Somewhere Worth Going · Northern Michigan
Color Tours Near Petoskey
Having grown up in Northern Michigan, I didn’t fully appreciate its beauty—especially the fall colors—until I moved away. If you’re lucky enough to catch them at just the right time, they’re truly breathtaking. Add the cooler temperatures, and even a familiar place can feel different. It’s a chance to experience “Up North” in a whole new way.
October is a good time to keep an eye on the colors around Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, and Bay Harbor. The timing changes with the weather and from one hillside to the next, so check local reports before choosing your day.
The Tunnel of Trees
The best-known drive is M-119, the Tunnel of Trees, from Harbor Springs north toward Cross Village. The road winds along a bluff above Lake Michigan, under hardwoods that nearly touch overhead. It’s the sort of drive that deserves an afternoon, with time to stop along the way.
This year, plan your route before setting out. Road damage has interrupted the through drive, but there are still places to visit and other ways to enjoy the color.
These photographs show the area in autumn; they are not a report of today’s color or road conditions.
Four other ways to wander
The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau maps out several other color tours. Pick the one that leaves room for the kind of afternoon you want.
- Circle Lake Charlevoix
- A shoreline loop with opportunities to stretch your legs along the way.
- Jordan River Valley
- Rolling hills, hardwood forests, and overlooks where you can take in the color across the valley.
- Tri-County Tour
- A route through the hills around Petoskey, Wolverine, and Boyne City.
- Surf and Turf Tour
- A shorter drive past Lake Charlevoix and farm country, listed by the bureau at about 45 minutes before stops.
Find the routes and planning guides
A weekday may offer a quieter drive. Bring someone whose company you enjoy, or take a little time to yourself. Leave room to stop. Sometimes a familiar place is worth another look.
—Bryan