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Fall in Gaylord, MI

Fall in Gaylord ushers in the first whispers of cooler temperatures to come. Get outside and enjoy Gaylord’s famous Fall Color Tours and scenic drives firsthand. Take in the majesty of the forest ablaze in color while hiking or paddling along glassy shorelines. Check out our Farmer’s Market and even take in some elk viewing.

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All Outdoors Autumn

Fleming Farms

Lose yourself in a 4-acre corn maze, take a hayride into the pumpkin patch to choose from 1,000’s of plump pumpkins, visit the friendly animals at the petting zoo and more!

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All Outdoors Autumn

Downtown Farmer’s Market

Autumn is harvest time at the Downtown Gaylord Farmer’s Market under the Pavilion!  Along with fresh cut flowers, homemade desserts and locally sourced honey, you’ll find an abundant selection of delectable in-season fruits and veggies.

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All Outdoors Autumn

Elk Viewing

Elk are most active during the fall, so whether you’re viewing them from the sidelines of the City Elk Park or touring backroads in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, our elk are on the move! Visit our elk viewing page for helpful hints and viewing areas.

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All Outdoors Autumn

Get All Outdoors

Glide along our glassy shores in a kayak or canoe. Lace up your hiking boots, throw on your favorite hoodie and trek out on a leaf-strewn pathway. Cast a line into the cooling waters of our lakes and streams.  Being All Outdoors takes on a whole new meaning during our most vibrant season!

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Top 5 Scenic Fall Vistas

As autumn approaches each year, you can’t help but feel excitement as you see the first leaves melding from their usual green state to varying shades of red, orange and gold.  It’s those peek-a-boo moments through the lush greenery and the sudden crisp air filling your lungs that truly signal the beginning of fall.  Even though we love our blissful summers in Gaylord, Michigan, no one seems to mind when October rolls around and the landscape transforms into an intricate mosaic of colors.  Northern Michigan is simply stunning this time of the year…there’s no way around it.

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Fall Vistas

The Pigeon River Valley and Sturgeon River Valley

Yes, these are two different locations.  But our point is simple – VALLEYS MAKE FOR STUNNING VIEWS!  Visit Treetops Resort or Otsego Resort for two of the most breathtaking views in Otsego County.    

Fall Vistas

Gaylord Golf Mecca

Technically, this encompasses 17 different locations, but who’s counting? This is a no-brainer for golfers, but if you’re not skilled at swinging a stick, take your camera and don’t worry about it if you can’t hit the ball. 

Interested in golf? Request your free copy of Northern Michigan Golfer Magazine!

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Fall Vistas

Inland Lakes and Rivers

While you may not want to take a swim during peak color season, our waterways are still filled with activity.  Paddle the glassy shoreline of our birch and maple-lined lakes or rent a raft and tour the rushing waters of the Sturgeon River. 

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Fall Vistas

Aspen Park

This 100 acre park just minutes from downtown Gaylord may not have the sweeping views of a lush valley, but you’ll love being encompassed in colors from every angle.  As an added bonus, Aspen Park shares a boundary with our City Elk Park, giving you the opportunity to see and hear majestic elk during one of their most active seasons. 

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Fall Vistas

Deadman’s Hill Overlook

The crown jewel of our area is undoubtedly Deadman’s Hill. An easy walk uphill will treat you to views of the Jordan River Valley you will remember for a lifetime. Hikers will delight in jumping on the 18-mile Jordan Valley Pathway here, or simply spending a few hours on the 3-mile Deadman’s Hill Loop.

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The sun begins to set over the Jordan River Valley at Dead Man's Hill.

Driving Tours

Gaylord Area Driving Tours

You can’t take a wrong turn in Gaylord in the fall even if you try.  Every mile of highway, scenic country road and dirt two track has its own hidden gem for leafers to discover. We’ve come up with two diverse local treks for you to explore the fantastic foliage during your stay!

Our northern tour leads you down a Natural Beauty Road to a designated overlook on Pickerel Lake Road, part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest. 

Our northwestern tour features taking the “long way around” to Deadman’s Hill overlook by meandering along country roads bursting with color.

Northern Michigan Driving Tours

With Gaylord’s central location in the heart of northern Michigan, color tours can branch out into any direction!   

Tour #1 travels north and west of Gaylord, taking in the scenic drive south of Cross Village, continuing along the Lake Michigan shoreline and winding back along M-32. This rolling and beautiful stretch meanders through hardwoods and forest-lined farmlands.

Tour #2 travels north and east of Gaylord, passing through the pristine woodlands surrounding the Pigeon River State Forest and the shoreline drive along expansive Lake Huron. 

Maps of Local Driving Tours
Maps of Northern MI Driving Tours

Any Season!

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