As you can clearly tell by looking outside, Fall is here. Some of the trees have begin giving way to warmer colors, while some cling to the bright green of summer. But it's inevitable, and in the coming months, all of Michigan will be various shades of yellow, orange, and red.

So while we still have some time, here's a few options for some quick trips that can still get you the ultimate Michigan Fall experience.

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Michigan is easily one of the most beautiful states in the country when it comes to fall foliage.

Parts of the Upper Peninsula, and portions "up north" have already begun turning quite rapidly, with pockets of trees in southern Michigan beginning to show some color. So now's the time to prepare your ultimate fall foliage road trips, with some other stop-offs along the way to stretch your legs.


 

Unsplash, Courtesy of Ricardo Gomez Angel
Unsplash, Courtesy of Ricardo Gomez Angel
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Upper Peninsula

You could go mad looking for all of the Fall Foliage drives in the Upper Peninsula, but one of the most accessible is US-2 from St. Ignace to Naubinway. Basically, cross the Mackinac Bridge, and hang a left, then drive along the north shorelines of Lake Michigan. It makes a beautiful background to some of the most vibrant colors you'll see on the trees.

While you're in St. Ignace, make a stop at Castle Rock, and get a Bird's Eye View of the colors before driving west. You can also stick around for their annual Fall Fest and Great Pumpkin Roll on Sept. 30th.


 

Unsplash, courtesy of Ryan Amst
Unsplash, courtesy of Ryan Amst
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Up North

A little further south, in the Lower Peninsula, you can take a quick drive just north of Traverse City - not into the bay - but up the Old Mission Peninsula, which juts out into the middle of Grand Traverse Bay. Trees have already begin to change here as well in late September, so from now to about mid- to late-October is prime time to go.

And while you're there, catch the Red Wings during their training camp, or catch a truly unique view of the trees from the chairlift rides at Crystal Mountain. And cap it all off with a trip to Cider Mill & U-Pick at Third Coast Fruit Co.


 

Courtesy of AJ's Berry Farm
Courtesy of AJ's Berry Farm
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Sunrise Coast

Along the Lake Huron shore, and a little further south, the drive from Pesque Isle to Tawas City on the "Sunrise Coast" is optimal for seeing those vibrant leaves with a Huron Sunrise as your backdrop.

There's also a quick detour you could take once you get to Alpena, turn inland about 15 miles on Highway 32 to AJ's Berry Farm. Come for the U-pick produce straight from AJ's farm, and stay for the hayrides, corn maze, and pumpkin launching. They also produce their own syrup, honey, jams, and a large variety of baked goods.


 

Unsplash courtesy of Burst
Unsplash courtesy of Burst
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Dexter Ann Arbor Road

If you're headed to Ann Arbor, then maybe leave a little early, and take the literal scenic route down from Dexter, and bask in the beautiful colors. It's a little closer to home, and only a quick drive for those who don't have a LOT of time to spend.

But if you DO have time to stop before you hit the road, a quick trip to Jenny's Farm Stand & Cider Mill, or The Blast Corn Maze at Nixon Farms is well worth the quick detour. But then, of course, it is fall, and what fall road trip isn't complete without ending your fall foliage road trip at The Big House for some Michigan Football?

Rutgers v Michigan
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There's obviously a lot of other options in Michigan, and truth be told, it doesn't take a long, planned out road trip to find some of the most beautiful scenes in the country this fall. But maybe these are a good start at least.

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