From mid-Michigan to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, here’s our week-by-week look at fall foliage in Northern Michigan in partnership with Tom O’Hare, chief meteorologist at 9&10 News. Check in weekly for new updates to help you plan the perfect fall color tour + Fall Club articles below to inspire your autumn adventure.
This article is a MyNorth Fall Club exclusive! Head to our Fall Club page for more Northern Michigan autumn adventures, breathtaking views, seasonal recipes and fall color tours. Also keep an eye out for the official Fall Club logo and bookmark our MyNorth Fall Club page for fall content you can’t find anywhere else.
Welcome to the club!
2022 Fall Color Map | October 26 to November 1
Your Last Chance to See Fall Colors!
It didn’t take long Northern Michigan, Peak Color has passed in most spots, except for right along the water from Petoskey down to Frankfort, and leaves are falling. Higher elevations are dropping leaves left and right and not much will be left by November 1. The quick change from peak to past peak can be attributed to the recent warmth and sunshine, which a great weekend for fall color but it really dried things out.
Where to See Fall Color Before November 1
The trees that were last to reach peak color got there fast! However, I’m optimistic there is still some decent color left to view over the next few days around the Tunnel of Trees and most areas right near Lake Michigan across the Lower Peninsula. If you want to see some color, this is officially your last chance- you better go soon!
Here’s a video showing what M-22 is looking like- still some gorgeous fall color to be seen this week:
A post shared by MyNorth & Traverse Magazine (@mynorthmedia)
Plan Your 2022 Michigan Fall Color Tour
- M119 Color Tour: Drive The Tunnel of Trees This Fall
- Drive, Paddle or Hike this Torch Lake Fall Color Tour
- 9 Incredible Places for a Michigan Fall Color Tour
- 10 Best Michigan Color Tour Views to Take Your Breath Away
2022 Fall Color Map | October 20 to October 27
Peak Fall Color Continues in Northern Michigan!
That’s right Northern Michigan, the trees are holding on to their incredible color all across the region! Higher elevations have a mix of Peak and Past Peak conditions, but are still giving you gorgeous views. Recent cold and strong winds did have an impact. It’s been more notable over the lower elevations where trees are showing more reds and oranges. In addition, those in the higher elevations have lost some of their leaves but there is still a lot of color.
Let’s start over the Lower Peninsula—places like Traverse City are getting in on the color after being on the green side for a while. Deadman’s Hill near Elmira is still spectacular and worth the trip. A drive up I-75 has not disappointed this past week and should hold strong this weekend. Views around Caberfae Peaks and Mesick are just breathtaking as well. While some of the trees are past peak, the red and orange leaves are still vibrant!
The Tunnel of Trees is really coming along as well. There is still some green but yellows, oranges and red are putting on a great show. You should expect a large variation along the route with 70% changed to Peak Conditions this weekend (Oct. 22–23).
A Fall Color Trip To Take THIS Weekend!
There’s no doubt the U.P. is Past Peak but don’t let it stop you from taking the drive, there’s still good color in the forests. Last week, I suggested a trip from Petoskey along US-131 to Cadillac to M-37 to Traverse City then back to Petoskey. I still recommend it, however, drive it going the opposite way this weekend! So start in Petoskey head to Traverse City, grab a snack, then down M-37 to M-55. Make a left on M-55 and drive to Cadillac. Have lunch in Cadillac and then head North on US-131 to Petoskey. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
2022 Fall Color Map | October 13 to October 20
Peak Fall Color is Here in Northern Michigan!
The past seven days have been incredible with so much color over the higher elevations of the Lower Peninsula and in the Upper Peninsula. I’m talking about vibrant reds and oranges making for beautiful landscapes. As you rise over the hills, the maples and oaks are just on fire!
The forecast is showing Past Peak conditions for those areas that have been really glowing this week. This still means there is color but the brightest reds and oranges have past for those areas and they will continue fading over the next seven days. Rain and wind have also taken a toll on the leaves in higher terrains over the past few days. But, don’t let this stop you from taking a drive across the region as you will still be impressed.
A great Northern Michigan fall color trip for right now: Over the Lower Peninsula, drive along US-131 from Petoskey down to Cadillac. Then head west on M-55 to M-37 and then drive north toward Traverse City. Once you reach US-31 take the route to Petoskey. Plan on a few hours for the entire trip soaking in all the fall color you possibly can. It’s also still worth visiting Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula- definitely worth the trip.
The big question.. How is the Tunnel of Trees looking for fall color?! If you haven’t planned your trip yet, LUCKILY there is still time! We recommend planning your fall color tour trip for no later than the weekend of October 22, where you’re sure to see vibrant, peak colors.
Show us your photos! Submit your favorite fall color photos from this year here.
2022 Fall Color Map | October 6 to October 13
WOW! What a difference, Northern Michigan!
This past week’s cold and crisp nights made a huge change across the state. Northern Michigan’s higher elevations have jumped to Near Peak to Peak conditions. Our color forecast through the 13th tells the story: Go check out the fall colors.
Right now, the best color is in the Western U.P. with Peak conditions expected over the next 7 days. Higher elevations of the Lower Peninsula are getting in on the action too with plenty of bright reds and oranges around Cadillac, Kalkaska and Roscommon. Recent pics from Tahquamenon Falls State Park also show an incredible display of color across the park.
Don’t forget this is the forecast through October 13. This means some areas show Peak but they are not there, yet. We expect Peak color by the 13th.
A great drive would be along M-115 from Cadillac to S. 29 Road, north to 16 Road then over to Manton. Continue east to Lake City along M-42. Then drive south along M-66 to M-55 and head into Cadillac for lunch.
I think you have a solid 2 weeks for most areas of the Lower Peninsula before the color starts fading.
If you need help figuring out a drive, here’s a list of color tours put together by the County Road Association of Michigan:
Antrim County
Deadman Hill overlook off US-131 viewing Jordan River Valley
Jordan River Road off US-131
Pinney Bridge Road off M-66
Cascade Road off Alba Highway (CR 620)
Chippewa County
North and South Caribou Lake Roads in the DeTour Village area
Gogomain Road from Goetzville to Pickford
Lakeshore Drive from Brimley to M-123
Salt Point Road from M-28 to Lakeshore Drive
Crawford County
CR101 looking north from CR100 (“Pioneer Hill”)
Emmet County
Mitchell Road from Fletcher Road to Cheboygan County line
Pleasantview Road from M-119 to Robinson Road
Robinson Road from State Road to Pleasantview Road
State Road from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
Stutsmanville Road from Pleasantview to W. Townline, then W. Townline Road north
Brutus Road from Pleasantville Road to US-31
Tunnel of Trees – M-119
Williams Road from US-131 to Resort Pike Road
Resort Pike Road from Williams Road to Indian Garden Road
Leelanau County
North Eagle Highway
Newman Road
Port Oneida Road
Gills Pier Road
Schomberg Road
Mason County
Lakeshore Drive from Oceana Drive to Iris Road
Hawley from Pere Marquette Highway to Walhalla Road
South Masten Road to Washington Road and the Ruby Creek area
North Lakeshore Drive along Hamlin Lake
Custer Road from Hogue Road to US-10
Montmorency County
Pleasant Valley Road
Farrier Road
Carter Road
Meridian Line Road
Presque Isle County
Long Lake Highway from M-65 into Alpena County
E-634 Highway from Polaski Road west to Lake May Road
W-638 Highway Ocqueoc Road from Walker Highway to North Allis Highway from Ocqueoc Road west to M-211.
Wexford County
Fall Color Scenic Routes, all starting from downtown Cadillac
Route 1: Around the Lakes (20 miles)
Route 2: Northwest to Mesick (63 miles)
Route 3: Southwest to Hoxeyville/Luther/Briston (64 miles)
Route 4: Northeast to Lake City/Manton (32 miles)
In the U.P.
Compiled from UPtravel.com
Take US-2 West towards Rapid River
Munising to Seney to Grand Marais back to Munising
Newberry to Whitefish Pt.
Newberry to Deer Park to Grand Marais to Seney back to Newberry
Brimley to Eckerman to Paradise back toward Whitefish Road then to Bay Mills along the lake.
Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie to Pickford to Stalwart to Detour Village to Cedarville back to St. Ignace
2022 Fall Color Map | September 29 to October 6
A week has gone by and you may have noticed a bit more fall color, but not a lot! The last week’s clouds and cool temperatures helped to get things moving, but there aren’t large areas of color yet. Over the next week, cool nights will help some but the bright sunshine will make a difference, too. I expect better color across the higher elevations to come early next week but all areas are still at least a week or two behind schedule.
The Western U.P. is finally beginning to see decent color with many areas at least 30% changed. I expect most of that region to be at least 50% by October 6. I was at Tahquamenon State Park on September 25 and color was limited but M-123 between M-28 and Paradise did have plenty of color with near Peak conditions.
The key thing to remember is that this is the forecast through the end of next week. I expanded the areas showing 50% as that develops over the next seven days.
For the Lower Peninsula, some of the best color right now is over NE Lower, Eastern Lower and around Cadillac. There are pockets of bright reds and oranges developing that will look beautiful in the coming days. Just don’t look for a lot color in any one spot. The way things are going the weekends of October 15, 22 and 29 are shaping up to be very colorful for much of Northern Michigan. I would start planning now!
If you need help figuring out a drive, here’s a list of color tours put together by the County Road Association of Michigan:
Antrim County
- Deadman Hill overlook off US-131 viewing Jordan River Valley
- Jordan River Road off US-131
- Pinney Bridge Road off M-66
- Cascade Road off Alba Highway (CR 620)
Chippewa County
- North and South Caribou Lake Roads in the DeTour Village area
- Gogomain Road from Goetzville to Pickford
- Lakeshore Drive from Brimley to M-123
- Salt Point Road from M-28 to Lakeshore Drive
Crawford County
- CR101 looking north from CR100 (“Pioneer Hill”)
Emmet County
- Mitchell Road from Fletcher Road to Cheboygan County line
- Pleasantview Road from M-119 to Robinson Road
- Robinson Road from State Road to Pleasantview Road
- State Road from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
- Stutsmanville Road from Pleasantview to W. Townline, then W. Townline Road north
- Brutus Road from Pleasantville Road to US-31
- Tunnel of Trees – M-119
- Williams Road from US-131 to Resort Pike Road
- Resort Pike Road from Williams Road to Indian Garden Road
Leelanau County
- North Eagle Highway
- Newman Road
- Port Oneida Road
- Gills Pier Road
- Schomberg Road
Mason County
- Lakeshore Drive from Oceana Drive to Iris Road
- Hawley from Pere Marquette Highway to Walhalla Road
- South Masten Road to Washington Road and the Ruby Creek area
- North Lakeshore Drive along Hamlin Lake
- Custer Road from Hogue Road to US-10
Montmorency County
- Pleasant Valley Road
- Farrier Road
- Carter Road
- Meridian Line Road
Presque Isle County
- Long Lake Highway from M-65 into Alpena County
- E-634 Highway from Polaski Road west to Lake May Road
- W-638 Highway Ocqueoc Road from Walker Highway to North Allis Highway from Ocqueoc Road west to M-211
Wexford County
Fall Color Scenic Routes, all starting from downtown Cadillac
- Route 1: Around the Lakes (20 miles)
- Route 2: Northwest to Mesick (63 miles)
- Route 3: Southwest to Hoxeyville/Luther/Briston (64 miles)
- Route 4: Northeast to Lake City/Manton (32 miles)
In the U.P. (Compiled from UPtravel.com)
- Take US-2 West towards Rapid River
- Munising to Seney to Grand Marais back to Munising
- Newberry to Whitefish Pt.
- Newberry to Deer Park to Grand Marais to Seney back to Newberry
- Brimley to Eckerman to Paradise back toward Whitefish Road then to Bay Mills along the lake
- St. Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie to Pickford to Stalwart to Detour Village to Cedarville back to St. Ignace
2022 Fall Color Map | September 22 to 29
Until now, September has been on the more mild and warmer side with some decent sunshine and that slowed leaf color change. The cooler air, along with clouds, is going to help that change happen soon. Right now however, most areas at less than 20% changed with only pockets of color or small streaks of color within the trees.
Higher elevations are finding a bit more change and those who dealt with the drought earlier this year are also getting more color. The interesting thing is there is already more color around Flint and Saginaw than Northern Michigan due to how dry summer has been. Even a drive to the western Upper Peninsula won’t give you a lot of fall color yet either. At this point, most of Northern Michigan and the U.P. are just waiting for the cooler air to make a difference and it will SOON!
At this time, our fall color forecast features some change, but everyone holding below 50% before September 29.
The key thing to remember is this forecast runs through the end of next week, so some of these areas are not currently showing 50% color change, but it will be developing by the end of the week. After this weekend, we anticipate a lot more change in the Western U.P. and higher elevations of the L.P. There are pockets of color around NE Lower as well but the region is predominantly green right now.
Peak conditions are a good 1.5 to 2 weeks away for much of this region, so you have time to make plans! Lower elevations of the L.P. won’t likely Peak until the third or fourth week of October.
Plan Your Northern Michigan Fall Color Drive
If you need help figuring out a drive, head to our free Fall Club page for inspiration, autumn adventures and local events or check out this list of color tour routes below put together by the County Road Association of Michigan in partnership with 9&10 News:
- Deadman Hill overlook off US-131 viewing Jordan River Valley
- Jordan River Road off US-131
- Pinney Bridge Road off M-66
- Cascade Road off Alba Highway (CR 620)
Chippewa County
- North and South Caribou Lake Roads in the DeTour Village area
- Gogomain Road from Goetzville to Pickford
- Lakeshore Drive from Brimley to M-123
- Salt Point Road from M-28 to Lakeshore Drive
- CR101 looking north from CR100 (“Pioneer Hill”)
- Mitchell Road from Fletcher Road to Cheboygan County line
- Pleasantview Road from M-119 to Robinson Road
- Robinson Road from State Road to Pleasantview Road
- State Road from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
- Stutsmanville Road from Pleasantview to W. Townline, then W. Townline Road north
- Brutus Road from Pleasantville Road to US-31
- Tunnel of Trees – M-119
- Williams Road from US-131 to Resort Pike Road
- Resort Pike Road from Williams Road to Indian Garden Road
- North Eagle Highway
- Newman Road
- Port Oneida Road
- Gills Pier Road
- Schomberg Road
- Lakeshore Drive from Oceana Drive to Iris Road
- Hawley from Pere Marquette Highway to Walhalla Road
- South Masten Road to Washington Road and the Ruby Creek area
- North Lakeshore Drive along Hamlin Lake
- Custer Road from Hogue Road to US-10
Montmorency County
- Pleasant Valley Road
- Farrier Road
- Carter Road
- Meridian Line Road
- Presque Isle County
- Long Lake Highway from M-65 into Alpena County
- E-634 Highway from Polaski Road west to Lake May Road
- W-638 Highway Ocqueoc Road from Walker Highway to North Allis Highway from Ocqueoc Road west to M-211.
- Fall Color Scenic Routes, all starting from downtown Cadillac
- Route 1: Around the Lakes (20 miles)
- Route 2: Northwest to Mesick (63 miles)
- Route 3: Southwest to Hoxeyville/Luther/Briston (64 miles)
- Route 4: Northeast to Lake City/Manton (32 miles)
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (Compiled by our friends at UP Travel)
- Take US-2 West towards Rapid River
- Munising to Seney to Grand Marais back to Munising
- Newberry to Whitefish Pt.
- Newberry to Deer Park to Grand Marais to Seney back to Newberry
- Brimley to Eckerman to Paradise back toward Whitefish Road then to Bay Mills along the lake.
- Ignace to Sault Ste. Marie to Pickford to Stalwart to Detour Village to Cedarville back to St. Ignace
More Fall Color in Northern Michigan
Check back each week for an updated fall color map for the most accurate, up to date fall color in Northern Michigan.
Interested in taking a look at past fall color foliage dates? Explore our past Northern Michigan Fall Color Maps: 2021, 2020, 2019 & 2018 Northern Michigan Fall Color Maps
Peak week for last year’s fall color forecast as pictured above: October 14-21, 2021.
