This Little-Known Scenic Spot In Michigan That Comes Alive With Color Come Fall
By Jack Springgate|Published October 09, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
It’s hard to miss the stunning fall colors in the Great Lakes State. If you want to catch them at their peak, you can’t go wrong with Manistee National Forest. This woodland area is full of great camping and hiking opportunities that take you from the shores of Lake Michigan as far inland as Grand Rapids. It’s arguably the most beautiful in the fall, and it’s not hard to see why.
We’re starting off strong with a beautiful view that really allows you to take in all of autumn at once. Manistee National Forest extends as far west as Lake Michigan and as east as Grand Rapids. The large area means you might be taking in Manistee views without realizing it.
Since the forests are so vast, there are numerous tree-lined roads that give you great views of the changing seasons. The area earned the National Forest distinction in 1938 and spans more than half a million acres.
Among the vast forests, you’ll come across areas of reclaimed prairie. You’ll see clusters of trees just like this one standing tall above the grass. You can even bring your pets with you as long as they’re on a leash.
This isn’t a photo of something under the microscope; it’s the bird’s eye view of Manistee National Forest. I’m always impressed with just how many colors come to life in the fall. If you’re someone who needs to see it to believe it, head to this scenic spot.
If you’re by the lakeshore, you’ll not only see the changing leaves but also the beautiful horizon of Lake Michigan. Lake access is best in the area just north of Ludington State Park.
The Manistee River cuts right through Manistee National Forest. The park installed a suspension bridge that not only brings you across the river but also gives some of the most scenic views in the area.
One of the more accessible places to stop and stare at the leaves is right off Highway 37. The Hodenpyl Dam created a lake that’s bordered by tall trees that put on a wonderful show in the fall. People often stop here along the road to take a picture.
You can keep up to date with the changing colors at Manistee National Forest with their fall color tracker. This allows you to see the leaves without making the long trip, but trust me, it’s worth visiting in person. If you’re hoping to get some hiking in as well, make sure you’re prepared with some of these great accessories from REI.
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