Some love the snow in the winter, some appreciate new beginnings in the spring, others soak in all the sun they can handle during the summer. For us though, nothing beats autumn. It’s our favorite season in the Eastern Upper Peninsula!
Once you are north of the Mackinac Bridge, you can’t go wrong in creating your own fall color tour, but timing is everything! If Mother Nature cooperates, we predict to see peak color the last week of September or the first week or two of October, but it can vary depending on the weather. Driving the EUP will give you a variety of color at varying intensities depending on where you are. Here are our favorite spots to take in fall colors near Sault Ste. Marie.
Mission Hill Overlook, just 20 minutes west of Sault Ste. Marie, is a prime spot for viewing fall foliage. If you haven’t visited the area before, the lookout is located just past the Point Iroquois Lighthouse. It is perched high above Whitefish Bay, located off Lake Superior and will give you an outstanding view of the trees, lakes, the bay and even the freighters in the distance. If you’re into hiking, there may be no better place in the area to enjoy the fall colors.
@saultstemarie Mission Hill is a hidden gem in the Eastern Upper Peninsula! #saultstemarie #upperpeninsula #fallcolors #hiddengems #yoop #puremichigan #missionhill #baymills #brimley ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim
Tahquamenon Falls is a prime year-round destination, but during fall it may be at its peak when it comes to majestic views. Located less than 90 minutes from Sault Ste. Marie, you will find this popular destination for viewing fall color. The stunning upper falls of Tahquamenon Falls State Park is most noted for its distinct copper color, making the orange, red and yellow hues stand out even more in the background. You can even experience miles of hiking between the falls to wonder at the fall color firsthand. It’s a must on your fall visit to the Soo. Learn more about the state park here.
Located along the scenic drive that hugs the Lake Superior shoreline, the Point Iroquois Light Station provides fall color viewing from a unique perspective. You can climb up into the lighthouse and see the magnificent view or take a walk along the area’s pristine beaches. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your view from the top and tag #ILoveTheSoo when you share it on Instagram.
Take a trip to the Hiawatha National Forest and you’ll find the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while you marvel at the fall color– the Big Pine Picnic area. The area is nestled among giant red and white pine trees and is equipped with tables, grills and benches to view the sunset over Lake Superior. During your visit to the Hiawatha National Forest, you can also view fall color by taking a hike along the Monocle Lake Interpretive Trail. This 2-mile trail provides a perfect viewing platform for the wildlife and surrounding wilderness.
What are you waiting for? Take a moment to come marvel at the fall foliage in Sault Ste. Marie before it’s too late! Before you head out, be sure to book your fall getaway at one of our area hotels. Do you have a favorite fall spot? Be sure to let us know where the best place is to catch the leaves changing color by tagging your colorful photographs with #ILoveTheSoo on social media so we can share in all f your Sault Ste. Marie adventures! Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram.