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.
CADILLAC FALL COLOR
With hundreds of miles of mapped and signed routes, fall color exploration in Northern Michigan has never been easier! We have mapped out four 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 let’s get started!
WHICH ROUTE TO PICK?
Cadillac Lakes Route: If you like being close to town and enjoy scenic views of the lake, this is the route for you, It is also the shortest, so it’s ideal for a quick color trip around the lakes.
Hodenpyl Route: Perfect for those looking for a good half-day color tour. It is filled with plenty of dirt roads taking you on some of the most beautiful fall canopies in the area.
Pine River Route: Great for those looking to get out and explore small communities, you go through about 5 on this route and have beautiful views up and down the Pine River.
Missaukee Route: Here you will find some bustling small communities along with the beautiful Lake Missaukee to enjoy.
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!
EXPLORE 4 COLOR ROUTES
Select a route to view turn-by-turn directions and an all new interactive map!
LET'S ENJOY FALL IN CADILLAC THIS YEAR!
Learn about all that the Cadillac area has to offer this fall color season in Northern Michigan!
MORE SELF-GUIDED TOURS & ROUTES
Our fall color tours are not the only routes in the area. From the only "KISS" tour you will find in the Midwest, to Sculptures and Monuments, and the centuries old "Old Indian Trail" and Regional Scenic Routes, you can spend an entire weekend (or more) making Cadillac your home base as you venture to these incredible destinations.
TOP 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 WATERS
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 ON OUR WATERS
Pine River Paddlesports - Pine River Color Updates
Pilgrim Village - Lakes & Fishing Report
STILL WANT TO LEARN MORE? GET WEEKLY FALL COLOR UPDATES?
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!
Printed Fall Color Tour Brochures Available in the Following Locations!
Route 1 – Thirsty’s on M-55, The Sweet Shop downtown
Route 2 – Ellen’s Corners in Mesick, Coyote Crossings on M-55
Route 3 – Bristol Store in Bristol, Randees in Tustin
Route 4 – Wesco and Sassafrass Garden & Gifts both in Lake City