Carefree Travel Guide 2022

The Fall color show that happens annually in West Michigan is truly unmatched. Our vast forests put on a vibrant display of reds, yellows, and oranges as Fall progresses, and many people plan vacations around this spectacular show, or just set aside an afternoon to leisurely drive around and take in the autumnal sights.

Fall Color

When to Watch for Fall Color Mother Nature sets her own calendar, so there’s no specific date for when the fall color show kicks off each year. The colors will typically start changing first in the western Upper Peninsula, and spend the next two to three weeks rolling down through West Michigan. Fall color peaks soonest in the north, and wraps up its season in the south, but even traveling east to west will make a difference, as the temperature of Lake Michigan means the trees along the coast will change later than the ones inland.

Jim Triezenberg | Rockford

A tried and true way to check out the area’s colors is to hop in your car and take a self-guided driving tour. You’ll find lots of recommended driving routes around West Michigan, whether you want to take a quick loop, or spend the whole day exploring. Getting a bird’s-eye view of the area is another way to really appreciate the vastness of the color show. Many ski resorts offer chairlift rides in the fall, or go even higher with a hot air balloon ride, or an autumn skydive! For a more active way to explore the season, take to West Michigan’s many trails. Whether you’re exploring on foot or

by bike, there are plenty of trails through the area’s forests, allowing you to immerse yourself in the season. Lots of area golf courses stay open well into the fall season, making a round on the greens a fun way to enjoy some of fall’s best views. There are plenty of areas that you can view by boat as the colors change as well. Whether you opt for a ferry cruise or a canoe down the river, you’ll be treated to stunning views of woods and waters. If you want to check out what the colors are looking like from home, check out our live views of the area at WMTA.org.

Can’t-Miss West Michigan Fall Colors

Keweenaw Peninsula Changing colors will hit the Keweenaw before anywhere else in the state. As temperatures are a bit cooler here, we recommend you grab some warm clothes, & explore the peninsula however you please - even by chairlift! Keweenaw.info

Petoskey Area The Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau has created a map featuring five color routes throughout the communities of Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Alanson, Bay Harbor, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, and beyond. PetoskeyArea.com

Saugatuck/DOuglas To take in the colors along the lakeshore, walk along Saugatuck’s Oval Beach and the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. For a challenging hike with a stunning view, climb 302 steps to the top of Mount Baldhead. Saugatuck.com

Greater Lansing Area Lansing offers u-pick farms, kayaking, and 18+ miles of trails with stunning foliage. Cheer on the MSU Spartans with football and tailgating. Lansing.org/things-to-do/ reasons-to-visit/

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#WestMichigan | 2022 Carefree Travel Guide