While this drive is spectacular all year 'round, the fall colors along the route bring people back year after year to experience the glorious foliage. The route is a favorite of Northern Michigan visitors because of its rolling terrain, stunning vistas, and dramatic turns and curves.Īlthough not officially part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour which takes travelers along US-31 from Petoskey to Mackinaw City, M-119 is a more scenic alternate route along the Lake Michigan shoreline.ĭesignated a state Scenic Heritage Route, the views along this 27.5 mile drive are among the most stunning outlooks of Lake Michigan in the state. Watch the videos going through the Tunnel of Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.The 'Tunnel of Trees,' the M-119 Heritage Route traveling from Harbor Springs to Cross Village, is a stunning display of northern hardwoods located very close to the roadway, creating the feeling of traveling through a tunnel.

If you want to leave the Tunnel of Trees, the map from #9 shows you where the roads are to get back to your destination.

The Tunnel of Trees is one of several arboreal tunnels (where the trees grow over the road) located in Michigan.

With the narrow roads and sharp curves, you need to stay alert.

Bicyclists – Be on the look out for people traveling on bikes.

Restaurants – There are places to eat in Cross Village once you make the trip through the trees.There are no rest areas to use the bathroom. No Rest Stops – There are maybe 2-3 places to pull off the road and take pictures.The Tunnel of Trees starts in Harbor Springs Michigan from the south and ends in Cross Village Michigan in the north. Hotels near Tunnel of Trees – best place to stay nearby is Harbor Springs Michigan.The Road – Once you get into the tunnel, there is no middle line.If you decide you have had enough, there are several roads to take you to State Road and get you out of the Tunnel. Map – I found this map to be very helpful in providing details of where I was.Quick way through – If you only want to go through once (not both ways), you can take State Road from Harbor Springs and it will get you to the top (or bottom) on your journey, so you have a quicker route (C77).

If you go early and late at night like we did, they were closed. Stop in Good Hart – A small town with a general store and another store that offers gemstones and wood crafts for purchase.When to drive through? – Any time of day is a great time in the Tunnel so plan an hour before sunset to start your journey through if only going through one way.It’s a lot of looking at nature and the gorgeous sun over the water. Snacks – bring a few snacks with you if you get hungry or have kids.Drive with caution – there are a few areas that have sharp curves.Fill your tank – there is not a gas station in the Tunnel of Trees, so make sure you gas up before you go.

You will also see wild life (lots of deer), so drive carefully too. And there are some shops to stop and enjoy too, so you will want to spend some time there, or have lunch. And honestly, you’ll want to drive slower, to take it all in.

Spend some Time – It is a 20 mile drive, but you are only going at the most 45 mph.

It allows you both to get some beautiful photos and actually enjoy the drive. Then you can get out and the other person can drive the other way. If you are driving up and down the Tunnel of Trees, you’ll want to have a friend so one can drive going one way.

Sun setting on Lake Michigan, in Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees Tips to Know Before You go Through the Tunnel of Trees

Tunnel of trees