Northern Michigan destinations rank among the best in USA Today top 10 lists for fall

Karly Graham, The Petoskey News-Review
·1 min read
Fall colors explode from Mackinac Island with a view of the Mackinac Bridge in the background.
Fall colors explode from Mackinac Island with a view of the Mackinac Bridge in the background.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Although the temperatures start to drop and the leaves change from green to orange to red, some snow birds opt to go down south, but USA Today's readers and voters disagree.

Northern Michigan received multiple honors in the weekly fall votes, with locations earning top honors in the "Discover the beauty of the season: 10 US spots for a perfect fall getaway" and "Ultimate fall colors bucket list: 10 US destinations you need to see" lists.

The only way to reach the famed car-free Mackinac Island in Michigan is by boat and ferry, and once visitors arrive, they’re seduced by the history, scenery — and fall colors.
The only way to reach the famed car-free Mackinac Island in Michigan is by boat and ferry, and once visitors arrive, they’re seduced by the history, scenery — and fall colors.

Taking No. 3 in the Top 10 list for a perfect fall getaway, USA Today readers voted for Mackinac Island. About 8 miles around, the island is a great spot to visit during the fall.

With no cars permitted, visitors can plan for carriage or bike rides, or can put on their walking-shoes to hike throughout the island.

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If you want to see some colorful trees this autumn, voters recommend a trip to Tahquamenon Falls State Park located in the aptly-named Paradise, Michigan.

Coming in at second place for best places to see fall foliage, this Upper Peninsula state park is the second-largest in the state and offers visitors a chance to see a raging waterfall alongside beautiful forests, packed with more than 35 miles of hiking trails and opportunities to see native wildlife.

Downstate got some love from USA Today readers as well, with two orchards named in the "Where to pick your own apples this autumn: Top 10 orchards in the nation."

Spicer Orchards in Fenton came in at number seven, which was followed by Fennville's Crane Orchards at number eight.

— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. 

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Northern Michigan destinations land in best places to visit in fall