GAYLORD, MI – Some hefty wildlife, or some beautifully wild views: You have a couple fun choices when you’re picking a fall color drive route near this Up North adventure spot.
Autumn colors are heading toward their breathtaking peak in this Alpine-themed town, and the forests in the area are lighting up with reds, deep yellows and bright shades of orange.
We checked in with our friends at the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, who have mapped out two colorful driving routes for autumn leaf peepers this year.
They both offer big views, but each has their own kind of flair.
“You can’t take a wrong turn in Gaylord in the fall even if you try,” tourism staff said. “Every mile of highway, scenic country road and dirt two-track has its own hidden gem for leafers to discover.”
Route #1, Northeast Tour
This route that heads north out of town is all about enjoying some beautiful country roads while heading toward the big prize: Possibly seeing some of Michigan’s wild elk herd in “The Big Wild” – also known as the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
These 114,000 acres of meadows and woods are home to the largest free-ranging elk herd east of the Mississippi River.
September and October are mating season months for these big animals. This means the bull elks can be heard “bugling” and making other vocalizations as they shake their big antlers and try to drive other bulls from their territory.
The best – and safest – viewing is going to be from your car with binoculars or a spotting scope. For a map of elk viewing areas and the best tips, check the Michigan DNR map here.
More Tips: When and where to see Michigan’s wild elk during bugling season.
Route #2 Northwest Tour
Heading west out of town takes you down some colorful forest corridors before you take a bead on this amazing view: the Deadman’s Hill Overlook. This stunning spot looks out over the Jordan River Valley. It also has a cool trail system hooked into it for both long hikes and a short, looped walk.
Lovable Michigan tip: Want to stay in town and see elk? You can do that, too. And it’s now easier with the big new Elk Park viewing platform the city added near Aspen Park at the edge of town. It even has a paved, lighted trail along the penned elk herd’s fence that connects right to the next-door park, making it great for a walk any time of day.
Antlers Ahead: Up North’s newest elk viewing platform lets you see 800-pound animals up close
2 spectacular Michigan Fall Color Tours: Drive into wild elk country, cruise past Deadman’s Hill
