Northern Lower Michigan's Favorite West Coast Fall Color Tour

In northern Lower Michigan, fall brings with it beautiful colors. As the season changes to winter, the trees dress themselves in beautiful colors of orange, red, yellow, brown and purple. This beautiful mixture of color occurs as the chlorophyll breaks down in the leaves, changing the beautiful greens to a kaleidoscope of colors. Michigan's many varieties of trees, such as Sumac, Sugar Maples and Oaks account for the many different colors.

The weather will determine the fall color intensity. Cool days will bring bright reds if there is no frost and rainy days will intensify the colors. Plan your color tour around the weather patterns and you will be rewarded with a lovely drive through Northern Lower Michigan.

Your color tour of the western coast of Northern Lower Michigan should begin in the quaint little town of Boyne City, nestled on the shore of Lake Charlevoix. Travel from Boyne City on Pleasant Valley Road/Behling Road to the next lake Charlevoix city, East Jordan. You will travel along a country road, up and down the hills of Behling Road, through many tree-lined areas and hills filled with glorious Maple, Oak and Sumac colors.

When you reach East Jordan, proceed through this small town and head north on M66 toward Charlevoix. Charlevoix is a popular harbor town and a great place to stop for a visit along your way. Situated right on lake Michigan and Round Lake, many lovely boats harbor here for day trips into town.

From Charlevoix, continue north to Petoskey along M31. This highway follows the shoreline along Lake Michigan, offering the beauty of one of Michigan's powerful Great Lakes as well as glorious fall colors through a relatively natural area.

The largest city in the area, Petoskey offers great shopping and dining opportunities. However, eat light and save yourself for Cross Village. Continue through Petoskey to the northern edge of town. From here, you should turn left to Harbor Springs on M119. M119 is perhaps one of the most beautiful drives through Northern Lower Michigan at any time of year, but the fall is without a doubt the most rewarding season. The drive from Harbor Springs, north to the Village of Cross Village takes you through the Tunnel of Trees, one of North Central America's most notably, scenic highways.

The Tunnel of Trees is a 21-mile drive that curves through a forest of colors. You will travel along a highway of history as you pass through Good Hart where you will see one of Michigan's oldest general stores. You will notice many Heritage Highway Markers along the way. Be certain to stop at each of these markers, learning of the area history as you make your way through the Tunnel of Trees. You will also see many roadside-stopping areas that will allow you to look out over lake Michigan from the shoreline's high bluffs. Stop along the way and visit the Old Council Tree as well as the Devil's Elbow.

Your journey along this mesmerizing highway will bring you to Cross Village, home of the notorious Legs Inn.

Legs Inn is a place you will never forget. You can chose between authentic Polish or American cuisine in one of the most amazing environments. Legs Inn was built of twisted roots and tree limbs mixed with area stones. You will enjoy the furnishings and sculptures made from Lake Michigan driftwood. The place has a medieval feel and is and exciting place for a nice lunch or dinner.
Take along a camera and allow yourself plenty of time; you will see you will want to rush through this color tour of the western coast of Northern Lower Michigan.