Here Are the Best Times and Places to View Michigan’s Fall Foliage in 2025

Every Michigander knows when the temperatures start to cool off, those fall colors start to heat up. I always get goosebumps driving over a small hill to find a valley of red, yellow, orange and green below. While most places in the Wolverine State have great views of the changing colors, some are more breathtaking than others.

The fall foliage prediction map from SmokyMountains.com is a valuable resource that helps you determine when leaves are at their peak color, so you don’t miss out on one of the greatest parts of the fall season. It also tells you when you can expect the leaves to change throughout the entire state. This year, it predicts peak foliage to be visible throughout Michigan by the first week of October.

By sliding the scale, you can observe how the leaves are expected to change as we get closer to the end of the year. You’ll notice that Michigan will be past its peak season about a week before Halloween. In fact, most of the state will have passed the peak of colors by the middle of October.

The beginning of peak foliage in the state will be seen as early as the last week of September or the first week of October. This will be most visible in the Upper Peninsula. You can catch some great views by heading to the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

If you’re on the northern half of the Mitten, you’ll experience peak foliage during the first half of October. Some of the best views can be seen around the Traverse City area at either Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or Leelanau State Park, which is located a little farther to the north.

If you’re lucky enough to head to both locations, you’ll be in for a treat with the beautiful scenery along M-22. Not only do you get a great look at the leaves, but you’ll be driving along the lakeshore the whole way as well.

Michigan’s southern counties will likely see their brightest colors during the second half of October. Some of my favorite memories come from driving along the St. Joseph River on US-31 during my old commute from South Bend. There are also some spectacular lookouts at Warren Dunes State Park.

Does this have you excited for some fall fun in Michigan? Share your autumn plans with us—we'd love to hear about your favorite spots for seeing fall foliage in the Great Lakes State. For more fun fall ideas, check out our guide for all things seasonal in Michigan—and if you plan on visiting the parks and hitting the trails, check out Parks Project for all your outdoor apparel and gear needs.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own leaf peeping trip in the Great Lakes State using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner and the fall foliage prediction map from SmokyMountains.com.

Featured Image: Craig Zerbe - stock.adobe.com