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.

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.

Explore our In-Cadillac Loops

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.

Explore Loops around Cadillac

STAY IN CADILLAC

We have a variety of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins & campgrounds perfect for all seasons!

BOOK YOUR STAY

FALL STORIES IN AND AROUND CADILLAC

Out & About, Steelhead on the Move

By Dave Foley Rivers like the Pere Marquette, as well as the Big and Little Manistee, get a little crowded after Labor Day as thousands of salmon leave Lake Michigan to push up these steams to spawn. From late August until September king and coho salmon dominate the...

Five Scenic In-and-Out Hikes Along the North Country Trail

The 4600 mile North Country Trail (NCT), beginning in Maine and running to North Dakota, passes through Michigan. More than 100 miles of it are within 40 miles of Cadillac. With so many miles of trail available, deciding where to go could be a problem. But wherever...

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...

Access Fall Deals For Golf Lodging

Huron Manistee National Forest Color Tracker

All Area Trails

*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.

ORV Scenic Ride

Explore MTB & Fat Tire Trails

Explore Area Hiking Trails

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!