Best Northern Michigan County Roads for Fall Colors This Year

I grew up in the south, where fall colors in the Blue Ridge mountains are breathtaking. For the past 18 years Michigan has been my home. And Michigan beholds some of the most fantastic fall colors as well. And living in our wonderful surroundings in Michigan, there are many beautiful backdrops for all the fall colors. Lakes, streams, rivers, bike, and walking trails, even drop-offs and mountainous areas in the northern part of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

Now that nights are getting cool, the colors are starting to come out. Now is a proper time to plan, and plot your fall colors tour, and we can help. The County Road Association of Michigan, the folks that manage over 90,000 miles of county roads in Michigan, have compiled their annual list of popular county roads to view fall colors around the state.

MLive reports ““A trip down a county road is the ideal way to take in Northern Michigan’s fall colors,” Denise Donohue, CRA’s executive director, said in a statement. “County road agencies are experts on the best viewing spots, and their handpicked selections are perfect for experiencing a safe, enjoyable autumn afternoon.”

In our beautiful state there are no wrong routes when it comes to viewing the fall colors, the CRA is making it easier for you to find the best color drive. This year the County Road Association is sharing their list by region, and you can see weekly updates on their Facebook page.

Here are nine county road agencies, found in the Northern Lower Peninsula sharing what they think are the best spots for fall colors. Peak viewing of the fall colors is expected to be from September 24 to October 7th in this area.

Alpena County

Bolton Road to Long Lake Road

Nicholson Hill Road

Scott Road

Long Rapids Road

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)

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

Welsheimer Road from W. Stutsmanville Road to Middle Village Drive

Middle Village Drive from Welsheimer Road to M-119

Williams Road from US-131 to Resort Pike Road

Resort Pike Road from Williams Road to Indian Garden Road

N. Conway Road from US-31 to Tower Road, Tower Road to Pleasantview 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)

Don’t wait too long to take that color drive, peak viewing times will be here before you know it. Make your plans now to hit the road, and enjoy the colors!