Arbor to Dexter. Who knew a scenic fall drive could be so close to the metro area? But don't overlook it, as the meandering road is surrounded by fall colors on both sides.