Best Fall Road Trips in Michigan

Fall is the perfect time to head out the best road trips and look at scenic colors, especially in the Michigan area. We're really blessed to have such beautiful fall colors in this area, and looking at those gorgeous hues is always the perfect way to celebrate the changing seasons. If you're looking to head out on the road on a scenic drive, you're in luck, because there are plenty of magical scenic drives in the area. So, get on your sweater and boots and get ready to celebrate the season in style. I'm so ready.

The experts at CNN highlight some of the nation's most beautiful scenic drives and road trips in a new feature. "The annual rituals of autumn – shoulder season vacations, weekend football games, the unpacking of sweaters, the pumpkin spice tsunami – are upon us," they state. "And then there's perhaps the best of them all: the scenic fall drive." They also note that timing is very important when it comes to seeing fall colors. To find the best time to travel and view fall colors in your area, use this U.S. foliage predictor map. A general rule of thumb is to plan well in advance for your trip. Some serious leaf peepers plan their trips out as far as a year in advance, so it might be busy when you go. If all else fails, just plan a great fall trip for next season, if the area you're looking at is all booked up. If you're looking for a lengthy trip, CNN's top spot for viewing fall colors is the Ozark Run Scenic Byway in Missouri. "Because of the rugged land, most major highways skipped the area. That's a peaceful bonus for folks who want a leisurely trip in a somewhat isolated area," they note. If you're looking for variety, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Keystone State "has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation.

Now, onto Michigan road trips. The experts at Pure Michigan recommend to check out M-22 from Arcadia to Frankfort for a "a low-key day" that overlooks lovely vistas. "M-22 receives much of its well-deserved notoriety for the many scenic destinations along its northern reaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore," they note. M-22 is legendary in Michigan, and I can't wait to drive it this fall. Another spot they pick as a must-drive is US 23 from Tawas City to Alpena.