Unforgettable Fall Trips To Experience Leaf Color Near Michigan
Fall days with crisp, cool mornings that slowly warm up to temperate afternoons is an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. The cooler temperatures herald in a multicolor hue of ruby reds, deep coppers, vibrant oranges and yellows. The beauty of the fall season is truly unmatched and is the perfect time to begin planning a fall getaway.
Michigan in the Fall
So pack your cozy sweatshirts, hiking boots and camera and get ready to capture some stunning fall photos. Here are the details for leaf peeping season at its prime from mid September through October for a fall color tour. We’ve rounded up our favorite vacation spots that are drivable from Michigan. Most are under 5 hours from Detroit and Grand Rapids and will reward you with scenic hikes, outdoor adventures and relaxing solitude in nature throughout the Midwest and beyond.
Petoskey | Michigan
It’s no secret Autumn in Northern Michigan is STUNNING! Catching the fall colors along Michigan’s M-119 in the Petoskey area is a treat. Prepare yourself for one of the most scenic drives through the countryside, along towns and besides the shoreline for colorful fall foliage. The narrow road, also known as The Tunnel of Trees starts on M-119 in Petoskey and winds 20 miles and then ends beside a stunning bluff with views of Lake Michigan shoreline just North of Harbor Springs. Along the way, you’ll find unique shops, spectacular scenery and great food & drink. Perhaps, you’d like to venture on a lesser known backroad drive to see fall colors, drive up C-81 to Sturgeon Bay or Pleasantview Rd to Bliss Road for spectacular colors.
Sky Bridge Michigan in Boyne
There are a number of ways to immerse yourself in the wonders of the fall foliage while staying in this beautiful Northern area. The newest attraction that opened in October of 2022 is Sky Bridge Michigan, which claims the title of the longest wooden towered suspension bridge in Michigan. Hang on tight and prepare yourself for breathtaking views of the valley. The excitement continues at the center of the bridge as you gaze straight down through a 36-foot glass floor to the splendor below.
Ride a chair lift, to the top of Boyne Mountain, for a bird’s eye view of the expansive region in all of it’s fall glory. Check out these deals at Boyne Mountain Resort. Plus, there are lots of great Halloween activities scheduled throughout Northern Michigan from haunted houses to trick-or-treating.
Natural Bridge State Park & Red River Gorge | Kentucky
A skylift is an epic way to see fall colors
Journey to the Eastern side of Kentucky to the Daniel Boone National Forest. Avid outdoor enthusiasts will find a true gem at Natural Bridge State Park, with its enormous sandstone arches, cliffs and gorges for a variety of hiking trails. Located only an hour drive from Lexington, it’s a beautiful destination for viewing spectacular fall color. Don’t miss exploring the Natural Bridge, Rock Garden Trail, and Fat Man Squeeze. There are a number of ways to experience and explore the natural beauty of this area besides just hiking.
View fall foliage atop the Natural Bridge
An alternative way to reach the top is by chair lift. Sit back and relax as your hoisted up the mountain on a chair lift for a sky high view of the changing leaves. Brilliant colors of ruby reds and coppers vibrant yellows will delight your eyes during this one-of-a-kind experience from the uppermost peak of Red River Gorge. The Natural Bridge Giftshop and Skylift hours are from 9:30- 5:30, seasonal hours are subject to change depending on weather and fall foliage, so check their site.
While staying in the area, another exciting fall activity for leaf peeping is to view the colorful foliage by taking a horseback ride at Cable’s Riding Stables. The trail rides take you through the forested trails in October. Need more ideas of fun activities, here are Top 12 Things to Do in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. As you begin planning your fall vacation, check out our Trip Review of Slade, Kentucky.
Turkey Run State Park | Indiana
View the Fall Colors on Horseback
Full of outdoor adventures, Turkey Run State Park will soon become a favorite location for a fall getaway in the Midwest. With the unique features of a long wooden suspension bridge and Sugar Creek running through the park, this creates dozens of picturesque spots and vistas to hike to and awe at the fall colors. This isn’t your ordinary hiking, as you explore along flowing riverbeds and through steep ravines. It’s truly a thrilling experience scrambling up ladders, across bridges and over boulders at Turkey Run State Park.
Located in Northern Indiana, it’s only 3 hours from Chicago and less than a 4 hour drive from lower Michigan, it’s the perfect fall getaway. Here is a detailed guide to help you start to Plan Your Trip to Turkey Run State Park.
Another adventurous opportunity offered at this Indiana State Park is trail rides on horseback through the stunning foliage. Trained guides will help you learn about this amazing state park during your ride.
Scenic Drives to see the 31 Covered Bridges in Parke County
Some other activities to enjoy in the fall include visiting the 31 covered bridges located throughout Parke County. Home to the most covered bridges in the nation, driving through the scenic roads as leaf peeping begins is a relaxing way to see fall color. Make sure to pick up a covered bridge map, if you want to drive to see all of them. In October you can enjoy the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. (Oct 13-22, 2023), which lasts for 10 days and features food vendors, activities and live entertainment.
Hocking Hills | Ohio
Spectacular hiking awaits, especially in the fall in Hocking Hills, Ohio. This Midwest area in South Eastern Ohio is unparalleled for beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls and outdoor adventures. It attracts thousands of visitors each year and for good reason it’s lovely. Plus, it’s only a 3 hour drive from Detroit, Michigan.
Cue the music from Lord of the Rings, because it feels like you’ve stepped into the movie with caves, tunnels, forests, waterfalls and moss covered ledges. If you enjoy hiking, we guarantee this will quickly become a new favorite hiking destination in Ohio. I’m can’t wait for you to experience the beauty of the season around every turn at Hocking Hills. Some of our preferred hikes include Old Man’s Cave, Conkle’s Hollow and Ash Cave. Here is the full Hiking Guide for Hocking Hills, Ohio and the Top Things to to Do in Hocking Hills, Ohio: Where to Eat, Sleep and Play to help you plan your trip. Check out the best deals on cozy cabins, rental homes and lodges at VRBO.
Old Man’s Cave at Hocking Hill, Ohio
The Great Smokey Mountains | Tennessee
The Great Smoky Mountains is an ideal fall vacation destination for families to see Autumn’s kaleidoscope of colors and be surrounded with nature. This area has tons of hiking trails and outdoor adventures, plus indoor attractions if the weather turns on you. Nestled up between the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular place for visitors every year and for good reason, it’s ablaze of fall color! Throughout the park you will find cascading waterfalls, misty mountains views, and overlooks that display fall’s beauty.
Leaf color is at its prime in the lower- mid elevations between mid-October to early November. Some of the best places for scenic drives and overlooks to take in the array of fall leaf colors is by driving up Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Foothills Parkway or Cade’s Cove Loop. Ablaze with ruby reds, bright yellows and vivid oranges, you won’t be disappointed.
Interested in visiting The Great Smoky Mountains, there are 3 main towns most people stay in; Townsend, Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. We’ve shared where to stay depending on your preferences, plus the Best Waterfall Hikes. If you’re trying to plan your vacation, here is a Full Trip Guide for Visiting The Great Smoky Mountains: Where to Stay, Eat and Play.
Closing Thoughts
No other season can quite compete with the beauty and kaleidoscope of colors found in Autumn. Hopefully this list of incredible fall vacation destinations to witness the changing leaf color during September, October, and into November has inspired you to plan a trip. These beautiful areas are full of adventures for every type of explorer. Whether you’re spending a couple days or a week, you’ll easily fill your time with these unforgettable experiences. So why not make one of these Midwest locations the spot for your next family trip. We would love to know what is your favorite place to visit to view fall foliage in the United States! We know you’re bound to fall in love with fall as you enjoy the natural beauty of our country.
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