Michigan's 2025 Fall Foliage Forecast: When and Where to See Peak Colors

Plan Your 2025 Michigan Fall Foliage Adventure: Maps, Forecasts, and Unique Train Tours

Fall in Michigan is a spectacular display of vibrant colors, drawing visitors from near and far to experience the beauty of the changing leaves. From the bustling suburbs of Detroit to the serene landscapes of the Upper Peninsula, autumn offers a stunning backdrop for weekend getaways, cider tastings, and leaf-peeping excursions. This guide provides information on when and where to find the best fall colors in 2025, including foliage maps, forecasts, and unique train tour options.

Michigan Fall Color Forecast for 2025

Predicting peak fall foliage is not an exact science, but resources like the fall foliage predictor map from SmokyMountains.com can be helpful. Remember to stay flexible with your travel plans, as weather and other factors can influence the timing and intensity of the colors.

Week-by-Week Foliage Predictions:

• Week of Sept. 22: Patchy fall colors in metro Detroit and the Thumb area, with partial pops of autumn hues further north.
• Week of Sept. 29: Colors turning in metro Detroit and the lower portion of the state, reaching near-peak conditions Up North and in most of the Upper Peninsula.
• Week of Oct. 6: Peak fall color arrives in northern Michigan, with foliage nearing its best in Metro Detroit.
• Week of Oct. 13: Metro Detroit and the Thumb showcase peak fall colors. Most of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have moved past peak, with a few pockets still shining.
• Week of Oct. 20: Peak fall color has mostly passed across Michigan, with only a small portion of the U.P. remaining vibrant.

The fall equinox, marking the end of summer and the start of fall 2025, occurs at 2:19 p.m. on Sept. 22, 2025, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac.

Factors Influencing Fall Colors

Weather conditions play a significant role in the vibrancy of fall foliage. Warm, sunny days and cool nights are ideal. However, extreme drought, excessive rainfall, and warm periods can mute the colors. According to AccuWeather's long-range weather expert, Paul Pastelok, heavy rainfall and flooding can lead to duller colors in some areas. Drought conditions and wildfire smoke can also limit the vibrancy of colors in the interior West.

The changing colors are due to the breakdown of chlorophyll in leaves as daylight decreases. This reveals the carotenoids (yellow, orange, and brown) already present. Bright light and excess plant sugars produce anthocyanins, adding red hues.

Unique Michigan Fall Color Train Tours

Beyond traditional leaf-peeping, consider a relaxing Michigan fall color train tour for a unique perspective on the changing leaves. Here are a few options:

• Friends of Coopersville and Marne Railway: Offers the Famous Pumpkin Train with vintage locomotives and passenger cars. Features entertainment and a pumpkin patch.
• Southern Michigan Railroad Society: Provides scenic train rides with excellent views of changing leaves, especially from the open-air gondola car.
• Huckleberry Ghost Train Express at Crossroads Village: Combines fall foliage with Halloween-themed fun, including a 40-minute train ride.
• Little River Railroad: Operates scenic train rides powered by antique steam locomotives between Coldwater and Quincy.
• Cadillac Limited – Fall Color Tour (Note: Not offered in 2025): Hear the whistle of the Pere Marquette 1225 steam engine on a scenic journey from Mt. Pleasant to Cadillac.

Other Ways to Enjoy Michigan's Fall Foliage

In addition to train tours, explore Michigan's apple orchards, corn mazes, and other must-visit fall foliage destinations.