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 OUR FALL COLOR LOOPS 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.

We Are Now Past Peak Color!

Updated: October 29, 2023

We enjoyed an extended fall color season this year, with different parts of the Cadillac area peaking at different times! The past week has brought us cooler temperatures, rain and wind.

Now we are officially past the peak color season but are looking forward to the snow forecasted to come!

*The Steam Railroading Institute will not be having fall color train rides anywhere in Michigan in 2023, but we are hoping to have them back here in Cadillac next year! Sign up for their event updates on the SRI page.

 

FALL STORIES IN AND AROUND CADILLAC

7 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...

Walk, Run, Hike & Bike – Here are the Top 7 Scenic Routes in Cadillac

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...

Cadillac Fall Routes & Rivers – 10 Ways to Enjoy Our Autumn Colors

Book Your Fall Golf Getaway in Cadillac – Fall golfing in Cadillac can be the most picturesque time of year to hit the links! With crisp autumn air, foliage in full color and affordable late season golf deals, you will avoid the summer crowds to enjoy great views of...

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...

The Science of Fall Color

Fall color – What trees offer what color & Why? The most common leaf colors of fall are red, yellow and orange and some trees can have several of these colors simultaneously as the season unfolds. Why do they turn color though? It’s an interesting concept that...

My Stay at the Coziest Cabins in Cadillac

Cozy cabin? Check. Corn maze? Check. Craft beer? Check. Feed a mini horse? Also, check. Cadillac, Michigan provided us with a weekend of classic fall favorites, with a few fun surprises. Follow our itinerary for a lovely weekend getaway to enjoy some of Michigan's best fall activities.

FALL COLOR ON THE TRAILS

The Cadillac area offers over 200 miles of trails year around.   Whether you are 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 - start 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 Paddlesports - Pine River Color Updates
Pilgrim Village - Lakes & Fishing Report

STILL WANT TO LEARN MORE? GET OUR FALL BROCHURE & MORE!

Request our latest fall color tour & scenic route information and get on our weekly fall color update list and we will email you as our fall color changes in the area!