It starts with just a coolness in the air...and then the explosion of color throughout the countryside. Autumn has come to West Michigan, and it's an absolute must to drive around the Ludington and Scottville communities to truly enjoy the color. Search out a pumpkin patch and find your perfect gourd just in time for Halloween. Taste the goodness of the season with some fresh apple cider or creamy hot chocolate. Before the cold winds of winter are upon us, enjoy an afternoon drive around Mason County in October and fill your senses with the vibrant colors of fall.

Here is a sample route you can follow to see peak color in mid to late October:

Follow old P.M. Highway south out of Ludington and turn off on any of the country roads, such as Chauvez, Hawley, or Kistler. You'll appreciate the beauty of this area, with the Lake Winds Energy Park looming over the farmland. Follow Meisenheimer road west to South Lakeshore Drive. Turn right and drive past the Ludington Pumped Storage Plant...then continue north where you'll find Historic White Pine Village, Buttersville Peninsula, and the cold, brisk winds off Lake Michigan.

Take Iris Road back to old P.M. Highway and drive north to US-10. Turn east out of Ludington and head to Custer, then take Custer Road north, Sugar Grove Road east and Reek Road north to Fountain. Turn west on Fountain Road and north again on Custer road to Freesoil. These country roads bypass three small lakes, and it's a spectacular drive in the autumn. Further travel on Freesoil road west brings you to US-31. From there you can turn on Fountain road west to Angling to Jebavy to Dewey. You'll find yourself in the Hamlin Lake area. The shoreline along Lakeshore Drive is especially beautiful--park your car (a perfect place is Long Skinny Park) and look across at the brilliant colors of Ludington State Park. Follow Lakeshore Drive back into Ludington.

For biking or hiking, you can't beat the Ludington State Park. There are nine trails (18 miles) you can choose from, and each one offers magnificent color. You can also visit the Ludington School Forest, located in the Bryant-Tinkham-Sherman areas of town. You can hike or bike the five miles of trails through rich forested land.

Click Here for Printable Adobe PDF Version of the map

September and October are fantastic months to get out in Mason County and enjoy the natural beauty that Mother Nature provides in the fall. There's simply nothing better!

Manistee County Fall Color Tour
Oceana County Fall Color Tour

Fall Festivals & Events in West Michigan: Ludington, Manistee, Pentwater, Silver Lake, and more...

More to Love About Autumn in West Michigan...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.