13 Oct Plan Your Ultimate Fall Color Tour
Of all the Camp Gal camping trips, fall color tours are by far our favorite. Call us basic, but hitting the road with cozy sweatshirts, a moody playlist, and steaming coffees in hand definitely hits different. Plus, the people willing to drive around for hours looking at leaves are definitely the types of friends you want to have.
Throughout the college years, the Camp Gals took several different fall color trips together throughout Michigan. Armed with an appreciation for pumpkin flavored lattes and scenic drives, we hit the road year after year and collected some of our favorite college memories. We hope these tips help you create some memories of your own!
Our Favorite Spots
> Frankfort, Michigan & the surrounding area (Read more about Frankfort in our Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes)
> Petoskey, Michigan & the surrounding area
Where To Stay
> Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
> Interlochen State Park (fun fact: this was the first state park founded in Michigan, in 1917).
> An Airbnb (would recommend if it’s later in the season)
Frankfort Fall Colors
> Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: This loop is scenic any time of year, but especially so in the fall. You can conveniently enter this portion of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore directly from M22. This route passes through a covered bridge and the fall colors all the way to the dune and lake views.
> Drive M22: M22 is one of the most scenic highways in Michigan. Lined with colorful trees and quaint towns, it’s the perfect route for a fall color drive. The highway takes you past Sleeping Bear Dunes, through Empire and Glen Arbor, and runs all the way up to Leland, passing Lake Leelanau on its way. And don’t forget to stop at the M22 store for your Michigan merch!
> Wine on the peninsula: Because who doesn’t love wine with a view? There are countless wineries in Northern Michigan, and fall is a great time to visit.
> Traverse City: An ideal spot for meals and shopping on your fall color tour. Conveniently located on Little Traverse Bay, right at the base of the peninsula. Stop for lunch before your wine tour!
Petoskey Fall Colors
> North Perk Coffee: North Perk never disappoints. Located in the heart of Petoskey, it is the perfect latte stop before you hit the road to see more colors, or bop around town to the local shops. They also have a guest book you can sign each visit — look for our names if you go!
> Drive to Harbor Springs: The route from Harbor Springs to Petoskey is only about thirty minutes, and it takes you past Petoskey State Park (aka lots of trees). Harbor Springs is the quintessential Up North town, and the beginning of the Tunnel of Trees — an essential fall color stop. We’ll be sharing more about Harbor Springs on the blog this winter!
> Tunnel of Trees — M119 takes you from Petoskey to Harbor Springs, and continues all the way to Cross Village. The stretch from downtown Harbor Springs to Cross Village is aptly named the Tunnel of Trees, and it lives up to its name.
> Drive south to Charlevoix along highway 31, and check out another quaint up north town.
> Bike the Little Traverse Wheelway — The bike trail starts in Harbor Springs, but it’s easiest to hop on in Petoskey. We like to park by the pier — there are plenty of spots — and start from there! The path winds along the bay from above, offering panoramic views of the water as you ride through the colorful trees.
Close to Home (if you are in Grand Rapids)
> Drive and hike around the Ada/Forest Hills area
> Walk the Calvin University Nature Preserve
> Hike at Provin Trails
> Hike to Lake Michigan at Rosy Mound Natural Area
However you choose to get outside this fall, we hope you spend quality time with the people who matter most, and soak in the fall colors while they last!
♡ Olivia & Rach
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Linda Harre
Posted at 15:50h, 13 OctoberLet’s GO!