Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Michigan's Fall Foliage In 2023
By Jack Springgate|Published September 05, 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.
Every Michigander knows when the temperatures start to cool off, those fall colors start to heat up. I always get goosebumps driving over a small hill to find a valley of red, yellow, orange and green below. While most places in the Wolverine State have great views of the changing colors, some are more breathtaking than others. Check out the Michigan foliage map from Smokey Mountains to find out when leaves will look most spectacular.
This is a great resource that helps you know when those leaves are at their peak color so you don’t miss out on one of the greatest parts of the fall season. It also tells you when you can expect the leaves to change throughout the entire state. This year, it predicts peak foliage to be visible throughout Michigan by the first week of October.
By sliding the scale, you can observe how the leaves are expected to change as we get closer to the end of the year. You’ll notice that Michigan will be past its peak season about a week before Halloween.
This will be most visible in the Upper Peninsula. You can catch some great views by heading to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
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If you’re on the northern half of the Mitten, you’ll experience peak foliage during the first half of October. Some of the best views can be seen around the Traverse City area at either Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or Leelanau State Park further north.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Maple City, MI 49664, USA
If you’re lucky enough to head to both locations, you’ll be in for a treat with the beautiful scenery along M-22. Not only do you get a great look at the leaves, but you’ll be driving along the lakeshore the whole way as well.
Michigan’s southern counties will likely see their brightest colors during the second half of October. Some of my favorite memories come from driving along the St. Joseph River on US-31 during my old commute from South Bend.
Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Hwy, Sawyer, MI 49125, USA
There are some spectacular lookouts at Warren Dunes State Park.
You can visit the Smokey Mountains website to view the full interactive map. Does this have you excited for some fall fun in Michigan? Share your autumn plans with us. Here are some fun ideas you can do. Check out our guide for all things seasonal in Michigan, And if you plan on visiting the parks and hitting the trails, check out Parks Project for all your outdoor apparel and gear needs!
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