Fall in northern Michigan is upon us, and Grayling, Michigan, is the perfect place to make the most of the season. Centrally located just three hours or less from Detroit, Grand Rapids, and other Michigan hubs, Grayling is a true “Up North” getaway that offers both convenience and immersion in nature. As the leaves shift into brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, this riverside town becomes an ideal basecamp for exploring the best of Michigan’s fall color.
Grayling’s central location in northern Michigan makes it a perfect hub for experiencing the change of fall foliage. Nestled among rivers, lakes, and extensive state forests, the town offers quick access to a variety of scenic drives and trails in every direction. Grayling’s geography puts visitors in the middle of the region’s most vibrant autumn landscapes, making it easy to plan a day full of color, outdoor activity, and exploration.
With peak foliage expected during the second and third weeks of October (according to the Pure Michigan Fall Color Map), Grayling’s central spot means visitors can head out in every direction for scenic drives and outdoor adventures, then return in the evening for cozy lodging, local dining, or a stroll through downtown. Its location along the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers, surrounded by state forests and parks, provides unmatched access to northern Michigan’s most colorful landscapes. Instead of committing to a single tour or destination, staying in Grayling gives you flexibility to chase fall color wherever it looks brightest that day.
A great place to start is the Fall Color Tour and Scenic Drive in Grayling guide at graylingmichigan.org. This page outlines local routes like Hartwick Pines State Park, Lake Margrethe, and County Road 612, each offering wooded backroads, lakeshore views, and quiet moments under golden canopies. These routes make it easy to take a short afternoon drive or spend a full day weaving through Crawford County’s forests.
Grayling’s central location also makes it easy to explore additional fall color drives throughout northern Michigan. For a taste of hidden backroads, the “Back Country Roads Fall Color Drives” guide from Awesome Mitten highlights lesser-traveled routes in Crawford County. One of the top local routes for fall colors, according to the Detroit Free Press, is County Road 101, heading north from County Road 100, also known as "Pioneer Hill." Another option is the Grayling to Lake City route along US-27, also featured in Awesome Mitten’s scenic drives list, which combines riverside stretches with rolling hardwood forests. For those looking to expand beyond the immediate area, the Free Press fall color drive roundup provides even more northern Michigan road trip inspiration. And if you’re in the mood for a full day’s excursion, the M-22 Color Tour along Lake Michigan offers one of the most iconic shoreline drives in the state.
Wherever you go from Grayling, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy northern Michigan’s fall colors. The town offers easy access to scenic drives, rivers, and trails during the day, with plenty of options to return to for good food, local brews, and comfortable places to stay. For help planning your trip, the Grayling Michigan website at graylingmichigan.org provides a complete directory of dining, lodging, outdoor activities, and events to make the most of your fall visit.