Michigan's Best Fall Color Drives

MICHIGAN — Michigan is arguably the best state in the nation when it comes to fall colors. Whether it's cider mills, pumpkin patches, corn mazes or hayrides, Michigan has it all to experience the fall colors.

A recent study named Michigan the fourth-best state when it comes to fall, trailing only California, Washington and Vermont. In addition, the LawnStarter study also ranked Michigan eight in fall scenery and said the state's fall foliage was one of the longest lasting across the nation.

So with the leaves beginning to turn colors, it's time to map out the state's best scenic drives to see those beautiful color transformations.

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.

Related: 2022 Fall Foliage Peak Map: See When Michigan's Fall Colors Are Best

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.