The Tahquamenon Scenic Byway slices through the northern Michigan wilderness with the boldness of an artist’s brushstroke, drawing out the rich hues of autumn with every mile. Located near Newberry, this route invites adventure seekers and casual travelers alike to witness a landscape fiercely alive with color and texture.

Stretching roughly 35 miles from Newberry to Paradise, the byway winds along U.S. Highway 2 and M-123. The route offers easy vehicle access but also beckons you to step outside and engage on foot with forested trails and riverside walks. The fall colors here don’t just decorate—they command attention, with sugar maples, aspens, and birches flaunting fiery reds, oranges, and golds. Along the way, the Tahquamenon River dares you to follow its brisk currents, while pockets of wetlands and towering pines stand firm in their evergreen resolve.

For those eager to stretch their legs, the nearby Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls provide a practical side excursion. The Lower Falls Trail is about 0.6 miles round trip, flat and well-maintained, perfect for all levels. The Upper Falls Trail, about 4 miles round trip with modest elevation gains, challenges hikers with rocky, sometimes slick terrain—but rewards them with panoramic views and the roar of cascading water. The trail’s mix of packed earth and scattered roots demands solid footwear with traction and a mindful pace.

Timing your visit between late September and mid-October is ideal for peak fall foliage. The crisp air invigorates, but mornings often harbor mist that clings to the riverbanks like a reluctant veil. Be prepared with layers and hydration; the dry crunch of leaves underfoot can mask roots and uneven ground. Carrying a daypack with water, snacks, and a basic first aid kit keeps the adventure practical and safe.

The byway’s pull isn’t just visual. It’s tactile – the slow tickle of wind through trembling aspen quaking leaves, the scent of damp earth and pine resin, the sudden splash of river spray on your face. Each moment demands respect for nature’s force; these woods are fiercely themselves, unapologetically wild, urging visitors to tread thoughtfully and linger with awareness.

Whether you’re hiking the falls, photographing the fiery canopy, or simply driving with windows down to listen to the rush of the river, the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway Fall Color Tour blends straightforward access with immersive adventure. It neither rushes nor resists—it exists as an invitation to take in autumn’s raw energy, grounded in real-world details that ensure your exploration is memorable, manageable, and deeply rewarding.