Suggested route from St. Ignace to Pictured Rocks...and back

Question

Looking for help with a last minute mini-trip to the UP. Just two adults who like to hike and hoping to catch some beautiful fall colors along the way.

We are driving from Ohio the 1st full week of October. We have 2 nights already booked on Mackinac Island and want to spend an additional 2 nights/3 days exploring some of the UP. Looking for the best scenic routes and fun stops along the way. We have not fixed any lodging or other plans beyond Mackinac Island.

I would like some suggestions for the best way to spend our time between St. Ignace to Pictured Rocks...and back. At Pictured Rocks, we plan to take the boat tour and do a bit of hiking. Afterwards, we'll heading to Traverse City/Sleeping Bear Dunes for the last couple of days before heading to Chicago (business trip)

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

For a short fall trip to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, driving from St. Ignace to Pictured Rocks offers some of the most scenic routes in the region, especially during early October when the fall colors are at their peak. Since you already have two nights booked on Mackinac Island, you can plan your UP leg as a loop with 2 nights/3 days focusing on Munising and the surrounding areas.

Here’s a suggested itinerary and route:

Day 1 – St. Ignace to Munising via US-2/US-41: After leaving Mackinac Island and returning to St. Ignace, take US-2 west along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, then US-41 north. This route passes through charming small towns like Naubinway and offers forested areas with scenic overlooks perfect for fall photography.
Stops Along the Way:

Straits of Mackinac overlook – a quick stop for scenic photos before leaving St. Ignace.
Kalkaska or Munising-area forest trails – short hikes to stretch your legs and enjoy the fall colors.
Chapel Rock or other roadside scenic points for waterfalls and lakeside views.

Arrive in Munising in the late afternoon, check into your lodging, and explore the small downtown area for dinner.

Day 2 – Pictured Rocks Exploration: Start with a morning boat tour of Pictured Rocks from Munising harbor. This is the best way to see the colorful cliffs, waterfalls, and unique rock formations along Lake Superior.
Afternoon hiking options:

Miners Castle trail – short hike with panoramic views.
Chapel Falls and Mosquito Falls trails – easy hikes showcasing waterfalls and colorful foliage.
Beach access at Sand Point or Twelvemile Beach if you want to walk along Lake Superior.

Evening: Dinner in Munising, or a drive to nearby Grand Marais for a quieter small-town experience.

Day 3 – Return toward Traverse City/Sleeping Bear Dunes: Depart Munising early and take M-28 west toward Marquette, then US-41 south along Lake Superior's shoreline, or opt for a more direct inland route via US-2/US-131. Both routes offer scenic forests and potential stops at waterfalls or small towns along the way.
Optional stops en route:

Au Train Falls or Sand Point Overlook – for quick scenic photos.
Marquette – a lively town for coffee, lunch, and a stroll along Lake Superior’s shoreline.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge – for short hikes or wildlife spotting if time allows.

Arrive in Traverse City in the evening, check into lodging, and rest before exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes the next day.

Additional tips:

Book accommodations in Munising and Traverse City early, as October can still see moderate tourism, especially around fall color peak weekends.
Dress in layers and bring waterproof hiking shoes; the UP can be chilly and damp in October.
Check boat tour schedules for Pictured Rocks in advance; some tours end in mid-October.
Allow extra time for scenic stops — the drive itself is part of the experience, especially with fall foliage.

This route allows you to enjoy both the natural beauty of Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior while making a smooth transition to Traverse City and Sleeping Bear Dunes for the final leg of your trip.