Are you ready to experience the breathtaking beauty of fall in the Upper Peninsula? Crisp air, vibrant forests, and scenic drives await! The Upper Peninsula (U.P.) transforms into an autumn wonderland every year, making it the ultimate destination for fall color enthusiasts. If you're searching for the perfect place to base your adventure, The Kingfisher Lodge—located just 20 minutes from Escanaba—is the spot to relax after a day of chasing colors.
From panoramic vistas to peaceful hikes, this guide will show you the best time to visit and eight must-see spots to enjoy the U.P.’s fall foliage. Get ready to plan an unforgettable fall getaway!
Start with the Perfect Location: The Kingfisher Lodge
Imagine waking up to the sight of golden leaves reflected in a peaceful river, the crisp air greeting you as you sip your morning coffee on the deck. Kingfisher Lodge offers all this and more. Located in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it’s the perfect starting point for your fall color adventure.
After spending your day exploring, you’ll love returning to the lodge’s cozy amenities, whether it's taking a dip in the hot tub, relaxing by the river, or sharing a campfire under the clear night sky. With plenty of parking for your ORV or mountain bikes, the lodge also provides easy access to local trails for even more fall fun.
When to Visit: Timing Your Fall Color Adventure
The fall season in the Upper Peninsula is short but oh-so-sweet. The peak of fall color typically hits between late September and mid-October, with the brightest and boldest hues showing up in the first two weeks of October. Plan your trip for this time to enjoy nature’s dazzling display at its finest.
Keep an eye on local foliage reports, but as a general rule, aim for early October to capture the perfect blend of warm reds, oranges, and yellows.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the top 6 scenic stops you won’t want to miss on your fall color tour!
1. Peninsula Point Lighthouse: Climb to Fall Color Heaven
Kick off your trip with a visit to the Peninsula Point Lighthouse, a historic landmark offering unbeatable panoramic views of Little Bay de Noc and Lake Michigan. Located at the southern tip of the Stonington Peninsula, this 40-foot lighthouse is surrounded by towering hardwoods that burst into a riot of autumn colors.
As you wind your way through farm country, you’ll be greeted by stretches of gold and red foliage that will have you pulling over for photo ops before you even reach the lighthouse. Once at the top, the 360-degree view of fall colors and shimmering blue water is nothing short of magical.
2. The Tunnel of Trees: A Vibrant Fall Wonderland
Want to feel like you’re driving through a painting? Head over to the Tunnel of Trees in the Hiawatha National Forest. This peaceful route follows the Haymeadow Creek trail, and as you drive or hike along it, you’ll be surrounded by a canopy of vibrant fall colors, like stepping into nature’s own kaleidoscope.
The bridges along the trail cross over rushing rapids, making for picturesque stops to snap photos or just take in the beauty. The towering trees stretch high above you, their leaves ablaze with color, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
3. Garden Peninsula & Fayette Historic State Park: Where History Meets Nature
For a touch of history and unbeatable views, make your way to the Garden Peninsula and explore Fayette Historic State Park. This once-bustling iron smelting town is now a preserved ghost town set against the stunning backdrop of fall foliage and limestone cliffs.
The views of Snail Shell Harbor are especially dramatic in autumn, with the cliffs draped in colorful leaves that seem to leap out of a storybook. Whether you’re a history buff or just a fan of incredible landscapes, this stop offers a unique blend of both.
4. Hiawatha National Forest: A Vast Autumn Playground
Looking for endless miles of fall colors? The Hiawatha National Forest is a must-visit. Covering over 800,000 acres, this sprawling forest is home to millions of hardwood trees that come alive in the fall. Explore it by foot, bike, or ORV, and let the brilliant colors and peaceful surroundings soak into your soul.
Pack a picnic and hit one of the forest’s many scenic lakeside spots for lunch. The peaceful quiet of the woods, combined with the riot of colors around you, makes this a perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn.
5. Escanaba River Tour: Scenic Drives & Wildlife Spotting
For a more laid-back adventure, take the Escanaba River Tour along County Road 426, which runs through farm country and forest. The route offers great opportunities to spot wildlife, like deer, wild turkeys, and even bald eagles. As you cruise by fields and forests in your car, the fall colors provide a breathtaking backdrop for the entire journey.
Stop along the way at various points to enjoy the Escanaba River itself, where the reflections of the colorful trees in the water create a stunning mirror effect that will leave you speechless.
6. Laughing Whitefish Falls: Waterfall Magic Amidst Fall Foliage
Wrap up your tour with a visit to Laughing Whitefish Falls, one of Michigan’s tallest waterfalls at 90 feet. Nestled in a forest that’s ablaze with autumn hues, the waterfall offers multiple observation platforms to view its stunning cascade.
The short, scenic hike to the falls is the perfect way to finish off your fall color adventure. As you descend into the gorge, you’ll be treated to the sound of rushing water and the sight of towering trees, their leaves golden and orange, framing the waterfall for a picture-perfect view.
7. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Colors Along the Cliffs
For a one-of-a-kind fall color experience, visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Known for its towering multicolored cliffs and pristine shoreline, Pictured Rocks is even more spectacular in autumn. The fiery hues of fall foliage contrast dramatically with the deep blues of Lake Superior, creating postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Take a hike along the many trails, or book a boat tour to see the cliffs from the water. Whether you’re admiring the fall colors from above or below, Pictured Rocks is an unmissable stop on your U.P. color tour.
8. Presque Isle Park: A Marquette Treasure
Located on a rugged peninsula in Marquette, Presque Isle Park offers some of the most striking fall color views on Lake Superior. The park’s loop road takes you along towering cliffs with unbeatable vistas of the vibrant trees against the backdrop of the lake. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely drive, a hike, or a picnic, with autumn colors surrounding you from all sides.
The dramatic views of the forests meeting the water, combined with the fresh Lake Superior breeze, make Presque Isle Park a must-see on any fall color tour of the U.P.
Why the Kingfisher Lodge is the Best Fall Basecamp
After a full day of exploring, there’s no better place to come home to than Kingfisher Lodge. Whether you’ve been hiking through forests, taking scenic drives, or snapping photos of waterfalls, you’ll love returning to the comfort of the lodge. Enjoy a long soak in the hot tub under the stars, or unwind by the river, where the only sounds are the gentle flow of the water and the rustling of autumn leaves.
The lodge’s proximity to Escanaba also means you’re never far from great dining or grocery shopping, making it easy to stock up for your adventures or treat yourself to a nice dinner in town.
With The Kingfisher Lodge as your base, the possibilities for adventure and relaxation are endless. Plan your perfect fall color trip today and get ready to witness nature’s most beautiful transformation in the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
Dining and Supplies Nearby
Fuel up before hitting the trails or grab dinner after a long day at one of these great local spots:
- Freshwater Tavern – Great food with stunning waterfront views.
- The Stone House – A local favorite for hearty, gourmet meals.
- Upper Hand Brewery – Grab a craft beer and unwind with friends.
Need to stock up? Here’s where to get everything you need:
- Elmer’s Market – Fresh produce and bakery items.
- Walmart – Convenient for all your trail essentials.
- Frapps Meat Market – Perfect for grabbing steaks or supplies for a cozy lodge dinner.
Book Now and Save 15%
Book your snowmobiling getaway at Kingfisher Lodge today and get ready for an unforgettable snowmobile adventure in the Central UP. Whether you’re here for the snow-covered trails or just looking for a winter escape with friends and family, our lodge has everything you need for an amazing stay! Give us a call if you need help planning your winter getaway or book online and save 15% over AirBNB and VRBO.