3 Epic Fall Microadventures

Grab your flannel, dust off those hiking boots, and keep reading as we dive into the top three Microadventures that'll have you falling for northern Michigan autumn.

Microadventures #15
Drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Photo: @karfar

Is there anything more nostalgic than a fall road trip? We’ll wait.

Microadventure #15 will take you to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, located 40-ish minutes west of Traverse City within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Considered one of the most scenic routes in the country, this is a must-see when visiting the area.

 

View from Lake Michigan Overlook | Photo: @emilyalicephoto

Whether you’re driving, biking, or even hiking—this 7.4-mile traverse will take you on a front row showing of northern Michigan’s fall beauty, treating you to jaw-dropping views of Glen Lake, breathtaking sand dunes, and a canopy of fall foliage straight out of a movie scene. Sure, you can tackle this drive all summer, but there's something extra special about experiencing it during the season change. Have you ever driven through a red, orange, and yellow kaleidoscope? Didn’t think so.

While the majority of the drive is under tree canopy, there are ample opportunities to pull off and access 12 different viewpoints along the Cottonwood Trail. The highlight, by far, is the Lake Michigan Overlook.

A short hike will take you to an overhanging observation deck with an incredible view of the lake and a full horizon line of changing leaves. It’s the perfect opportunity to stop and take a moment to stroll and soak in those epic views.

For the more hardcore adventurers, feel free to kick it up a notch. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive isn't just for four wheels. Hiking and biking enthusiasts can get their fix as well. Just be warned, some climbs are steep and might give you a run for your money. It's not all smooth sailing, but we promise the views are worth every second.

The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive is your golden ticket to the ultimate fall color tour. Load up your favorite playlist, grab your crew, and hit the road! Pro tip: Don't forget your park pass!

Microadventure #31
Bike Palmer Woods

Lush views with a side of adernaline, please.

If you’re looking for an adventure off the beaten path, the Palmer Woods Forest Reserve might be up north’s best kept secret. Just a little over a mile from Big Glen Lake, this 1,075 acre woodland paradise is home to over 20 miles of looping trails for mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing⏤making it the perfect excursion in any season. While the preserve is accessible year round, we particularly recommend visiting in the fall as the crisp temperatures and secluded location make for optimal hiking and biking conditions.

Upon arrival, you’ll quickly realize Palmer Woods is an excellent place to zen out and get in touch with nature. Cell phone service is limited, so we recommend downloading the trail map ahead of time and biking with a buddy for safety. Feel free to bring the whole family along⏤many trails have easy to moderate ratings and can be enjoyed by explorers of all ages. Leashed pets are also welcome.

No gear? No problem! Our friends at The Crystal River Outfitters in Glen Arbor have you covered. Rent snowshoes, cross country skis, mountain bikes, or fat tire bikes for your trek—they’ll even deliver equipment to you.

Microadventure #20
Sip M22 Wine

Go ahead, wine about it.

If your idea of adventure includes a more leisurely, lounging type of vibe, look no further than Microadventure #20: Sip M22 Wine. Nestled in downtown Glen Arbor's Crystal River Outfitters Recreation District, the M22 Glen Arbor store is home to the M22 Tasting Bar and Wine Patio—a cozy outdoor oasis where you’ll find 16 wines and 2 ciders blended exclusively for M22 by local vineyard Black Star Farms.

Glen Arbor is especially adorable during this time of year, and the patio is the perfect place to kick back and appreciate fall in northern Michigan. The convenient location across from the Crystal River offers a front row view to all of nature’s vibrant autumn colors, and the impressive selection of local wine, cider, and nonalcoholic options means there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to check out the cheese board or seasonal beverage specials either—the mulled cherry wine, apple cider mimosas, and wine sparklers make an excellent reward following a day of activities.

This Microadventure is fun for the whole family, so don’t worry about bringing the kids or the dog along⏤They’re welcome, we promise! After grabbing your beverages and snacks, your group can gear up for a round of yard games (cornhole, anyone?) or relax while swapping stories beside the outdoor fire pit. In the late fall/winter, the patio offers igloos by reservation to lounge in for a truly unique seasonal experience.

Before you leave, commemorate your Microadventure (or grab a hoodie for your next one) by hopping inside and checking out the latest and greatest M22 products. The M22 Glen Arbor store carries everything M22, making it a shop-and-sip experience every leisure enthusiast can get on board with.

Well there you have it! We guarantee that any of these three activities will make for the perfect fall adventure. Still looking for more northern Michigan fun? Check out our full Microadventure Card Set for endless inspiration and a wide range of exursions for the whole family, in any season.


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