Day: January 30, 2026

The Most Scenic Autumm Hikes in Northern Michigan

Autumn brings balance to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The sand cools, making hikes more comfortable, and the forests framing the dunes explode with color. Trails like Empire Bluff or sections near Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive offer high-impact views without long distances, perfect for slow exploration. The best moments often come in late afternoon, when low-angle light stretches shadows across the dunes and the lake turns a deeper shade of blue. Stay past sunset if you can—once the crowds leave, the silence settles in, and the landscape feels vast, open, and deeply peaceful.

Crisp air, empty trails, and forests on fire with color. This is Northern Michigan hiking at its finest. Northern Michigan in autumn feels like a secret season. The crowds thin out, the air turns crisp, and the landscape shifts into a palette of deep greens, reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. For hikers, this is […]