ALL WAYS

EXPLORING FALL

Breath taking views can be seen from any path. Explore Cadillac from your car, bicycle, kayak, canoe, motorcycle, or by foot. Experience unforgettable views however you travel.

Updated: October 18, 2024

 

We Are Now Approaching Peak Color!

This weekend will make for great viewing as more of our area is now closer to peak color status! The forecast calls for dry and sunny conditions and above average temperatures that will make it easy to enjoy all the outdoor fall activities we have going on right now. Stay tuned to this page for updates as conditions change!

  • Plan your fall color route(s)
  • Join us for one of our great fall events
  • Explore ways to enjoy the great outdoors before the snow flies

EXPLORE FALL COLOR IN AND AROUND CADILLAC

With hundreds of miles of mapped and signed routes, fall color exploration in Northern Michigan has never been easier! We have mapped out two incredible fall color routes throughout the Cadillac Area with turn-by-turn directions for each, making it easy for you to EXPLORE fall color!  Pick a route below and get started!

IN-TOWN CADILLAC ROUTE: Enjoy fall in the heart of Downtown Cadillac. Enjoy a ride (by bike or car) around the 7 mile Cadillac Foot and Bike Path as you experience some of the areas top foodie and spirits stops along with unique boutique shops with great fall fashion and one-of-a-kind finds.  Extend your trip by meandering around Lake Mitchell, where you will enter the eastern edge of the Manistee National Forest.

AROUND CADILLAC ROUTES: At about 200 total miles, the “Around Cadillac Loops” consist of an east and western segment that will take you to numerous scenic fall overlooks, great hiking experiences, and plenty of farm markets and made-in-Michigan boutique finds.  Along this route, you will cross both the Big Manistee and Pine River and experience stunning fall canopies on some of our best fall color roads.

FALL STORIES IN AND AROUND CADILLAC

8 Places for Fall Farm Fun in the Harvest Season

Summer may be over but fun fall in the Cadillac area is just beginning! When the air turns brisk and the leaves start to turn, the days get shorter but there is still time to make lifelong memories all while supporting our local farmsteads.

Experience Fall Cabin Life – In and Around Cadillac

If you’re looking for a unique sleep-away experience, check out one of the many cabin style options right here in Cadillac! Our local hotels are convenient, however, cabins and cottages can offer a more home away from home type of experience for families, couples and...

Don’t Miss These 7 Scenic Overlooks Around Cadillac 📸

Our regional Fall Color Loop around Cadillac takes you on over 200 miles of beautiful, scenic roads and destinations to experience what fall color in Northern Michigan is all about. This is a perfect trip to take over a weekend, or stay clear of the crowds and visit...

11 Ways to Enjoy The Color Change in Cadillac

Enjoy the New ORV Scenic Ride - Fall is the perfect time to explore the ORV Scenic Ride! With crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage in full color, you'll experience an exciting ride through the changing landscape and you might even find some mud along the way. The...

Hooking Into The Fall Steelhead Run

(Parker McNitt fighting a steelhead on a center pin rod) The Manistee River, located west of Cadillac, is the mecca of steelhead fishing. Steelhead, a migratory rainbow trout, are one of the most sought-after fish in the world. Every year, thousands of these fish...

Walk, Run, Hike & Bike – Here are 7 Paths to Take in Cadillac this Fall

By Dave Foley: Tired of running the same old routes? If you’re visiting Cadillac you can go out every day for a week, never take the same route twice and start each one within five miles of downtown.#1 Keith McKellop Walkway (2 Miles) Probably the best known is the...

*The Steam Railroading Institute will have fall color train rides arriving in Cadillac on October 26th & 27th from Mt.Pleasant! These trips are sold out but you can sign up for their event updates on the SRI page for additional opportunities in the future.

FALL COLOR ON THE TRAILS

The Cadillac area offers over 200 miles of trails year around. Whether you are on an ORV, hiking, biking or walking, we have a trail for you! All of our trails have public access with either free parking, or MDNR recreation pass parking Fall is an incredible time to get out, enjoy some color and stretch your legs. Start exploring our trails on our top rated hiking or biking trails below.

PADDLING OUR WATERWAYS

Cadillac offers numerous inland lakes and two incredible paddling rivers in the Big Manistee River and Pine River.  The fall color along our river basins are second to none! The high banks offers beautiful scenic fall color views from the river below that many have not experienced.  Bring up your boat – or rent one from any of our liveries this fall color season and enjoy a float on our waters!


FALL COLOR UPDATES FROM THE WATER

Pine River PaddlesportsPine River Color Updates
Pilgrim VillageLakes & Fishing Report