Petoskey Area’s Top 5 Things to Do this Fall

Fall is such a wonderful time in the Petoskey area not just for the wonderful hues of yellow, orange, and red but also for the temperatures too! It’s not quite cold enough for snow but just warm enough to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities and get fresh air before snowmaking temperatures take over. Aside from the most popular scenic route located in Harbor Springs’ scenic M119 Tunnel of Trees route there are so many great things to explore in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne City, and Boyne Falls.

 

1. Take a Fall Boat Cruise

In the Petoskey area this season there are two ways you can get out on the water and enjoy fall color. The Little Traverse Bay Ferry Company will be offering Fall Color Cruises and Sunset Cruises on Round Lake out into Lake Charlevoix from the Charlevoix Marina. Another new spot is on Deer Lake in Boyne Falls, Boyne Mountain Resort will be offering Deer Lake Boat Cruises through October 27th aboard their electric boat, Miss Donna. Check out each of their websites for details on tickets and times.

 

 

2. SkyBridge Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort

Old news? We don’t think so! This will be SkyBridge Michigan’s 3^rd fall season in operation and I simply won’t get sick of these panoramic views of the Boyne Valley and the fall foliage that fills your view. Not to mention the chair lift ride before and after you walk the bridge – breathtaking views! Don’t forget to check out the programming they have for the bridge too!

Pro tip: Buy ahead and buy online at Boyne Mountain Resort’s website. Also, avoid peak times of the day! SkyBridge is open generally starting at 9 AM or 10 AM depending on the day of the week in the fall. Check their website for full hours of operation.

 

 

3. Enjoy Seasonal Brews and Ciders

The Petoskey area boasts a solid 10 breweries and cidery locations giving you many to choose from. One to highlight this fall is Elder Piper Beer & Cider as it is their first fall and business in Petoskey. Sourcing from their family’s apple orchard and Michigan-grown hops, their beers and ciders are truly northern Michigan and made with so much love. With upcoming collaborative releases with Pond Hill Farm of Harbor Springs (pumpkins) and Roast & Toast Café of Petoskey (coffee stout) and a full docket of harvest-inspired events, there is much going on at Elder Piper you will want to partake in.

 

 

4. Take a hike to a scenic overlook

Scenic overlooks are so amazing in the Petoskey area because there is often distant water views and almost always a plentiful forest of treetops to take in. A few of my favorite spots to take in the fall scenery are Deadman’s Hill just south of Boyne Falls, Offield Family Viewlands in Harbor Springs and Avalanche Mountain Preserve’s Scenic overlook in Boyne City.

From least to most difficult lets start with Deadman’s Hill overlook. Although the name sounds the MOST daunting, the walk to the overlook lies at the start of the trail and is fairly short incline to reach incredible views of the Jordan Valley. This is a loop that can be a bit more difficult but if you come for the overlook it is fairly easy.

Next up is Offield Family Viewlands that is part of Little Traverse Conservancy’s docket of protected lands. This was previously a golf course so much of the trail follows old golf cart paths making it wheelchair accessible. You’ll want to check out their trail map and plan your route so you don’t miss out on their scenic views of Little Traverse Bay.

Avalanche Mountain Preserve overlook starts with a 462-step climb that will then lead you to one of the most beautiful scenic overlooks of Lake Charlevoix that you can find in Boyne City. Those 462 steps become immediately worth it once you catch your breath and take in the view. Don’t worry there is a bench midway through the steps if you need a rest. Sometimes we over estimate how in shape we are – I know I’ve been there.

These overlooks are just the tip of the iceberg, check out our website for some more great hikes to take in the beauty of northern Michigan.

 

 

5. Shoot an apple out of a cannon

Sounds like it could be dangerous but also a lot of fun, we agree and it is! Shooting apples at a high velocity, this cannon is for all ages and is fun to aim at their target barrels and watch the apples explode on impact. Pond Hill Farm has a whole slew of fun and different activities available during their Fall Festival Weekends on Saturdays and Sundays from September 21^st  through October 27^th. Other interesting events include human foosball, new and improved pumpkin bowling down the vineyard hill, pumpkin smashing (mallets for multiple age levels), and a new corn maze. They also have your favorite sort of fall offerings like hay rides, hot apple cider, cinnamon donuts, and of course picking a pumpkin from their patch of pumpkins.

Pro tip: Don’t skip their market with fresh goods, canned and jarred Pond Hill Farm goods and more! You may find your next favorite jam to include on your charcuterie boards: garlic pepper jelly.

That’s it, there’s our round-up! Want to learn more about fall in the Petoskey area of northern Michigan? Check out our fall planning pages and Fall Color Guide on our website too.

 

About the author
Ellen Auten is a native to the area and loves to promote the next fun thing to do in the Petoskey Area – but also loves giving out local favorites and learning opportunities for all. She hopes to help in your planning process for your next trip to the Petoskey Area of Northern Lower Michigan.