Fall might be our favorite season in Bellaire. The hills go orange and red, the lakes are quiet and the evenings are made for a fire. In a typical year, color around Bellaire peaks in early to mid October, but it changes with the weather, so check the Pure Michigan fall color map as your trip gets close. See fall colors near Bellaire.
Friday: get up north
- Afternoon: take the back roads in. Almost any road between Bellaire, Central Lake, Alden and Elk Rapids is a good color drive.
- Evening: dinner downtown at Corner Bistro or Short's, then a fire at the house.
Saturday: hike, drive, taste
Morning: hike at Glacial Hills, just north of town. From the Eckhardt Road trailhead, the Maple Leaf loop is about 2.3 miles, with an option out to the overlook above the North Arm of Lake Bellaire. Wear blaze orange: fall is also hunting season.
Midday: drive a color route. Antrim County picks on the county road agencies' "don't miss" lists have included:
- Deadman's Hill overlook, off US-131 north of Mancelona, above the Jordan River valley
- Jordan River Road, off US-131
- Pinney Bridge Road, off M-66
- Cascade Road, off Alba Highway (County Road 620)
Afternoon: taste your way home along Torch Lake. Torch Lake Cellars is on Clam Lake Road in Bellaire (seasonal hours vary, so call ahead), and WaterFire Vineyards in Kewadin was the first all-estate winery in Antrim County. Pick a designated driver for any tasting day. Things are spread out up here. More stops on our wine, mead and distillery trail.
Evening: cocktails at Mammoth Distilling in Central Lake, about 8 miles north, then home to the hot tub.
Sunday: slow morning
- Morning: walk the boardwalks at Grass River Natural Area, with gold grasses and cedars along the river.
- Or: paddle the Grass River while the leaves turn, with a kayak from Paddles & Pedals or Riverside Marina.
- Afternoon: stop at a farm market on the way out. Friske's and Royal Farms in Ellsworth are favorites.
Fall events nearby
Harvest festivals, cider and fall fairs fill October weekends across northern Michigan. See fall festivals in northern Michigan and our Bellaire events calendar.
Fall weekend tips
- Don't wait for the perfect weekend. One windy day can strip the trees.
- Pack layers. Fall mornings up north can be cold, even when the afternoon is warm.
- Check hours. Many restaurants and tasting rooms shorten hours in the off-season.
- Book early for October weekends, when many people have the same idea.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best fall color weekend near Bellaire?
In a typical year, color peaks in early to mid October. It changes with the weather, so check the Pure Michigan fall color map as your trip gets close.
What is a good fall hike near Bellaire?
Glacial Hills, just north of town. The Maple Leaf loop from the Eckhardt Road trailhead is about 2.3 miles, with an option to an overlook above Lake Bellaire.
Are there wineries near Bellaire?
Yes. Torch Lake Cellars is near Bellaire, and WaterFire Vineyards is on Torch Lake in Kewadin. Call ahead for seasonal hours.
Sources
Trail details from Friends of Glacial Hills. Color drives from the county road agencies' list in our fall colors guide. Torch Lake Cellars. Other details from our own guides. Checked November 1, 2026.