Guide to Fall Colors

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The leaves are changing to their vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red and it’s the perfect time to get out and enjoy them!  To get the most out of the season, take one of these Fall Color Tours!

These magnificent changes are what I love most about fall.  Did you know that every city/county changes colors at its own rate?

You definitely want to keep an eye on fall color changes by using the Fall Color Report from Travel Wisconsin.  Click on the area you’re interested in visiting to see its progress!

Green Bay

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the fall colors!  Here are some great local spots to enjoy them:

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Take a stroll along their 6 miles of free hiking, walking, and cross-country ski trails!

Barkhausen Waterfowel Preserve

Enjoy fall colors while hiking through 9 miles of scenic marshes and forests.  Click here for a trail map. 

Devils River State Recreational Trail

Walk, run, or bike your way down 16 miles of trail from Denmark to Manitowoc County.  You can enjoy the view of Devils River on a steel trestle bridge.

East River Trail

Follow the 8 mile trail along the East River from Mason St in Green Bay to Ledgeview Park in Ledgeview.

Fox River Trail

This 20 mile long trail from downtown Green Bay to the Brown County and Calumet County Line offers asphalt and limestone screenings portions of the trail.  You can walk, bike, in-line skate, skateboard, and even horseback ride on certain portions of the trails.  A state trail pass is required for certain activities, including biking, in-line skating, and skateboarding for those over 16 years of age.

Heritage Hill State Park

Enjoy a beautiful walk of over 1.5 miles on 56 acres!  They are still offering free strolls on the hill and leashed dogs are welcome.

Mountain-Bay State Trail

You can enjoy 83 miles of beautiful fall colors along the Mountain-Bay State Trail which Starts at Howard Memorial Park and ends in Weston (just east of Wausau).  Walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and various winter activities are allowed on certain portions of the trail.  A state trail pass is required for biking.

Reforestation Camp

You can’t go wrong visiting the 1500 acres offered in the Reforestation Camp.  There are a multitude of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.  Or stop to let the kids play at the playground at the Pines Shelter (lower parking lot across from the NEW Zoo entrance).

UWGB Cofrin Memorial Arboretum

Enjoy fall colors while strolling or biking along 6 miles of trails through the natural area.  Click here for a map.

Bonus Areas:

Fonferek’s Glen

Features a 30 foot waterfall, geological wonders, and a natural conservancy area.  Located in Ledgeview.

Wequiock Falls

A gorgeous waterfall, the Niagara Escarpment rock formation, and a large ravine await you at this smaller park along Highway 57.

Fox Valley

1000 Islands Environmental Center

Meander along the 8 hiking trails taking you through wooded areas, along the Fox River, and conservancy areas, encompassing 350 acres!  Find the trails here. 

Bubolz Nature Preserve

Wander among 8.5 miles of trails through the preserve while you drink in all of the stunning fall colors.  Map

Stop at Kenna’s Kabin to let your children (under 10) play and explore with books, puzzles, games, slide, playhouse, and many other fun toys!

Heckrodt Wetland Reserve

Travel along the trails (map) to each learning station to get in touch with nature.  Everyone is sure to find something they love among its 76 acres of habitats.

High Cliff State Park

Hiking, biking, horse riding trails, a 40 foot lookout tower (great for viewing the Fall Colors!), camping, picnics, and many other amenities await you at High Cliff State Park.  You can find a map here and make sure you have your vehicle admission sticker.

Door County

Door County Coastal Byway

Probably one of the most picturesque areas in Wisconsin to view the amazing fall colors is along the Door County Coastal Byway.  No need for the iPad on this road trip; the beauty will envelop you as you wind around upper Door County via Highway 42 and then back via Highway 57.

Make this trip a weekend adventure and stop to enjoy the lighthouses, nature preserves, and the small communities along the way!

Learn more about what Door County has to offer in the fall by clicking here.

Peninsula State Park

Peninsula State Park offers a plethora of scenic views, lighthouses, walking, hiking, and biking trails, nature center, and amazing beach areas to enjoy fall colors.  A state vehicle admission sticker is required for entrance (or you can purchase a day pass).  Here’s a map of the park.

Washington Island

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a trip on the ferry over to Washington Island!  Enjoy their beaches and parks while you take in the beauty of fall!

Wausau

You will definitely want to add this one to your Fall Bucket List!

Rib Mountain State Park

Walk along one of 9 hiking trails throughout the park, which vary from as little as .25 miles to as much as 3.79 miles.  You will definitely want to stop at the 60 foot observation tower for breathtaking views of fall colors, which is located by the blue and green trails.  Map

Looking for something more adventurous?

Head over to Granite Peak Ski Area and enjoy the scenic views from the chairlift!!  It is a memory that will last a lifetime!  Tickets must be purchased in advance.

**For safety purposes, children under 3 years old are not allowed.  Children 3 and older must be able to sit next to you (cannot sit in your lap).  

Upper Peninsula - Michigan

One of the most spectacular trips you can take to view the fall colors is to the UP.  Fall colors change differently further up north sometimes, so keep an eye on the Fall Color Tour Report here.

Copper Harbor

I promise the 5+ hour drive is worth it.

US 41 will take you all the way to Copper Harbor and you will go through the “Tree Tunnel”, but I also suggest taking a little detour along M-26 and enjoy the beauty of the multitude of preserves, sanctuaries, lighthouses, and stunning Lake Superior views.

Brockway Mountain is a MUST SEE while there.  The 360 degree views of Lake Superior, inland lakes, and woodlands are awe-inspiring and it stands 735 feet above Copper Harbor.  (It’s also a little scary because it is so high, so keep your kids close!)

Hunter’s Point Park in Grant Township offers hiking paths and stunning views along the Lake Superior shoreline.  It’s a nature lovers dream!

BONUS

Marinette County Waterfall Tour

Enjoy the beauty of the changing leaves with the power and grace of waterfalls in Marinette County!  There are 14 different waterfalls to visit along this self-guided tour, with the hikes varying in length.  Find out all the details on how you can enjoy this picturesque area here

Where is your favorite place to view the fall colors in our area??  Share it with us in the comments!!!

For more fall fun, check out our Guide to Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches!

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