Fall colors along scenic M-119, the famous “Tunnel of Trees”. (Photo: Jeremy Hammond)
The Tunnel of Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village
This narrow, winding road from Harbor Springs to Cross village certainly lives up to its name. Become engulfed under canopies of gold, red, and bronze as you travel M-119, a 20 mile stretch of road filled with twists and turns offering fun for drivers and bikers alike.
Admire the quaint vacation homes that sit along the bluffs and slow down for those breathtaking moments when Lake Michigan shines through the foliage.
Notable places to stop along the way include Pond Hill Farm (5 miles north of Harbor Springs), Good Hart Glassworks, Good Hart General Store, Three Pines Studio in Cross Village, and the famous Legs Inn in Cross Village.
The pier lighthouse in Charlevoix at sunset (Photo: Deb Nystrom)
Lake Charlevoix
Spend a day following the path around glistening Lake Charlevoix. Start your tour in lively downtown Boyne City. The 15 mile stretch of the Boyne City Road will reveal glimpses of Lake Charlevoix through the canvas of colors. Young State Park sits about 5 minutes outside of Boyne City and has many trails for hiking, a sandy beach, and picnic tables.
Turning left on US-31 will take you to downtown Charlevoix and cross the Pine River Channel drawbridge that joins Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan. Stop a moment for window shopping downtown or visit one of the popular city beaches.
As you pass downtown to the other side of Charlevoix, turn left onto M-66 to continue your color tour. You may either shorten your color tour by taking the car ferry across the south arm of Lake Charlevoix in Ironton or continue following the road another 8 miles south to the tip of the lake at East Jordan.
Don’t miss out on northern Michigan’s fine wineries!
Michigan Wine Country
North of Traverse City is Michigan Wine Country. Take M-37 up to the center of Old Mission Peninsula, which is cradled between the East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay, or travel on M-22, which loops around both sides of the larger Leelanau Peninsula. The route borders the West Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan.
The landscape on both peninsulas is a perfect combination of colorful forests, vineyards, orchards, and expansive views of the lake. Take your time and follow the signs along the road leading to many of the local wineries and unique area shops.
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