LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – One of the only predictable sights in Michigan amidst an ever changing weather pattern is the fall color changes, and the Michigan County Road Association has released its forecast for the best viewing spots. 

“In Michigan, when you’re not driving on the Interstate, we like to say you’re taking the backroads,” MCR officials said, “They’re the long way, or the scenic route. The beautiful country roads with the best views, where memories are made.” 

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The County Road Association of Michigan with the help of the state’s 83 county road agencies developed its top list of county roads for their scenic appeal. 

“From viewing awe-inspiring autumn leaves to heading to that special secluded spot where the sunsets are extra special on warm summer nights, these are MiBackroads,” Michigan County Road Association officials said. 

Of the five regions detailed including: Northern Lower Peninsula, Mid-Michigan, West Michigan, and Southeast Michigan, the Upper Peninsula has the earliest window to see the color changes with predictions starting as early as September 18 and lasting until October 9. 

Some highlights from the earliest showing region include: 

Chippewa County

  • North and South Caribou Lake Roads in the DeTour Village area
  • Gogomain Road from Goetzville to Pickford
  • Lakeshore Drive from Brimley to M-123
  • Salt Point Road from M-28 to Lakeshore Drive

Gogebic County

  • Black River Road to Black River Harbor
  • Lake Road from Ironwood to Little Girls Point and Superior Falls
  • Black River Road from Bessemer to Copper Peak and Black River Harbor
  • Wolf Mountain Road from US 2 to Wolf Mountain
  • County Road 519N from Wakefield to the mouth of the Big Presque Isle River and Porcupine State Park
  • Thousand Island Lake Road from US 2 to Sylvania Wilderness Park

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 Marquette County

  • County Road 510 from County Road 502 north to Big Bay
  • Triple A off County Road 510 in Big Bay
  • County Road 533 in Skandia
  • M-35 from County Road 480 to Gwinn

However, those in Southeast Michigan will have to wait just under a month to see the color change which is anticipated to last between Oct. 9 through Oct. 23.  Some of the highlighted roads from this area include: 

Independence Township

  • Rattalee Lake between Ellis and M-15
  • Hadley Road between M-15 and Shappie
  • Shappie Road between Hadley and Perry Lake Road
  • Pine Knob Road between Sashabaw and Clarkston Road

White Lake Township

  • Porter Rd
  • Pontiac Lake Road to Culhbert to White Lake Road (This route you see beautiful foilage, the lake and Ruggles Farm)
  • Gale Rd
  • McKeachie Rd

Oxford Township

  • Delano Rd. (from Ray Rd. to Davison Lake Rd.) – Natural Beauty Road
  • Ray Rd. (0.65 mile east of N. Oxford Rd. to Lake George Road in Addison Township) – Natural Beauty

For a complete list of the agency’s recommendations when planning your fall color drive, see here.