MIDWEST ROAD TRIP: Experience Beautiful Fall Color Hiking, Biking, or by Car in Benzie County, Michigan

BENZONIA, Mich., Sept. 25, 2017 -- Benzie County, Michigan offers fall color touring options for hiking, biking and exploring by car.

Cruise around majestic Crystal Lake and along Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hike or bike over 100 miles of biking and hiking trails. Visit the Point Betsie Lighthouse, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore & Park, as well as, one-of-a-kind restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries and shops.

Fall Color Hiking and Biking in Benzie County

For hikers and mountain bikers, great trails in Benzie County include:

The Betsie Valley Trail, an easy to moderate 22+-mile trail that runs from Frankfort to Thompsonville;

The Betsie River Pathway, an easy to moderate trail winding through the Pere Marquette National Forest;

The Lake Ann Pathway, a 6-mile picturesque forest trail with easy to moderate terrain and views of lakes, bogs, and the Platte River; and

Michigan Legacy Art Park, a 30-acre preserve art park within the grounds of Crystal Mountain featuring over 50 sculptures, poetry stones, natural woods and spectacular views. (no bicycles)

Road bikers will love picturesque M-22, voted the #1 road for "Best Scenic Autumn Drive" by USA Today.  This scenic ride in Benzie County from the Arcadia Overlook to Frankfort is not only beautiful, but amazing, as you overlook the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore.

For mountain or fat-tire biking enthusiasts Crystal Mountain features many hilly trails to ride, and bike rentals.

Benzie County's Fall Color Car Touring

Traveling by car is a fun way to see fall color. Roads where the trees are vibrant and the views span for miles include:

• M-115 from Cadillac to Thompsonville and Benzonia,
• US-31 from Manistee through Benzonia, Beulah, Honor, and Lake Ann.
• M-22 from Arcadia through Elberta and Frankfort along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Lodging and Special Fall Package

Lodging choices in Benzie County include cottages, cabins, inns, hotels, motels and condos at www.visitbenzie.com. Through October 31, visitors who stay at participating lodging locations for 2 consecutive nights or more are eligible for "Benzie Treasure Trove" Vacation Package - free gifts and two-for-one offers up to a $300 value. Visit "Benzie Treasure Trove" online at www.visitbenzie.com and sign up to register.

Benzie County's fall activities: www.visitbenzie.com/fallfest-67

Benzie County's fall color tour guide: www.visitbenzie.com/fall-97/