Fall colors are reaching Michigan and it's a perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy it. If you're not into hiking or riding a bike, here's a list of Michigans most scenic drives. In a list inspired in part by a Pure Michigan article and in part by my own travels, here are some of the best fall color road trips.

Starting with the Lower Peninsula we have a wide range of locations and terrain to travel. From rural backroads to city streets.

  • M-22 From Manistee heading North to 201 and ending at the Leelanau State Park.
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  • M-37, just East of M-22. Pick this route up on the North side of Traverse City and head into the heart of the old Mission Penninsula, past a couple wineries (or stopping, your choice) and ending at Old Mission Lighthouse.
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  • The Blue Star Highway/ Lakeshore Drive, traveling through South Haven and ending in Saugatuck, this is a must see and local for Kalamazoo.
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  • M-60 is one of my favorites that should have been on the State's list. Starting at the beginning of the road in Niles and traveling all the way to Jackson before ending on I-94. At over 100 miles, this is the longest of the trips and travels through towns from small villages to a major city with plenty to see along the way.
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Then we head to the Upper Penninsula for more sightseeing. While there are plenty of roads to travel through the Porcupine Mountains and through small towns, I'm going to stick with the major routes.

  • Turning the U.P. into one big color tour and also one that I have taken on several occasions, here is my loop. Once you cross into the U.P., Get onto the business route for I-75 which turns into the Mackinac Trail heading north to M-28. Head West on M-28 till you reach Bruce Crossing. Get onto US-45 and head South. If your timing is right, you will arrive in Paulding and Old US-45 to check out the Paulding Light. Finally finishing up to the South at US-2 and the return trip to St. Ignace.
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BONUS VIDEO: Munising Falls - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

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