Fall in Northern Michigan is more than just a season — it’s a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry. Brilliant reds, golds, and oranges blanket the hillsides, while crisp air and sparkling lakes create the perfect backdrop for autumn adventures. If you’re staying at one of our premier Northern Michigan vacation rentals, you’re right in the heart of Michigan’s best fall foliage drives, color tours, and seasonal attractions.
Top Fall Foliage Drive: Cross Village to Charlevoix
The route from Cross Village to Charlevoix is one of Michigan’s most iconic fall color tours, offering a blend of lake views, charming towns, and endless forested hills.
1. M-119’s Tunnel of Trees – Cross Village to Harbor Springs
Start in Cross Village, home to the legendary Legs Inn, and head south on M-119 through the famous Tunnel of Trees. This winding road is a fall photographer’s dream, with golden maple leaves forming a canopy overhead and glimpses of Lake Michigan through the trees.
2. Harbor Springs & Pond Hill Farm
Before leaving Harbor Springs, stop at Pond Hill Farm, a beloved fall destination. Enjoy pumpkin patches, hayrides, cider, wine tastings, and homemade treats. Kids can visit the livestock barn or try the gourd slingshot, while adults relax on the porch with a glass of local wine.
3. Harbor Springs to Petoskey
Continue along Little Traverse Bay to Petoskey, a charming waterfront town known for boutique shopping and cozy coffee spots. In autumn, its hillsides glow with color, especially around the bay’s scenic overlooks.
4. Petoskey to Charlevoix
Take US-31 south to Charlevoix, where tree-lined streets, marina views, and the famous drawbridge provide the perfect ending to your color tour.
Additional Northern Michigan Fall Color Routes
If you have extra time, these scenic drives are just as unforgettable:
- Inland Lake Loop – From Harbor Springs, head east to Inland Lake via Pleasantview Road, returning on M-68. Expect peaceful lake reflections framed by fiery leaves.
- Boyne City to East Jordan (C-48) – Also called the Deer Lake Scenic Route, this winding drive offers rolling hills, hardwood forests, and serene lakeside stretches.
- Jordan River Valley on C-48 to M-32 – A quiet country route bursting with brilliant reds and oranges.
- Charlevoix to Elk Rapids on US-31 – Coastal views, harbor towns, and endless roadside color.
Fall Adventures at Boyne Mountain Resort
When staying at our Boyne Mountain vacation rentals, fall brings both relaxation and adventure.
- Scenic Chairlift Rides – Take in sweeping views of the Boyne Valley at peak color.
- SkyBridge Michigan – Walk the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge for a 360° view of Michigan’s fall foliage.
- Hiking & Biking Trails – Crisp air and brilliant scenery make every outdoor excursion unforgettable.
Autumn at The Highlands of Harbor Springs
Our Highlands of Harbor Springs rentals put you steps from some of Northern Michigan’s best fall experiences.
- Fall Color Chairlift Rides – Ride to the top for panoramic views of Lake Michigan and vibrant rolling hills.
- Golf with a View – Tee off on world-class courses surrounded by brilliant autumn colors.
- Nature Trails – Peaceful paths perfect for leaf-peeping and wildlife spotting.
Plan Your Northern Michigan Fall Getaway
Whether you’re exploring the Tunnel of Trees, sipping cider at Pond Hill Farm, or crossing the SkyBridge, our vacation rentals at Boyne Mountain and The Highlands of Harbor Springs put you in the center of it all. Peak fall color typically arrives between late September and mid-October, but the exact timing varies — making every visit unique.
Book your Northern Michigan fall vacation today and experience why travelers return year after year for nature’s most colorful show.