The best scenic drives include the M-119 Tunnel of Trees, the rural Breezeway route through historic farming communities, and the scenic loops around pristine inland lakes. The coastal tree canopy stretches 50 miles along the shoreline and takes approximately 1 1/4 hours to drive, with fall foliage making it a memorable seasonal outing.
A beautiful drive here is about more than the destination: it’s the changing color overhead, glimpses of water, and quiet countryside roads along the way. This guide to regional scenic drives will help you choose a route for your day, whether you’re after the famous lakeshore canopy, charming small-town stops, or a relaxed loop through picturesque valley communities. Find out what each drive offers and how to enjoy the scenery at an unhurried pace.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the 50-mile Tunnel of Trees for a Lake Michigan shoreline drive, especially when you’re hoping to see fall color.
- Follow the Breezeway from Atwood through Ellsworth and East Jordan to Boyne Falls for a countryside route linking small towns.
- Use the guide’s practical tips to make back-road foliage viewing more enjoyable and choose stops that suit your pace.
- Plan a Lake Charlevoix loop through East Jordan, Boyne City, and Charlevoix, or explore other Chain of Lakes towns.
- Compare the routes by scenery, towns, and driving time to shape a Northern Michigan outing that fits your day.
1. M-119 Tunnel of Trees day trip
For travelers comparing northern Michigan scenic drives near Charlevoix, M-119’s Tunnel of Trees is a memorable lakeshore choice. The route runs north of Charlevoix along Lake Michigan and covers 50 miles. Driving it takes approximately 1 1/4 hours, before adding time for stops. Fall foliage is a popular reason to make the trip, though the shoreline and wooded road also shape the experience.
For Sleeping Bear Dunes, head south from Charlevoix on U.S. 31 toward the Lake Michigan shoreline. The Tunnel of Trees heads north, so it’s a separate outing rather than a direct route to the dunes. If your plans include both, treat them as distinct drives and allow time for the distance between destinations.
See the route’s fall scenery and driving perspective in this video:
US-31 connects Charlevoix with Petoskey and continues toward Harbor Springs. The time depends on traffic, stops, and your chosen route. For the shoreline experience, continue toward Harbor Springs and follow M-119; allow extra time to enjoy the scenery instead of treating the drive as a quick transfer.
Near Harbor Springs, Good Hart General Store is a named stop along the route. M-119 also includes Gill Road for three miles to Bliss and its junction with Pleasantview Road. These points offer useful landmarks as the road winds through wooded countryside and along Lake Michigan. Stop only where it’s safe and appropriate.
M-119 is a road-trip route, not a seasonal attraction with a set visiting schedule. Weather and maintenance can affect access, so posted signs and road conditions matter in every season. The route’s curves and changing views call for attentive driving. Keep your focus on the road, leave room for other vehicles, and pull over safely before taking photos.
Among northern Michigan scenic drives near Charlevoix, the Tunnel of Trees stands out for its mix of tree canopy and shoreline views. Plan how much time you want for stops, then choose safe places to pull over and enjoy the scenery. This simple approach leaves room for the views without rushing the drive.
The described Northern Michigan road-trip route starts in Elk Rapids, follows the Lake Michigan and Torch Lake shoreline, passes through Boyne City and Charlevoix, and loops back to US 131. This broader circuit gives travelers a way to place Charlevoix within a longer shoreline outing, rather than treating the Tunnel of Trees as the only drive in the area. Its stated sequence can help shape an itinerary: decide where you want to begin, note the communities along the way, and keep the return to US 131 in view when planning your day.
If you are combining this circuit with M-119, consider them as separate parts of your plans and leave flexibility for pauses. The circuit includes both Lake Michigan and Torch Lake shoreline, while the Tunnel of Trees is the northbound outing described above. Choose which experience matters most, then set a pace that leaves room to enjoy the route instead of trying to rush through it. Checking your intended path before setting out can also help you keep the loop and your planned stops clear. As with any road trip, make decisions about pauses and photos only when safely off the road.
2. The Breezeway route through Atwood, Ellsworth, East Jordan, and Boyne Falls
The Breezeway links Atwood, Ellsworth, East Jordan, and Boyne Falls along a countryside route. Follow it for small-town streets and rural views, with a closer look at northern Michigan communities. East Jordan also connects to Lake Charlevoix, while Boyne City is a possible detour for a broader lakeside outing.
For a drive centered on river and forest scenery, add the Jordan Valley Scenic Drive. This 20-mile route follows the Jordan River Valley, with wooded stretches and river views. Fall brings red and gold leaves to the valley, making this route a natural complement to the Breezeway’s town-to-town character. The two drives offer different scenery, so choose based on whether you prefer villages or a river corridor.
A longer option is the Jordan River Valley Tour, which covers 50 miles and takes approximately 1 hour to drive. It begins one mile west of Boyne Falls on M-75. After the junction with U.S. 131, the Deadman’s Hill turnoff comes five miles farther along. That named turnoff can help orient your route through the valley.
River activities can extend the outing beyond the car. The Jordan River is a natural choice for kayaking or rafting, while the valley drive offers a land-based way to experience the same landscape. Build your day around one activity, and leave time to transition between driving and being on the water. Forest and river views, along with scenic overlooks, also make the Jordan Valley drive worthwhile.
Are there tolls, parking fees, or other costs on scenic drives near Charlevoix? The Ironton Ferry on the separate Circle Lake Charlevoix route charges a nominal fee, payable in cash only. Keep this in mind if you combine drives. The fee does not apply to the Breezeway itself.
For scenic stops on nearby routes, Torch Bay Nature Preserve has hiking trails, dunes, and views of Torch Lake. William Good Day Park is a waterfront stop on the lake, while Charlevoix’s South Pier Lighthouse offers a short walk and a photo opportunity. Together, these stops add beaches, parkland, and shoreline scenery to a regional itinerary.
To make the route practical, start in Atwood or Boyne Falls and follow the Breezeway through its four towns. Add the Jordan Valley Scenic Drive for forest and river views, or continue toward Lake Charlevoix and Boyne City. If Traverse City is part of a longer trip, plan it as a separate leg rather than squeezing it into this countryside loop.
3. Fall color viewing and countryside back roads
For a picturesque countryside loop, try the 65-mile Surf and Turf route from Charlevoix. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes without extended stops. Follow U.S. 31 South through Charlevoix for 12 miles, then turn onto Atwood Road. After five miles, turn onto Church Road. This sequence leads away from the main highway and through quieter rural scenery.
Another option is the Tri County Tour, a 62-mile drive that takes approximately 1 1/4 hours. Follow Straits Highway for seven miles before reaching Thumb Lake Road. These directions give the outing a clear starting structure, while the countryside roads invite a slower pace. In fall, look for changing leaves along the route, then use a safe place to pull over before taking in a view.
For an outdoor break between drives, the Lake to Lake Trail connects Lake Charlevoix with Lake Michigan through tree-covered paths. Leave the car behind for a walk and take in the landscape at a gentler pace. Ransom Nature Preserve offers views of Charlevoix, Beaver Island, and the Leelanau Peninsula, making it a useful stop for a broad look across the region.
Several Lake Michigan stops pair well with countryside roads. Antrim Creek Natural Area has forested trails leading to a quiet beach. Barnes Park Campground offers Lake Michigan beach access and hiking trails. Fisherman’s Island State Park has six miles of shoreline, adding a longer coastal walk to a drive focused on fall color.
For a lakeside park rather than a trail, Young State Park covers 560 acres on Lake Charlevoix’s north arm, between Charlevoix and Boyne City. That location makes it a natural addition to a day that includes both inland roads and lakeshore views. Choose one outdoor stop that suits your pace, rather than trying to fit every park into one drive.
For a practical itinerary, pair one road loop with one walking stop. The Surf and Turf route can lead to a break near Atwood Road, while the Tri County Tour offers a separate countryside drive. Add the Lake to Lake Trail or Ransom Nature Preserve for scenery beyond the windshield. A lighthouse visit can round out the day: Charlevoix’s South Pier Lighthouse is a short-walk photo stop.
Keep the route flexible as foliage changes across the landscape. The Jordan Valley Scenic Drive is a 20-mile option for forest and river views, especially in fall, when leaves turn red and gold. Combining that drive with a countryside loop gives you distinct views without making every stop a roadside photo break.
4. Chain of Lakes route and towns
The 35-mile Circle Lake Charlevoix route links Charlevoix, East Jordan, and Boyne City. Driving takes approximately 50 minutes, excluding possible waits for the bridge and ferry. Lake Charlevoix stretches 17 miles and covers over 17,000 acres, so shoreline views shape much of this loop. Allow extra time for town stops rather than treating the route as only a drive.
From Charlevoix, follow U.S. 31 South for five miles, then turn onto Ferry Road. Another route cue places Mercer Boulevard after about one mile on U.S. 31. Use those turns to plan your loop, and leave time for the Ironton Ferry crossing. Its wait can affect the drive, so the estimated travel time doesn’t include that pause.
For another lakeside outing, drive south from Charlevoix toward Eastport along the Torch Lake shoreline. Alden sits on Torch Lake’s eastern shore and makes a natural town stop. At Torch Bay Nature Preserve, hiking trails cross dunes with views of the lake. William Good Day Park offers a waterfront setting for a quieter break.
The broader Chain of Lakes drive passes through Bellaire, Elk Rapids, and Central Lake. A series of connected lakes and rivers gives the drive a different feel from a single-lake circuit. Choose a town as your turnaround point, or use the route to connect several waterfront communities. Take in the scenery at a relaxed pace, planning stops around the lakes you most want to see.
From Boyne City, Walloon Lake makes a worthwhile detour. The lake is associated with Ernest Hemingway, adding a literary note to the countryside scenery. Petoskey can also fit into a wider Northern Michigan itinerary, though it’s a separate destination from the Circle Lake Charlevoix loop. Keep the day manageable by choosing one main route and one detour.
To choose between these drives, match the route to the scenery you prefer. Choose Circle Lake Charlevoix for three towns and a broad lake loop. Head toward Eastport for Torch Lake’s shoreline and Alden. Take the Bellaire, Elk Rapids, and Central Lake route to explore interconnected waterside communities. Each option offers a different way to experience the lakes and towns around Charlevoix.
On the Circle Lake Charlevoix route, U.S. 31 runs about one mile before the turn onto Mercer Boulevard. The route also turns onto Ferry Road after 5 miles on U.S. 31 South from Charlevoix. Keep both road names and their stated distances in mind when planning the drive, so each turn cue is easy to distinguish.
From Boyne City, Walloon Lake is recommended as a detour and is described as a lake loved by Ernest Hemingway. Good Hart General Store has welcomed visitors since 1934. These details offer additional points to consider when choosing stops around the route, alongside the towns and lakes already included in your plans.
5. Driving-season foliage
Fall color is a popular reason to drive the Tunnel of Trees, but views change along the route. Lake Michigan appears between wooded stretches, so keep your attention on driving rather than watching the roadside. Choose a safe place to stop before taking photos. A simple plan helps: enjoy the canopy from the road, then pause at a suitable town or viewpoint.
For a quieter countryside outing, use the Breezeway towns as natural breaks. Atwood, Ellsworth, East Jordan, and Boyne Falls offer places to pause between rural stretches. Look for changing leaves, then take a proper break before continuing. This keeps the drive relaxed and gives you time to enjoy each town rather than racing through the route.
The Jordan Valley Scenic Drive offers a different fall palette. The route follows the Jordan River Valley, where forest and river views frame leaves turning red and gold. Make the valley the focus of its own outing instead of adding too many unrelated stops. A dedicated route gives you more time to notice how the wooded scenery shifts beside the river.
Near Charlevoix, downtown makes a useful starting or finishing point for a fall drive. Walk beside the harbor, browse boutiques, or take a break at a lakeside café. Charlevoix’s South Pier Lighthouse offers a short walk and photo opportunity. These stops provide a waterfront change of pace without a long detour from town.
For a closer look at Charlevoix’s distinctive architecture, seek out the Mushroom Houses. Earl Young designed the stone cottages using materials such as fieldstone, limestone, and boulders found around Northern Michigan. They add a local landmark to a foliage outing. Since these are residential homes, visit respectfully, then return to the road or downtown harbor.
Michigan Beach offers another lakeside pause during a fall drive. The beach has soft sand, a playground, a snack shack, and restrooms. Lake Michigan’s shoreline provides a welcome contrast to a wooded back road. Choose a stop that suits your group, and avoid packing in more destinations than you can enjoy at an unhurried pace.
Before setting out, choose one main route and a few stops. For example, pair a countryside drive with downtown Charlevoix, or make the Jordan River Valley the day’s focus. Leave time for slower progress through towns and for safe stops. This simple plan brings foliage, Lake Michigan views, and local landmarks together in a comfortable outing.
Pointes North Inn: One Bedroom Suite
Pointes North Inn’s One Bedroom Suite gives travelers a comfortable home base for scenic drives from Charlevoix. A downtown stay makes it easy to pair countryside routes with time around the harbor, shops, and lakeside cafés. For a different setup, choose a Two Bedroom Suite, King Suite with Kitchenette, or Pet Friendly Condominium.
Consider the One Bedroom Suite when a Northern Michigan foliage trip calls for a home base between drives, small-town stops, and relaxed evenings in Charlevoix. Explore the suite options, and visit Pointes North Inn’s website to plan your stay.
Make Your Charlevoix Getaway Your Own
Let northern Michigan scenic drives near Charlevoix shape a getaway that feels like your own. Leave time for spontaneous town stops, a quiet evening after the road, and the pleasures you don’t want to rush. A comfortable home base makes those unhurried moments part of the trip, not just the miles between destinations.
Pointes North Inn offers One Bedroom Suites, Two Bedroom Suites, and King Suites with Kitchenettes for different travel plans. Choose the stay that suits your getaway, then leave space in your itinerary for the discoveries that make a trip memorable.
Contact Pointes North Inn today to plan your Charlevoix stay. Your next countryside escape is ready to take shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most scenic drives near Charlevoix, Michigan?
Strong choices include M-119’s Tunnel of Trees, the Breezeway, the Circle Lake Charlevoix loop, and the Jordan Valley Scenic Drive. Pick M-119 for a Lake Michigan shoreline experience, or the Jordan Valley route for forest and river scenery. The Breezeway connects small towns, while the Circle Lake Charlevoix drive links several lakeside communities. For a varied day, choose one main drive and add a nearby town stop.
Which scenic drives near Charlevoix follow Lake Michigan shoreline or inland lakes?
M-119’s Tunnel of Trees follows the Lake Michigan shore. For inland-water scenery, the Circle Lake Charlevoix route circles Lake Charlevoix, while the Torch Lake drive heads south from Charlevoix toward Eastport. The wider Chain of Lakes drive connects Bellaire, Elk Rapids, and Central Lake. Choose by the water views you want: open Great Lakes shoreline, a single inland lake, or interconnected lakes and rivers.
Where are the best fall color drives near Charlevoix, and when is peak foliage?
The Tunnel of Trees and Jordan Valley Scenic Drive are popular fall choices. The Jordan Valley route offers forest and river scenery, with leaves turning red and gold. There is no fixed peak-foliage date for every route. Color timing varies with seasonal conditions, so plan flexibly and enjoy the drive even if different stretches are at different stages of change. Town stops make pleasant breaks between foliage views.
