Fall Colors

Peak Colors | Planning Tips | Scenic Sites

For many travelers, autumn is their favorite time to visit the Keweenaw. As the summer temperatures wane, the Keweenaw’s landscape experiences a vibrant change from a sea of green to waves of orange, red and gold. The dramatic change happens a little earlier up here than in many parts of the country because of our cooler climate, so pack your best flannel(s) and come experience the Keweenaw in its full fall glory.

When do Fall Colors Peak in the Keweenaw?

Because of the micro-climate created by Lake Superior and the peninsula’s northern location, the Keweenaw’s fall colors usually peak between the last week of September and the first two weeks of October. Specific Keweenaw locations may vary with Copper Harbor and Isle Royale peaking a bit later than areas farther south.

Tips for Your Keweenaw Fall Colors Tour

Take a Scenic Drive

The Keweenaw is filled with beautiful scenic sites, so this suggestion isn’t all that creative. But there are some scenic drives along our highways that will take your breath away. You’ll be rewarded with soul-stirring views of Lake Superior and plenty of opportunities to hop out of the car and explore.

Be sure not to pass on Brockway Mountain Drive between Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor. This little road off M-26 winds up 720 feet to the top of Brockway Mountain. On a clear day you can see for miles. The view is one of the best in the Upper Peninsula.

Car parked along scenic fall roadside

Hit the Trails

Whether its by foot, bike, ATV, or paddle, the Keweenaw’s hundred of miles of recreation trails are a great way to experience fall colors. Choose your preferred form of transportation and grab a map to explore the area.

Chase Waterfalls

Waterfalls are rejuvenated in the fall months thanks to the extra precipitation in September and October. The rushing waters are framed by the beautiful fall colors minus those pesky mosquito that are a nuisance in the spring.

Bond Falls State Scenic Site

Take in a Lake Superior Sunset

Autumn offers all the amazing sunsets of summer, so a lot earlier! While the cooler temperatures may prevent you from sticking your toes in Lake Superior, you can still enjoy a s’more or two along the beach as you watch the sun slip below the horizon. You’ll be amazed as the blue sky changes to deep shades of orange, red, pinks and purples. For the best views, head to the western side of the peninsula.

Go Star Gazing

With earlier sunsets come more stargazing opportunities. Thanks to the Keweenaw’s incredibly low level of light pollution, the night’s sky is much clearer than in many other parts of the Midwest. Combine that with our northern location, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky.

A jeep atop Brockway Mountain in Copper Harbor

Stargazing on Brockway Mountain Drive in Copper Harbor. Photo Credit: @koar.up on Instagram

Scenic Sites and Nature Areas to Explore

Explore a myriad of scenic sites and hiking trails bursting with fall color throughout the Keweenaw.

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Nara Nature Park

US Hwy 41 S
Houghton, MI 49931 US

Phone: (906) 482-1700
Region: Houghton
Website

The park is located two miles east of the Michigan Tech University campus on the east end of the Houghtons Waterfront Trail. There is a variety of activities for every season to do at the Nara Nat ...
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Swedetown Recreation Area

56641 Osceola Rd
Calumet, MI 49913 US

Phone: (906) 337-1170
Region: Calumet
Website

Swedetown Recreation Area is 1900 acres of rolling, primarily wooded land set aside for public use by Calumet Township. It offers outstanding year-round trails for all ages and abilities. Swedetown Ch
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Gratiot River County Park

Off of the Five Mile Point Road
Ahmeek, MI 49901 US

Phone: (906) 337-0782
Region: Calumet

Gratiot River County Park, owned by Keweenaw County, encompasses 222 acres and 8.489 feet of Lake Superior shoreline, plus 1/2 mile of the Gratiot River. The park is open daily with no fee.
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McLain State Park

18350 Highway M-203
Hancock, MI 49930 US

Phone: (906) 482-0278
Region: Hancock
Website

90 sites on Lake Superior. Open mid-May to mid-October.
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Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale, MI 49931 US

Phone: (906) 482-0984
E-Mail Address: ISRO-Ranger3Reserve@nps.gov
Website

One of Americas few island national parks offers over 165 miles of hiking trails with a variety of options for trip length and difficulty. A unique wilderness experience for visitors accessible on ...
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Hungarian Falls

Golf Course Road
Hubbell, MI 49934 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Lake Linden
Website

The Keweenaw Land Trust acquired the uppermost Hungarian Falls in 2013 after a brief but very successful community fundraising campaign to keep this special place open to the public forever, rathe ...
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Brockway Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary

Brockway Mountain Drive
Copper Harbor, MI 49950 US

Region: Copper Harbor

Brockway Mountain is composed of Lake Shore Traps which are lava flows inter-twined with Copper Harbor Conglomerate. This .75 mile long trail will take you over that exposed lava and conglomerate ...
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Lake Bailey Wildlife Sanctuary

State Hwy M-26
Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

The Lake Bailey Wildlife Sanctuary is a two mile round trip that passes through several different forest communities as it rises almost 200 feet in elevation to a breathtaking overlook. Make sure ...
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Eagle Harbor Township Conservation and Recreation Area

Pine St
Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

Phone: (906) 289-4407
E-Mail Address: office@eagleharbortwp.org
Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

The Eagle Harbor Township Conservation and Recreation Area includes Eliza Lake Preserve, Long Lake Refuge, and George Hite Dunes and Marshes. These 10 miles of trails are groomed in the winter for ...
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Hunter's Point

Harbor Coast Lane
Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (906) 289-4292
Region: Copper Harbor
Website

The Hunters Point Park has the North Shore Trail and the South Shore Trail that eventually come together to loop you through numerous scenic overlooks and gives you access to a half-mile of pictur ...
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Gratiot Lake Preserve

Conservancy Road
Central, MI 49950 US

Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

The Gratiot Lake Preserve is a 307 acre wooded parcel that includes wetlands, the outlet of the lake at the Little Gratiot River, and over 10,000 feet of shoreline varying from sand to cobblestone ...
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Marsin Preserve

Red Brick Road
Houghton, MI 49931 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: marsin@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
Website

The late Mary Sinish grew up in the Keweenaw, spending summers along the Portage Waterway on her familys land. Mrs. Sinish donated 40 acres to the Keweenaw Land Trust with the intention of making ...
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Paavola Wetlands Preserve

No. 9 Road
Hancock, MI 49930 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
Website

Originally established in 1999, the Keweenaw Land Trusts Paavola Wetlands Nature Area has gone through numerous expansions and now encompasses 215 acres of wetland and upland habitat just north of ...
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Black Creek Nature Sanctuary

Allouez, MI 49913 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Calumet
Website

This moderately difficult, 4.5 mile trail is in the heart of the Keweenaw and provides varied landscapes and 1500 feet of Lake Superior Shoreline. To get there from US-41 on the North end of Cal ...
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Robert Thorson Brown Nature Sanctuary

Painesdale, MI 49955 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Website

This easy, half mile trail can be wet in the spring and after heavy rain but with the boardwalk that extends through a cedar swamp it makes for a great learning experience. To get there from Houg ...
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Cy Clark Memorial Nature Sanctuaries

Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

This 37 acre nature sanctuary is mostly wetlands vegetated with cedar, balsam fir, black spruce, red maple, and may different species of orchids. This fairly easy, .3 mile trail is also part of th ...
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Red Pine Dunes Nature Sanctuary

Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

The Red Pine Dunes Sanctuary is composed of red and white pines. With a 3-acre beaver pond. The two-track leading into the sanctuary makes it an e ...
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Estivant Pines Wilderness Nature Sanctuary

Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
Website

The Estivant Pines is the largest tract of old-growth Eastern White Pines preserved in Michigan. It contains hundreds of 300-500 year old white pines measuring anywhere from 3 to 5 feet in diamete ...
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Gratiot Lake Overlook

Central, MI 49950 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

This 100-acre sanctuary offers a spectacular view of Gratiot Lake. The trail is moderately difficult with a 400 foot gradual rise in elevation. About 1.5 miles roundtrip. To get there fo ...
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Russell and Miriam Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary

Smith Fisheries Road
Lac La Belle, MI 49950 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Lac La Belle / Bete Grise
Website

The sanctuary contains most of the top of the huge bluff locally known as Bare Bluff. A giant monolith that rises 588 feet above Lake Superior. This difficult, 3 mile long trail is very rugged wit ...
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Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary

M-26
Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

This easy to moderate, 1.5 mile roundtrip trail is a favorite among photographers. Its 36 acres boasts a variety of plant communities as well as a spectacular array of rocks covered with colorful ...
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James H. Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary

Brockway Mountain Drive
Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
Website

This moderately difficult trail is .75 miles long and loops around one of the most popular overlooks of Brockway Mountain Drive. The trail offers a breathtaking view of Lake Superior looking North ...
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Redwyn's Dunes Nature Sanctuary

M-26
Eagle River, MI 49950 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Eagle River
Website

This easy, 1 mile looped trail is located in the Keweenaw's Great Sand Bay of Lake Superior. The shoreline of Great Sand Bay receives the full force of the westerly winds coming off ...
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James Dorian Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary

Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
Website

This sanctuary extends up the hillside from US-41 and straddles a portion of Brockway Mountain Drive. Garden brook traverses the sanctuary with its headwaters in the Klipfel Memorial Sanctuary and ...
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Upson Lake Sanctuary

Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (517) 655-5655
Region: Copper Harbor
Website

The Upson Lake trailhead begins 400 feet east of where the Keweenaw Shore trail intersects with the Brockway Mountain Drive. The first part of the Upson Lake trail follows an old road to Upson Cre ...
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Helmut and Candis Stern Preserve

Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

Phone: (906) 225-0399
Region: Eagle Harbor
Website

This difficult, steady uphill climb, locally known as Mount Baldy or Lookout Mountain, offers spectacular panoramic views of lake Superior and the Keweenaw Peninsula. At the top of this trail you ...
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Mary MacDonald Preserve

Copper Harbor, MI 49918 US

Phone: (906) 225-0399
Region: Copper Harbor
Website

This moderate, flat trail is at the northernmost tip of the Keweenaw. The 1,433 acre preserve, locally known as Horseshoe Harbor, is the largest and highest quality mainland preserve for bedrock b ...
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Boston Pond Nature Area

51875 U.S. 41
Hancock, MI 49913 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Hancock
Website

Founded in 2006, a 26-acre Boston Pond Nature Area was acquired by the Keweenaw Land Trust to create a nature area at a highly visible location along the US-41 Copper Country Trail National Sceni ...
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Steve Farm Nature Area at Lovell Creek

Upper Point Mills Road
Dollar Bay, MI 49922 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
Website

The 96-acre Steve Farm Nature Area at Lovell Creek is home to an extensive wetland ecosystem, numerous beaver dams, and upland forest habitats available for public enjoyment. The property is locat ...
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Mason Nature Area

Franklin St
Houghton, MI 49931 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
Website

A touch of nature close to home is the result of a generous bequest from Marilyn Mason. Marilyn was inspired by the land protection, stewardship and education efforts of the Keweenaw Land Trust. U ...
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Pilgrim Community Forest

Paradise Road
Houghton, MI 49931 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Houghton
Website

The Pilgrim Community Forest was established by the Keweenaw Land Trust in the fall of 2014. The 276-acre forest is just minutes from Houghton and the acquisition is part of a larger conservation ...
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Michigan Tech Trails

E Sharon Avenue
Houghton, MI 49931 US

Region: Houghton
Website

The Michigan Tech trail system accommodates all levels of skiers, bikers, and hikers—from beginner to advanced.
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Bete Grise South Preserve

15.6 Miles from Gay on the Gay-Lac La Belle Road
Gay, MI 49950 US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Region: Lac La Belle / Bete Grise
Website

The George Hite Dunes & Marshes is open to the public for non-motorized recreation.
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Lily Creek

Corner of Salo & Wildwood Roads
M-203
MI US

Phone: (906) 482-0820
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Website

A new sign off Wildwood Road marks the start of the hiking trail. The property is found at the corner of Salo and Wildwood roads off M-203 between Hancock and Calumet.
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Le Chance Creek Nature Area

MI US

Phone: 906-0802
E-Mail Address: info@keweenawlandtrust.org
Website

The property is open to the public for non-motorized, low-impact recreation, including hiking, bird watching, fishing, hunting, paddling, and rustic camping along the shoreline. The property can be ac
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Mariner's Preserve

Eagle Harbor, MI 49950 US

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