I’m a Michigan transplant going on more than a decade now, but if you ask me, there’s one thing Michigan does better than any other state: the fall season.

The colors, the crisp air, the smell of bonfires—it makes you want to get outside and soak it all in.

Lucky for us, this week, The ’Gander’s Claire Mainprize has rounded up 13 hiking and biking trails across the state that are especially stunning right now, from rugged Upper Peninsula climbs to peaceful lakeside strolls in the Lower Peninsula.

Violent crime drops in Detroit (Freep): Detroit officials say violent crime has dropped sharply this year, with homicides down 15%, non-fatal shootings down 22%, and carjackings down 29% compared to 2024. Mayor Mike Duggan credits years of coordinated efforts between police, prosecutors, and community programs.

Temperature drop ahead in Michigan (MLive): After a long stretch of summer-like weather, Michigan is in for a significant cooldown. Temperatures are expected to drop about 20 degrees by midweek, landing in the 60s across much of the state, with some areas in the north not escaping the 60s today. Rain and even frost are in the forecast as a cold front moves in on Tuesday, before calmer, slightly warmer conditions return by the weekend.

Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office changes weapon policy after theft (WOOD-TV): After a rifle was stolen from an off-duty Kalamazoo County deputy’s personal vehicle last month, the sheriff’s office has changed its policy to ban storing agency-issued weapons in personal cars. The suspect was arrested days after the theft and faces weapons and larceny charges. The stolen rifle has since been recovered.

Mt. Pisgah Dune Climb and Boardwalk. (Courtesy Holland, Michigan)

By Claire Mainprize

Fall in Michigan is hard to beat. From apple picking to cider sipping and leaf peeping, there’s tons to do and see during these autumnal months. But one of the best ways to experience the season is to take a hike or bike ride in the great outdoors.

The Upper Peninsula did snag the No. 1 spot in USA Today’s list of the 10 best destinations for fall foliage, but most of the trails on this list are in the Lower Peninsula, so we divided them up by region to make it easier for walkers and riders to find the trail that best fits them and their itinerary.

Get reading, then get outside to enjoy everything autumn that the Mitten State has to offer, including:

Upper Peninsula

Escarpment Trail

Porcupine Mountain’s Escarpment Trail features amazing photo opportunities (Courtesy Holland, Michigan)

Being one of the hardest hikes on this list, Escarpment Trail isn’t for the faint of heart.

The 8.4-mile out-and-back trail in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park has a total elevation gain of 1,666 feet. Your legs will almost certainly be on fire by the time you reach the top, but you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views in Michigan—especially during the fall.

To enter the state park, you must have a Michigan Recreation Passport, which can be purchased online.

West Michigan

Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk

Mt. Pisgah Dune Climb and Boardwalk. (Courtesy Holland, Michigan)

For the most spectacular views of Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa in the fall, head up the boardwalk of Mt. Pisgah Dune near Holland. The system of boardwalks and stairs (279, to be exact) only takes about 12 minutes to complete, and there are breathtaking views once you reach the top. Plus, there are landings along the way where you can give your quads a rest.

If you don’t see parking right by the trailhead, don’t freak out, there’s public parking just 800 feet away at an Ottawa County parking lot near Black Lake Avenue and Ottawa Beach Road.

East Michigan

Paint Creek Trail

The Paint Creek Trail features nearly 9 miles of scenic fall sights. (Courtesy Paint Creek Trail)

If you look up photos of Paint Creek Trail near Rochester, which happens to be Michigan’s first non-motorized “rail-to-trail,” you’ll immediately notice that the majority of them were taken in the fall. The autumnal months are simply the best time to experience this 10-mile, wide-gravel trail that starts in Lake Orion and ends in Rochester. It’s great for walking, running, and biking, so the choice is yours.

One Yelp reviewer and cyclist said, “Fall seemed like the prettiest time to roll through as it’s when the leaves are painted and indeed it was a sight to see and the crisp autumn air was invigorating.” Can you think of a better way to spend a fall afternoon?

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories from Claire Mainprize. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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