Quiet Places to Experience Fall Without the Crowds

While half of my heart is sad to see summer go, the other half is rejoicing for the coming of fall! Summer is lively, hot, and slightly chaotic, whereas fall provides some much-needed calm and respite. Now, don’t misunderstand—there may have been a mass exodus from Northern Michigan in the last month, but the pleasant weather weekends will surely bring more visitors to the area until the leaves turn brown and fall to the ground.

If you’re like me and adore autumn, but also relish a quieter setting in which to enjoy fall, do read on. Here are some suggestions for places and ways to experience fall without the crowds in the Petoskey Area.

 

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

One of the quietest places around is the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Mackinaw City, and since it’s open 24 hours a day year-round, you have your pick of when to visit.

You can expect a vast starry show to play out overhead, providing great opportunities to sit with your thoughts, find constellations, wish upon shooting stars, or even capture great night-sky shots if you’re a photographer. All seasons have their perks when it comes to dark-sky gazing, but fall is a great time for spotting northern lights and meteor showers.

At the 530-acre park, there’s space to spread out in the grassy expanse without disrupting your fellow sky viewer—ah, peace and solitude! Stargazing can be contemplative and relaxing for many, so while you’re on-site, please remember to whisper and close vehicle doors quietly.

At this peaceful park, you’re invited to stay through the night and gaze at the stars to your heart’s content, but overnight stays or camping are not permitted. The Dark Sky Park is also very conscious of light pollution, so as a courtesy to other visitors, white lights (flashlights and cell phones) are not allowed.

Items that are allowed on-site include blankets, chairs, food, beverages, red-filtered flashlights—which are sold at the “Out of This World” gift shop—and well-behaved pets on six-foot leashes. For more extensive information on best practices while experiencing the Dark Sky Park, check out this link.

A helpful tip: Being close to one of the Great Lakes usually means the temperature will be a bit cooler, so layers and blankets are always worth the haul!

 

Wilderness State Park

A more physically active experience that still allows for quiet time amidst nature is hiking in Wilderness State Park.

Located in Carp Lake, about 11 miles west of Mackinaw City, this gorgeous state park boasts 26 miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and over 20 miles of trails. You’re welcome to stay overnight and camp, but contact the state park in advance to confirm which sites are available and accessible.

People visit the remote Wilderness State Park to truly “get away from it all.” This spot is beautiful and rugged, allowing you to become one with nature. The rocky shoreline is great for rock hunting (maybe you’ll find your very own Petoskey Stone!) and the diverse trails offer coniferous and hardwood forests broken up by serene meadows. The aged hardwoods and meadows will put on a colorful show of autumnal hues, and you’ll surely get your fill of that fall aroma all the candles attempt to imitate.

Fun fact—This State Park is also a designated dark sky preserve, so if you didn’t make it to Headlands International Dark Sky Park, here’s another chance to get quiet under the stars!

A helpful tip: On these trails, and on any hike, be sure to follow trail signage and carry a map. No doubt you’ll want to return to civilization at some point this season!

 

 

Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve

Over in Petoskey, there’s a spot a few miles from downtown that features a short trail system and a natural, bubbling oasis ripe for exploration. Here, you’re outside the bustle yet still close.

The aptly named Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve is a mostly quiet, 20-acre site that offers a brief reprieve from the busyness we seem to be constantly surrounded by. With a short loop trail of just over a half mile, this preserve is great for a quick solo walk, a leashed dog walk, or even an outing with children. And the trail guides you directly through the woods to the small, cool stream that happily bubbles during the warmer months.

During this short excursion, you’ll walk through mature upland hardwood forests full of red, orange, and yellow foliage, some wetlands, and a swampy stretch on your way to the springs. Plus, if you’re extra quiet, you may also get the chance to do a little birdwatching. True, many birds are preparing to fly south for the season come fall, but some stout breeds remain through the colder months, including the Black-capped Chickadee, Northern Cardinal, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, and Tufted Titmouse.

Quietly immersing yourself in nature will feel like a much-needed breath of fresh air this fall. While visiting the bubbling springs, some new thoughts and ideas may even bubble up for you!

 

 

 

Bay View & its Trails

In the heart of Petoskey is the Bay View Association, which, during the summer months, is a hub of activity. Come fall, though, this community and its trail system turn down the volume on foot traffic.

Consider exploring the streets of Victorian summer homes once the community closes up later this season. As the sun continues to shine, illuminating the colorful, detail-rich structures, take a leisurely walk through this National Historic Landmark with a hot drink. Getting your beverage at one of the downtown coffee shops probably won’t be as tranquil an experience, but the drinks will be worth it!

While walking, you’ll most likely pass by some dedicated association employees battening down the hatches and finalizing the landscaping before winter. Your walk may even lead you to the Bay View Woods, a 168-acre nature preserve offering walkers, hikers, and their leashed four-legged companions respite amongst diverse terrain.

The four miles of trails are well-marked through the bogs, hills, and hardwood forests. Here, amongst the sounds of nature, you can feel like you’re on a mythical journey, disconnecting from the nearby hubbub and engaging your imagination.

A helpful tip: Even though Bay View clears out by early October, you may still cross paths with others seeking peace and quiet—just be prepared to share the trail!

 

 

Off-the-Beaten Path Wineries

For a seated activity, I recommend bringing a book or a friend to one of the off-the-beaten-path wineries in the Petoskey Area. Northern Michigan has many wineries, cideries, and breweries to enjoy, but a few may offer a more laid-back, less crowded experience this time of year.

There’s Resort Pike Cidery, known for its wines and ciders and down-to-earth, comfortable setting; Walloon Lake Winery, situated between the arms of Walloon Lake, with its award-winning wines and calm indoor and outdoor seating areas; and Rudbeckia Winery, nestled back in the rolling hills on scenic pasture land. These establishments are located in Petoskey but require a short drive on scenic, rural roads, and each encourages its patrons to kick back and soak up their surroundings with a refreshing beverage.

Another option, tucked back off of M-68 in Alanson, is Crooked Vine Vineyard & Winery, where it’s all about savoring your experience. Lounge in the tasting room, connect with others, or take a stroll through the vines and savor the crisp solitude.

 

As the seasons shift and fall activities draw more visitors north, know that there are low-key options for those of us who desire quiet places to experience fall without the crowds.

One final tip: Mid-week visits are my secret to enjoying fall without the bustle. Maybe I’ll see you out at one of these places on an upcoming Tuesday!

 

About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!