Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is considered the best spot for fall colors in the country — and we’re not surprised

USA Today confirmed what we already knew when the U.P. topped its list of fall foliage viewing destinations

By Randiah Camille Green

Sep 30, 2022 at 12:39 pm

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The upper Tahquamenon Falls in all its autumn glory.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the best place to take in the changing autumn leaves in the country.

And we’re not just saying that because we’re from here. The U.P. topped the USA Today list of fall foliage viewing destinations for 2022.

“Just about the entire Upper Peninsula puts on a display of fall color that peaks during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October,” USA Today wrote. “A favorite fall experience for leaf peepers is the drive on M-26 along the shores of Lake Roland and past the trees of Copper Country State Forest.”

Just a note, Michigan fall colors are actually slightly delayed this year due to the long hot summer. Otherwise, we don’t disagree.

This isn’t the first time the glorious Upper Peninsula claimed the list’s top spot, either. It was also voted No. 1 in 2018 and 2020.

A panel of “travel experts” selected 20 nominees and the top 10 destinations were selected based on reader votes.

The U.P. beat Aspen, Colorado, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Booyah.

Slideshow

20 places to take a hike within driving distance of Detroit

Waterloo Recreation Area 16345 McClure Rd., Chelsea; 734-475-8307; dnr.state.mi.us Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest park in the Lower Peninsula. This park is home to the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, which is described as a cutting-edge, sustainable trail open to biking, trail running, and hiking.

Willow Metropark 23200 S. Huron Rd., New Boston; 734-697-9181; metroparkscom/parks/willow-metropark More than 1,531 beautiful acres of mature woodlands, scenic 17-acre Washago Pond and the picturesque Huron River await you at Willow Metropark in New Boston. There's golf and disc golf, too, and opportunities for fishing, and hiking and biking along the park's 4.5 mile trail.

Kensington Metropark 4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford; 810-227-8910; metroparks.com/parks/kensington-metropark Kensington Metropark surrounds Kent Lake and offers abundant wildlife, waterfowl, and wooded hiking areas.

Wolcott Mill Metropark 65775 Wolcott Rd., Ray; 586-752-5932; metroparkscom/parks/wolcott-mill-metropark This Metropark offers a 4.25 mile long HIke-Bike trail and three rustic trails.

Hudson Mills Metropark 8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter; 734-426-8211; metroparks.com/parks/hudson-mills-metropark Hudson Mills Metropark, which is about 12 miles from Ann Arbor, is a perfect spot for bass anglers, picnic lovers, and anyone looking to escape to serene woods and waters.

Indian Springs Metropark 5200 Indian Trail, White Lake; 248-625-6640; metroparks.com/parks/indian-springs-metropark Indian Springs boasts hiking trails running through the virtually untouched land along the Huron River, encompassing more than 2,215 acres of wooded wetlands and meadows, home to red foxes and wildflowers.

Lake Erie Metropark 32481 W. Jefferson, Brownstown; 734-379-5020; metroparks.com/parks/lake-erie-metropark This 1,607 acre Metropark has a three mile trail for hiking and a paved trail for biking.

Click to View 20 slides

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About The Author

Randiah Camille Green

After living in Japan and traveling across Asia, Randiah Camille Green realized Detroit will always be home. And when she says Detroit, she's talking about the hood, not the suburbs. She has bylines in Planet Detroit News , Bridge Detroit , BLAC magazine, and Model D .Her favorite pastimes are meditating on...