MANISTEE, MI – Two fall color routes. Two separate peaks. Over 400 miles of magnificent fall beauty in Northern Michigan.
Do you prefer rivers, bridges and hikes, or Lake Michigan lighthouses, scenic overlooks and wine tasting? Will your fall color drive happen this week or next week?
These are important questions for those considering one of Manistee Tourism’s fall color scenic drives. There are two looped routes: inland and coastal.
Like the entire Lake Michigan shoreline, the coastal route will have peak color about a week after inland areas. Timing is key when seeking views of brilliant red and yellow foliage.
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Last week, the visitor’s bureau reported the inland route had good color while the coastal route had color “here and there.” Color should have progressed nicely since then.
Here’s what you need to know about each route:
Fall color is seen along a roadway in Manistee County.Provided by Manistee Tourism
Coastal Loop
This route begins and ends in Manistee and extends north all the way to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. It’s a 225-mile loop. Manistee Tourism recommends taking a day or two to get the full experience up M-22 and looping back south with lots of twists and turns. Stops along this loop include five Lake Michigan lighthouses, several scenic overlooks and more than 20 wineries.
Find the first lighthouse on the Manistee Channel; it’s visible from First Street Beach, near downtown, or visit Fifth Avenue Beach to walk the pier. The next lighthouse is located in Frankfort. Next is the Point Betsie Lighthouse, then the Manning Memorial Lighthouse near Empire. Find the final lighthouse, the G.T. Light, at the northern-most point of this loop in Leelanau State Park.
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The route invites a visit to Orchard Beach State Park where you’ll find a view of Lake Michigan from atop a 100-foot bluff plus looped trails through the woods just north of Manistee.
In northern Manistee County, the Arcadia Overlook is a small turn off with big views. It’s just north of Arcadia. It’s stair climb offers breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and surrounding forests.
Farther north, stop at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to peep Pierce Stocking Drive – don’t forget to step out of the vehicle for the scenic overlook of Lake Michigan. There are also several hiking trails throughout park.
At the top of the route, the Leelanau Peninsula offers more than 20 wineries to sample.
Other notable stops along the way include the historic Fishtown in Leland and Portage Point Resort in Onekama.
Fall color will likely peak along this route during the week of Oct. 15-22.
Find the map and guide here.
Chairlift rides are spinning on fall weekends at Crystal Mountain Resort. Photo provided by Crystal Mountain.
Inland Loop
This route begins and ends in Manistee and extends to the northern edge of Benzie County. It’s a 180-mile loop. Again, it takes a day or two to get the full experience. Stops along this loop include four scenic rivers and six hiking areas.
East of Manistee – and a bit off the beaten path – you’ll find the Little Manistee River Weir, a salmon rearing facility for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that has an overlook deck that provides views of the weir and surrounding beauty.
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The next river view comes at the Cooley Bridge, a rare truss bridge that crosses the Pine River at M-55 east of Wellston.
Next, Red Bridge spans the Big Manistee River at Coates Highway and is a popular stop for fall color and hiking. See more of the Big Manistee with a stop at Tippy Dam Recreation Area.
Finally, visit the wooden River Trail Suspension Bridge at Hodenpyl Dam Pond. The 245-foot pedestrian bridge is referred to as the “Little Mac.”
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Hiking areas along this route include the Big M Recreation Area, situated between the weir and Cooley Bridge, which is the next hiking area. Tippy Dam and Red Bridge also serve as hiking spots. The next hike is at the River Trail with the “Little Mac.” Finally, get out and stretch your legs next at Interlochen State Park.
This route also passes a brewery, a distillery and two wineries: Lake Ann Brewing and Iron Fish Distillery, St. Ambrose Cellars and Northern Natural Cider and Winery.
Complete the experience with a stop at Crystal Mountain Resort for a scenic chairlift ride.
Fall color is likely peaking along this route now.
Find the map and guide here.