{"id":20549,"date":"2026-09-22T09:34:14","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T09:34:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/?p=20549"},"modified":"2026-09-22T09:34:14","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T09:34:14","slug":"tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/","title":{"rendered":"Tunnel of Trees Michigan in Fall: Motorcycle Riding Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Red and gold forests, winding roads, and glimpses of Lake Michigan make the Tunnel of Trees in Michigan\u00a0a memorable fall motorcycle destination. The roughly 20-mile M-119 route between Harbor Springs and Cross Village is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for scenic stops.<\/p>\n<p>Planning a ride in 2026 requires extra attention, however, as parts of M-119 remain closed because of flood damage. This guide covers fall foliage timing, the best sections to ride, nearby highlights, current road conditions, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/fall-motorcycle-riding-tips\/\">practical tips<\/a> for planning your trip.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_20552\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20552\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-1.jpg\" alt=\"tunnel of trees michigan fall motorcycle\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-1-500x282.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-1-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-1-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tunnel of Trees Michigan fall motorcycle<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ab288f847f40\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6ab288f847f40\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%8D%81_Why_Ride_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_in_Fall\" >\ud83c\udf41 Why Ride the Tunnel of Trees in Fall?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%93%85_When_Is_the_Best_Time_for_Tunnel_of_Trees_Fall_Foliage\" >\ud83d\udcc5 When Is the Best Time for Tunnel of Trees Fall Foliage?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Late_September\" >Late September<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#October\" >October<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%8F%8D%EF%B8%8F_The_Classic_M-119_Motorcycle_Route\" >\ud83c\udfcd\ufe0f The Classic M-119 Motorcycle Route<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Harbor_Springs\" >Harbor Springs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Good_Hart\" >Good Hart<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Cross_Village\" >Cross Village<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%E2%9A%A0%EF%B8%8F_2026_M-119_Road_Conditions\" >\u26a0\ufe0f 2026 M-119 Road Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%9B%A3%EF%B8%8F_What_Makes_M-119_Different_for_Motorcycles\" >\ud83d\udee3\ufe0f What Makes M-119 Different for Motorcycles?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Ride_for_the_Next_Corner\" >Ride for the Next Corner<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Expect_Changing_Road_Conditions\" >Expect Changing Road Conditions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Be_Selective_About_Photo_Stops\" >Be Selective About Photo Stops<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%8C%8A_Fall_Highlights_Beyond_the_Canopy\" >\ud83c\udf0a Fall Highlights Beyond the Canopy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Lake_Michigan_Views\" >Lake Michigan Views<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Harbor_Springs_and_Petoskey\" >Harbor Springs and Petoskey<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Cross_Village-2\" >Cross Village<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%A7%AD_How_to_Plan_the_Ride\" >\ud83e\udded How to Plan the Ride<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Half-Day_Ride\" >Half-Day Ride<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Full-Day_Ride\" >Full-Day Ride<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#Weekend_Motorcycle_Trip\" >Weekend Motorcycle Trip<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%93%A1_Group_Riding_and_Communication\" >\ud83d\udce1 Group Riding and Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%93%8A_Tunnel_of_Trees_by_the_Numbers\" >\ud83d\udcca Tunnel of Trees by the Numbers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%8D%82_A_Better_Way_to_Experience_the_Tunnel_of_Trees\" >\ud83c\udf42 A Better Way to Experience the Tunnel of Trees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%93%9D_Tunnel_of_Trees_Fall_Motorcycle_Checklist\" >\ud83d\udcdd Tunnel of Trees Fall Motorcycle Checklist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%8D%81_Final_Thoughts\" >\ud83c\udf41 Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%E2%9D%93_FAQ_About_Tunnel_of_Trees_Michigan\" >\u2753 FAQ About Tunnel of Trees Michigan<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#1_How_long_is_the_Tunnel_of_Trees\" >1. How long is the Tunnel of Trees?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#2_When_is_the_best_time_to_ride_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_in_fall\" >2. When is the best time to ride the Tunnel of Trees in fall?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-30\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#3_Is_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_open_in_2026\" >3. Is the Tunnel of Trees open in 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-31\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#4_Is_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_good_for_motorcycles\" >4. Is the Tunnel of Trees good for motorcycles?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-32\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#5_What_should_I_know_before_riding_M-119\" >5. What should I know before riding M-119?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-33\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/tunnel-of-trees-michigan-fall-motorcycle-riding\/#%F0%9F%93%9A_Authoritative_Sources\" >\ud83d\udcda Authoritative Sources<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8D%81_Why_Ride_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_in_Fall\"><\/span>\ud83c\udf41 Why Ride the Tunnel of Trees in Fall?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The appeal of M-119 is the road itself.<\/p>\n<p>Dense hardwoods create the famous tunnel-like canopy, while curves and occasional lake views keep the scenery changing. Pure Michigan describes the route as a particularly attractive fall drive between Harbor Springs and Cross Village.<\/p>\n<p>For motorcyclists, the narrow road creates a different experience from larger scenic highways. There is less emphasis on speed and more on smooth cornering, scenery, and finding the right places to stop.<\/p>\n<p>The route also connects naturally with a broader Northern Michigan motorcycle trip, making it easy to combine with Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and other nearby destinations.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%85_When_Is_the_Best_Time_for_Tunnel_of_Trees_Fall_Foliage\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcc5 When Is the Best Time for Tunnel of Trees Fall Foliage?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Northern Michigan typically begins showing fall color earlier than southern parts of the state. Pure Michigan recommends mid-September through late October\u00a0as a useful general window for experiencing Michigan's autumn colors, although exact timing changes each year.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Late_September\"><\/span>Late September<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Early color can make late September attractive for riders who prefer cooler weather and potentially lighter crowds.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"October\"><\/span>October<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>October is usually the key period to watch for Tunnel of Trees fall foliage. The hardwood canopy is the main attraction, but peak timing depends on temperatures and weather.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of choosing a fixed date months ahead, check Michigan's current fall color information before your trip.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8F%8D%EF%B8%8F_The_Classic_M-119_Motorcycle_Route\"><\/span>\ud83c\udfcd\ufe0f The Classic M-119 Motorcycle Route<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_20553\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20553\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20553\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/M-119-Tunnel-of-Trees-scenic-road-in-Michigan.jpg\" alt=\"M-119 Tunnel of Trees scenic road in Michigan\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/M-119-Tunnel-of-Trees-scenic-road-in-Michigan.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/M-119-Tunnel-of-Trees-scenic-road-in-Michigan-500x282.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/M-119-Tunnel-of-Trees-scenic-road-in-Michigan-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/M-119-Tunnel-of-Trees-scenic-road-in-Michigan-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">M-119 Tunnel of Trees scenic road in Michigan<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The traditional Tunnel of Trees route connects the Harbor Springs area with Cross Village.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harbor_Springs\"><\/span>Harbor Springs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Harbor Springs is a convenient starting point. Riders can make their final fuel, food, and navigation preparations before entering the narrower scenic section.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Good_Hart\"><\/span>Good Hart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Good Hart is a useful intermediate stop along M-119. Because services become more limited along the route, it makes sense to plan your stops rather than assuming another business will be immediately available.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cross_Village\"><\/span>Cross Village<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cross Village marks the northern end of the traditional route and provides access to local attractions and dining.<\/p>\n<p>Pure Michigan also highlights Legs Inn\u00a0as one of the notable stops associated with the M-119 road trip.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%9A%A0%EF%B8%8F_2026_M-119_Road_Conditions\"><\/span>\u26a0\ufe0f 2026 M-119 Road Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For a current Tunnel of Trees Michigan motorcycle ride, this is the most important section of the guide.<\/p>\n<p>Following flooding and washouts in 2026, MDOT reports that two portions of M-119 remain closed to through-traffic:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Near Division Road: a culvert failure and washout have closed the road. MDOT expects this section to remain closed until summer 2027.<\/li>\n<li>Devil's Elbow: washouts from late June caused another closure, and there is currently no firm repair timeline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A section near West Stutsmanville Road has reopened after stabilization work, although restoration work may still involve traffic controls.<\/p>\n<p>These conditions mean older Tunnel of Trees guides may no longer accurately describe the complete route.<\/p>\n<p>Before riding, check current information from Michigan 511 \/ MDOT, follow posted detours, and never bypass barricades.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%9B%A3%EF%B8%8F_What_Makes_M-119_Different_for_Motorcycles\"><\/span>\ud83d\udee3\ufe0f What Makes M-119 Different for Motorcycles?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The historic corridor is narrow and winding, with limited roadside space.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ride_for_the_Next_Corner\"><\/span>Ride for the Next Corner<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Blind curves require a speed that allows you to respond to an oncoming vehicle, cyclist, gravel, or another unexpected obstacle.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Expect_Changing_Road_Conditions\"><\/span>Expect Changing Road Conditions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The combination of tree cover, weather, and seasonal debris means the surface can change quickly. Avoid aggressive braking or acceleration when traction is uncertain.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Selective_About_Photo_Stops\"><\/span>Be Selective About Photo Stops<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The scenery encourages frequent stops, but stopping in the travel lane or on private property creates problems for both riders and local residents.<\/p>\n<p>Use designated or clearly safe areas and keep the road clear for through traffic.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8C%8A_Fall_Highlights_Beyond_the_Canopy\"><\/span>\ud83c\udf0a Fall Highlights Beyond the Canopy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Tunnel of Trees is more than a forest road.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lake_Michigan_Views\"><\/span>Lake Michigan Views<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"attachment_20554\" style=\"width: 1010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20554\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20554\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-lake-michigan-view.jpg\" alt=\"tunnel of trees lake michigan view\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-lake-michigan-view.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-lake-michigan-view-500x282.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-lake-michigan-view-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-lake-michigan-view-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20554\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">tunnel of trees lake michigan view<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The route follows the Lake Michigan shoreline, with occasional openings in the trees providing glimpses of the water and surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n<p>These views are one reason the route feels different from an ordinary forest ride.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Harbor_Springs_and_Petoskey\"><\/span>Harbor Springs and Petoskey<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Petoskey and Harbor Springs provide useful bases for a longer Northern Michigan trip, with restaurants, lodging, and additional scenic roads nearby.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cross_Village-2\"><\/span>Cross Village<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Cross Village is worth treating as a destination rather than simply the point where the road ends. A longer stop here can turn a short scenic ride into a more relaxed day trip.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%A7%AD_How_to_Plan_the_Ride\"><\/span>\ud83e\udded How to Plan the Ride<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Tunnel of Trees is short enough to fit into a half-day itinerary, but current closures mean riders should plan the surrounding roads as carefully as M-119 itself.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Half-Day_Ride\"><\/span>Half-Day Ride<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Start around Harbor Springs, ride the accessible section of M-119, make several scenic stops, and return using the current approved route.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Full-Day_Ride\"><\/span>Full-Day Ride<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Combine the Tunnel of Trees with Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Cross Village, and nearby roads.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Weekend_Motorcycle_Trip\"><\/span>Weekend Motorcycle Trip<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Use the Tunnel of Trees as one section of a larger Northern Michigan itinerary. This provides more flexibility if weather or road closures affect M-119.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%A1_Group_Riding_and_Communication\"><\/span>\ud83d\udce1 Group Riding and Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_20555\" style=\"width: 980px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20555\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20555\" src=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-motorcycle-riders-michigan.jpg\" alt=\"tunnel of trees motorcycle riders michigan\" width=\"970\" height=\"545\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-motorcycle-riders-michigan.jpg 970w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-motorcycle-riders-michigan-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-motorcycle-riders-michigan-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/tunnel-of-trees-motorcycle-riders-michigan-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-20555\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">tunnel of trees motorcycle riders michigan<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The narrow nature of M-119 makes group coordination especially useful.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/helmet-communication\/\">Helmet Communication<\/a>\u00a0can help riders warn each other about vehicles, debris, or unexpected stops without requiring the group to pull over.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/\">A Bluetooth Intercom<\/a>\u00a0is useful for coordinating regrouping points or communicating when traffic separates riders.<\/p>\n<p>For larger groups, a Motorcycle Intercom\u00a0can help maintain contact when riders become spread out on winding roads.<\/p>\n<p>The goal is not constant conversation. Short, useful communication allows riders to keep their attention where it belongs: on the road.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%8A_Tunnel_of_Trees_by_the_Numbers\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcca Tunnel of Trees by the Numbers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A few figures help explain the route:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>About 20 miles: the M-119 corridor associated with the Tunnel of Trees.<\/li>\n<li>$1.1 million: MDOT's 2026 investment in chip sealing approximately 20 miles of M-119.<\/li>\n<li>5\u20137 inches of rain: estimated rainfall during the June 29, 2026 storm that caused significant flooding and washouts in the region.<\/li>\n<li>6,228 motorcyclists: killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, accounting for 16% of traffic fatalities, according to NHTSA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These figures highlight why current road information matters just as much as scenic planning.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8D%82_A_Better_Way_to_Experience_the_Tunnel_of_Trees\"><\/span>\ud83c\udf42 A Better Way to Experience the Tunnel of Trees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The best approach is to treat M-119 as a scenic ride rather than a route to complete as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Start with enough fuel, check the current road status, and leave time for the places where the scenery naturally invites you to stop.<\/p>\n<p>If a closure changes your original plan, use the official detour instead of trying to find an unofficial shortcut.<\/p>\n<p>The surrounding communities are part of the experience, so a slower itinerary often produces a better motorcycle trip.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%9D_Tunnel_of_Trees_Fall_Motorcycle_Checklist\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcdd Tunnel of Trees Fall Motorcycle Checklist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before departure:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Check the current M-119 closure status<\/li>\n<li>Confirm official detours<\/li>\n<li>Check the latest Michigan fall color report<\/li>\n<li>Fuel up before entering remote sections<\/li>\n<li>Download your route offline<\/li>\n<li>Identify legal photo and rest stops<\/li>\n<li>Allow extra time for narrow, winding sections<\/li>\n<li>Check weather along the Lake Michigan shoreline<\/li>\n<li>Keep group communication concise<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%8D%81_Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>\ud83c\udf41 Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Tunnel of Trees Michigan\u00a0is memorable because it combines a distinctive road with Northern Michigan's fall landscape.<\/p>\n<p>The roughly 20-mile M-119 corridor offers hardwood forests, Lake Michigan glimpses, tight curves, and small communities between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. But in 2026, the experience requires additional planning because flood-related closures have changed normal through-travel on parts of the route.<\/p>\n<p>Check the road status before leaving, follow official detours, and give yourself time to enjoy the scenery rather than chasing mileage.<\/p>\n<p>For riders looking for a Michigan fall motorcycle ride, the Tunnel of Trees can be a rewarding destination\u2014and an even better part of a larger Northern Michigan road trip.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%9D%93_FAQ_About_Tunnel_of_Trees_Michigan\"><\/span>\u2753 FAQ About Tunnel of Trees Michigan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_How_long_is_the_Tunnel_of_Trees\"><\/span>1. How long is the Tunnel of Trees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The M-119 Tunnel of Trees corridor is approximately 20 miles long.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_When_is_the_best_time_to_ride_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_in_fall\"><\/span>2. When is the best time to ride the Tunnel of Trees in fall?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>October is generally a popular period for fall color, but the exact peak changes each year. Check Michigan's current foliage updates before traveling.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Is_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_open_in_2026\"><\/span>3. Is the Tunnel of Trees open in 2026?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Not completely. As of September 2026, MDOT reports closures near Division Road and Devil's Elbow. The Division Road section is expected to remain closed until summer 2027, while Devil's Elbow has no firm repair timeline.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Is_the_Tunnel_of_Trees_good_for_motorcycles\"><\/span>4. Is the Tunnel of Trees good for motorcycles?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, but riders should expect a narrow, winding road and adjust speed accordingly. It is better suited to scenic riding than fast riding.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_What_should_I_know_before_riding_M-119\"><\/span>5. What should I know before riding M-119?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Check current closures and detours, fuel up beforehand, download navigation, and plan legal stopping locations. Road conditions can change quickly after severe weather.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%F0%9F%93%9A_Authoritative_Sources\"><\/span>\ud83d\udcda Authoritative Sources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Michigan Department of Transportation \u2014 M-119 Road Updates<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdot\/news-outreach\/pressreleases\/2026\/09\/03\/m-119-reopens-near-stutsmanville-after-repairs-two-corridor-closures-remain?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>MDOT M-119 Updates<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Pure Michigan \u2014 M-119 &amp; Tunnel of Trees<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/article\/road-trip\/stops-scenic-road-trip-along-m-119-and-tunnel-trees?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Pure Michigan Tunnel of Trees Guide<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Pure Michigan \u2014 Michigan Fall Colors<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.org\/article\/trip-idea\/how-experience-autumn-go?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>Pure Michigan Fall Guide<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li>Michigan Department of Transportation \u2014 M-119 Projects<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigan.gov\/mdot\/news-outreach\/pressreleases\/2026\/04\/27\/chip-sealing-on-m-119-to-begin-may-11?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>MDOT M-119 Project Information<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<li>NHTSA \u2014 Motorcycle Safety<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/road-safety\/motorcycles?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>NHTSA Motorcycle Safety<\/u><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Red and gold forests, winding roads, and glimpses of Lake Michigan make the Tunnel of Trees in Michigan\u00a0a memorable fall motorcycle destination. The roughly 20-mile M-119 route between Harbor Springs and Cross Village is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for scenic stops. Planning a ride in 2026 requires extra attention, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20550,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-motorcycle"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20549"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20549\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":20556,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20549\/revisions\/20556"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20550"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fodsports.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}