Fall colors are beginning to emerge in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, which was just voted the No. 1 destination in the U.S. for fall foliage by the readers of USA Today 10Best.

Fall colors are just getting started on Mackinac Island, which received its own national accolades this week, coming in at No. 2 on USA Today 10Best's list of the best spots in the U.S. to visit this fall. Peak color is expected to arrive on the island October 6-12, and the fall season is perfect for hiking and biking on the island's 70 miles of trails, horse-drawn carriage tours and water activities like Great Turtle Kayak tours, Sip N’ Sail Cruises and Brown Eyed Girl Charters. Enjoy seasonal food & beverage menus at select restaurants, and celebrate the "spooky season" on the island during the annual Halloween Weekend (Oct. 25-27), which includes the Great Turtle Trail Run, trick or treating for kids downtown, and adult costume parties and live music in the evenings.

A few pops of reds and yellows have appeared in Marquette, where visitors can enjoy hiking and biking on more than 300 miles of trails, including the Iron Ore Heritage Trail and Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers spectacular views of the fall foliage along Lake Superior throughout the fall season. Scenic drives wind their way through the rugged beauty of the Upper Peninsula in virtually any direction, and paddling on the area's rivers and inland lakes offers more stunning fall views.

With peak fall color expected to arrive Oct. 6-12, a visit to Marquette for events like Fall Phantasm: Festival of Myth and Fire (Oct. 5th), Lake Superior Performance Rally (Oct. 11 - 13), and Fresh Coast Film Festival (Oct. 17 - 20) could be perfectly timed for taking in the autumn splendor. For more event info go to travelmarquette.com/events.

Fall colors are just getting started on the Keweenaw Peninsula, with peak fall color expected from September 29 through October 5. This week, visitors can enjoy fall colors mixed with green foliage best seen along the Keweenaw's scenic highways and byways.

With mild weather still in the forecast, fall beach days are still on the menu - great for early fall swims and rockhounding along Lake Superior. It’s also a great time to mountain bike on the region’s incredible trail network or take a relaxing walk at Nara Nature Park with the family. When fall arrives in its full splendor, visitors can look forward to birds-eye views with Isle Royale Seaplane Aerial Color Tours, Fall Color Chair Lifts at Mount Bohemia, as well as boat tours along the canal, Lake Superior and Jacobsville Sandstone cliffs.

Plan your trip around one (or more) of the Keweenaw Peninsula’s fall events like Oktoberfest at the Harbor Haus (September 28), Keweenaw Plaidurday and Brew Street (October 4), or the Keweenaw Color Run (October 5th). See a full list of fall festivals and events in the Keweenaw Peninsula here.

In the Escanaba area, fall colors are just getting started. As the colors continue to emerge, the dense forests, rolling hills, and miles of pristine shoreline along Lake Michigan offer a wide range of vantage points to take in the season's reds, oranges and yellows. Peak fall color is expected to arrive Oct. 6-12, making the scenic drives along the Bays de Noc and the winding roads that lead through tree-lined peninsulas ideal for leaf-peeping.

Home of the famous Soo Locks in the eastern Upper Peninsula, Sault Ste. Marie is expecting peak fall color from September 29 through October 5. When creating your itinerary, some must-stop attractions include Monocle Lake Hiking Trail, Mission Hill Overlook, Point Iroquois Lighthouse, kayaking in the St. Marys River, Big Pine Picnic Area, or check out downtown and the Soo Locks Park. A trip to the Sault Ste. Marie area isn’t complete without a visit to Tahquamenon Falls, one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. If a seasonal festival is more your style, upcoming events include Bird's Eye Outfitters Oktoberfest (September 28).

Photo: Fall is arriving on Mackinac Island, Courtesy of Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

In the northwest Lower Peninsula, Traverse City is starting to see spots of fall color along Grand Traverse Bay and in the surrounding region. Peak fall color is expected October 13-19, and visitors can enjoy a drive on scenic M-22 or Old Mission Peninsula, watching the colors change from nearly 50 wineries, and hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Find more family fun on the farm at the corn maze at Jacob's Farm or the kids’ play area at Myrtle & Maude's Farm. Celebrate the fall season, Michigan craft beer, and the Frankfort food scene during Frankfort Beer Week (Sept. 30 - Oct. 5).

The Petoskey Area is seeing a few pops of red and orange, with peak fall color expected October 13-19. Home to one of Michigan’s iconic fall drives, the Tunnel of Trees, there are plenty of seasonal attractions in the area to create the perfect itinerary from pumpkin patches and fall markets to scenic chairlift rides. For real-time updates on fall color to time your trip perfectly, check out the region’s live webcams. Round out your trip with a must-visit fall event like Balloons Over Bay Harbor (September 20-21), Biketemberfest (September 20-22), Petoskey Wine Region Harvest Showcase (Sept 21), Fall Festival Weekends at Pond Hill Farm (September 21 - October 27) and the Festival of the Book in Harbor Springs (Sept. 27-29).

Just south of Petoskey on the shores of Lake Michigan and beautiful Lake Charlevoix, Charlevoix is also mostly green with pops of color. Here visitors can experience charming boutique shops and local dining options downtown, as well as the famous Earl Young Mushroom Houses and Castle Farms. Peak fall color is expected October 13-19.

Further south along Lake Michigan, the White Lake area is seeing pockets of color blending with the lush green foliage, with peak color expected Sept. 29-Oct. 5. Visitors can hike, bike, and kayak in the area's parks, explore Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, or tour the White River Light Station as they take in the colors this fall. For the month of October, visitors can enjoy the Depot to Depot self-guided fall color tour between the White Lake Depot and the Muskegon Depot. Pumpkinfest in Downtown Montague (October12) offers a family-friendly day of pumpkin-inspired events.

In the northeast Lower Peninsula, Cheboygan is seeing some initial splashes of color in maple trees, with peak color expected Sept. 29-Oct. 5. Visit the Cheboygan area this fall to take in a color tour, visit the area's breweries & restaurants, or plan your visit around fall events like Tap into the Trails & Oktoberfest (September 21),  Tractors & Treats Fall Festival (October 12), Ghouls Gambit Poker Run(October 12), and the Scarecrow Stroll throughout October.

In the heart of the northern Lower Peninsula, Gaylord is showing signs of fall color, with peak fall color expected October 6-12. Here visitors can experience river rafting, scenic drives, hiking and biking and some of the state’s best golf. If you’re heading east toward the beautiful waters of Lake Huron, the Oscoda Area is perfect for ORV/trail riding, hiking, biking, camping, canoeing and fishing.

Visit Cadillac, a Pure Michigan Trail Town, which has access to the Big Manistee River, Pine River and numerous inland lakes. Cadillac is home to forests of a wide variety of trees, with a few glimpses of color beginning to appear and peak color expected October 20-26. Experience breathtaking views of the fall foliage from your car, bicycle, kayak, canoe, motorcycle, or on foot. Add one of Cadillac’s fall festivities to your trip, including the Earthwork Harvest Gathering (September 20-22), Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival (September 28) and Fall Color Jeep Run (October 11-13). Find more fall events in Cadillac here.

The hardwood and softwood trees in West Branch are just starting to turn colors, with peak color expected Oct. 6-12. Visitors to the area can take in the fall colors on the area's hiking, biking and ORV trails, explore Irons Park and Rifle River Recreation Area, or take a self-guided color tour of Ogemaw County.

Photo: The Petoskey waterfront, courtesy of Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

One of Michigan’s largest cities, Grand Rapids is seeing a tiny bit of color peeking through in the trees along the Grand River. Fall is a perfect time to plan your trip to this artsy city with the arrival of ArtPrize (through September 28), a citywide art gallery that draws visitors and artists from around the world. A fall trip to Grand Rapids isn’t complete without a visit to the area’s apple orchards, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and tasting the city’s fall and pumpkin craft beers. More seasonal events include Oktoberfest GR (September 27), Red Flannel Festival (October 5) and Día de los Muertos Festival (October 26-27). Find more fall trip ideas in Grand Rapids here.

Across the state in Frankenmuth, trees along Main Street have glimpses of orange, yellow, and red starting to show. Peak color is expected Sept. 29-Oct. 5 in Michigan's "Little Bavaria," and the fall season is filled with fun activities like the Frankenmuth Aerial Park, The Bavarian Belle, Frankenmuth Funships, Grandpa Tiny's Farm, and Weiss Centennial Farm. Plan your trip around fall events like Frankenmuth Oktoberfest (September 19th-22nd), Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival (September 27-28), and Michigan's Big Country Fest (October 4-5). More information about fall in Frankenmuth can be found here.

Colors are also beginning to emerge in the nearby Great Lakes Bay region, with peak color expected Oct. 6-12. Looking for a fall adventure? Enjoy a fall color tour on Johnny Panther Quests Adventure Trips through the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, climb two observation towers at Tobico Marsh inside Bay City State Park, venture out to an Arboretum with 100+ species of Michigan-native trees & shrubs at Chippewa Nature Center, or lose yourself in captivating color at Dow Gardens with a bird's-eye view of autumn beauty from the nation's longest canopy walk, hovering over 54 gorgeous acres of natural landscape.

Visit Mt. Pleasant for family fun at Papa's Pumpkin Patch for fresh apple cider and donuts – and to find your next jack-o-lantern. While peak fall color isn’t expected until October 13-19, visitors can see pops of color as they paddle down the 72-mile Chippewa River and hike or bike over 1,000 acres of parkland and over 20 miles of trails. Round out your trip with a seasonal event like Mt. Pleasant Annual Applefest (September 28), Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest (October) and Maroon & Gold Express (October 12).

Head east to the Blue Water Area, also known as Michigan’s Thumbcoast, along 140 miles of shoreline to experience family fun all fall long and more than 60 events to celebrate the season. Peak fall color is expected in the region October 6-12.

Photo: A colorful art exhibit at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, courtesy of Experience Grand Rapids

Experience autumnal sunsets along Lake Michigan in South Haven. Fall foliage is just beginning to grace the landscape, with ungrouped patches forming. More solid fall color is expected in early-mid October, with peak color arriving October 6-12. In South Haven visitors can explore 11 unique natural attractions just in time for fall with the South Haven Pure Michigan Trail Town Challenge. From the dunes of Van Buren State Park to the deep ravines and winding waters of the Black River Preserve, each location has been carefully chosen to showcase the natural beauty of the area. Check-in at each location by hiking, biking or paddling across town to receive a limited-edition hat to wear with pride as you explore the Great Lakes State and beyond. Find more seasonal events here.

The locust trees in downtown Holland are changing to yellow, with peak color expected Oct. 13-19. Fall visitors to this beautiful Lake Michigan community can enjoy hiking, biking, and pickleball, discover local flavors at Holland Farmers Market, and celebrate the season at fall events like Holland Fall Fest (Oct. 4-5) and the Firetruck Parade (Oct. 4).

Just down the coast of Lake Michigan in Saugatuck, a few reds and yellows are beginning to appear, with peak color expected Oct. 13-19. Head to the Saugatuck-Douglas area this fall to go apple picking at Crane Orchards U-Pick and Corn Maze, get out on the water aboard the Star of Saugatuck, or explore the dunes with Saugatuck Dune Rides. Discover more fall adventures in Saugatuck-Douglas here.

On the east side of the state in Ann Arbor, gold and yellow hues are starting to pop up all over the area. The picturesque Huron River Drive between Ann Arbor and Dexter is peppered with bursts of gold and orange. Do you love visiting cider mills in the fall? The Ann Arbor area has great selection, including Michigan's oldest cider mill, Dexter Cider Mill. For fans of "spooky season," Wiard's Orchard in Ypsilanti is famous for it's bone chilling "Night Terrors" haunted houses, one of the largest haunted thrill parks in Michigan. For adventure seekers, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail offers over 20 miles of top-tier mountain biking track, located in Michigan’s largest state park in the Lower Peninsula, the Waterloo State Recreation Area. 

Experience the excitement of Detroit this fall with peak color expected to arrive October 20-26. Explore the outdoors in and around the city at cider mills and apple orchards, outdoor trails, metroparks, Glenlore Trails, Belle Isle and the award-winning Detroit International RiverWalk. Continue your getaway with events that celebrate the season, kicking off in September with Detroit Month of Design, Halloween celebrations in October and the famous America’s Thanksgiving Parade in November.

South of Detroit on the shores of Lake Erie, fall in Monroe is just getting started with some oranges and yellows beginning to show. Peak color expected October 13-19. Visitors can experience the beauty of the season outdoors by hiking, kayaking down the River Raisin and biking on local trails. Find fun on the farm by visiting a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch like Erie Orchard & Cider Mill, Duke Petting Farm and Carriage Company, Calder Dairy & Farm, Bennett’s Orchard, Harnica Kid's Pumpkin Farm, Trabbic's Pumpkin Farm, Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm, Kackleberry Farms and Farmer J's World Record Corn Maze.

There are plenty of fall festivals to complete your trip to Monroe, like Flower & Fall Festival (September 14), Downtown Monroe Craft Beer Fest (September 21), Harvest Of Splendor (October 4-6), River Raisin Renaissance Faire Harvest Of Splendor at the Castle of Erie (October 4-6) Pumpkin Palooza (October 5) and the Harbor Harvest Festival at Woodchuck Creek Marina (October 12). Find more events in Monroe here.  

Located on Michigan’s southern border, Lenawee County is expecting peak fall color October 13-14 – but visitors don’t have to wait to experience an abundance of fall festivals. These include Artalicious Fine Arts Fair (September 21-22), Clinton Fall Festival (September 27-29), October First Friday – Fall Fest (October 4), Morenci Fall Fest (October 5), Appleumpkin Festival (October 12-13), Southern Michigan Railroad Fall Colors Tour (October and November) and Hidden Lake Gardens Fall Foliage Festival (October 19). Find more events in Lenawee County here.  

Photo: Fall in Holland, Michigan, courtesy of Discover Holland