In the Great Lakes region, displays of Fall foliage attract enthusiasts for scenic drives, hikes, biking excursions, and other travel.
Prior to taking a trip, choosing a destination or route can be an important step. Areas of colorful fall foliage often happen quickly, influenced by local weather conditions.
Choosing locations requires planning. Popular destinations often include national forests, provincial, national, and state parks, wildlife refuges, scenic back roads, and other rural settings.
Some of the continent’s most colorful tree species are found in the Great Lakes region. Trees that display vibrant fall foliage include numerous varieties of maple, oak, birch, and others.
The peak time of fall foliage color usually varies, depending on factors, such as rainfall and temperature. Bright, sunny fall days usually produce the best colors. Around the Great Lakes, peak periods of fall foliage generally occur from north to south.
Early appearances of vibrant colors are often seen along the northern side of Lake Superior and along the St. Lawrence Seaway corridor.
During October, forests throughout Michigan are often painted with shades of red, gold, and orange as trees turn color.
The peak fall colors may occur in the Upper Peninsula by early or mid-October. In the lower parts of the state, fall foliage may peak in late October or early November.
An array of resources are available to help travelers plan trips to view fall foliage. Many provincial, state, and local tourism agencies provide trip planning advice, foliage forecasts, reports, and other information.
An assortment of gear and equipment can be useful when enjoying fall foliage. Essentials usually include water and snacks, outdoor clothing, cameras, and other items. Landscape photography enthusiasts may require specialized equipment such as tripods, lenses, and other camera-related gear.
Popular Destinations
The Trans Canada Highway 17 is popular trip route along the north side of Lake Superior. From Saute St. Marie, Ontario, travelers can explore the route westward. Along the way, Robertson Lake Cliff Lookout, and Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout are popular hiking areas. Both sites offer views of fall foliage and Lake Superior. The Trans Canada Highways passes through several parks, meandering around Lake Superior to Thunder Bay.
Going east from Saute St. Marie, Trans Canada Highway 17 extends all the way to Ottawa. Along the way, Algonquin Provincial Park is a popular area for viewing fall foliage.
In Minnesota, the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway is located along Highway 38 and through the Chippewa National Forest for 47 miles, from Grand Rapids to Effie. Highway 38 has a reputation as one of the best fall colors drives in the nation.
North of Duluth, the Superior National Forest is a popular area for viewing fall foliage. Known for its recreational opportunities, Superior National Forest is the eighth most visited national forest in the nation.
East of Duluth on the southern shoreline of Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park includes a 35,000-acre old-growth forest, waterfalls, rivers, streams, hiking trails, and other features. Scenic overlooks offer views of fall foliage and the lake below.
Near the northern tip of Wisconsin, the Bayfield Peninsula is a popular area for driving tours. Travelers can begin in Ashland at the Northern Great Lakes Visitors Center, then follow Hwy 13 and the Lake Superior shore north to Bayfield. North of Bayfield, Hwy 13 runs west along Lake Superior’s southern shore to the Brule River State Forest.
Starting in mid September, the forests in and around Tahquamenon Falls State Park attract visitors to see fall foliage. One of the most popular areas for viewing colors is along M-123 from Newberry to Paradise.
Located in the western Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Ottawa National Forest includes one million acres of forests and other habitats. Much of the area is known for its colorful fall foliage.
Located on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan between Lakes Superior and Michigan, Hiawatha National Forest has over 30 varieties of trees which provide a rainbow of fall colors including reds, golds and yellow. Starting in September, maples, oaks, birch, beech, aspen, and other trees begin changing color.
Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is one of the State’s most popular areas for viewing fall foliage. Located on scenic M-119, a 20-mile stretch of road from Harbor Springs to Cross Village offers stunning views of colorful foliage along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
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