Photo Gallery Friday: Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway Fall Color

The Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway is one of two National Forest Scenic Byways in Michigan. This 33-mile route starts west of Sault Ste. Marie and follows the Lake Superior shore to M-123 and the Tahquamenon Scenic Byway. This route’s proximity to one of the Upper Peninsula’s largest cities, and to well-known tourist destinations like Whitefish Point Lighthouse/Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Tahquamenon Falls State Park, make it a popular drive in all seasons. We recently had a chance to once again drive this byway at peak fall color, and today we will share photos from that trip with you.

Stops along this route include the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Mission Hill Overlook, Big Pines Picnic Area, Naomikong Overlook, Monocle Lake Recreation Area, Bay View Campground, Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery, and more. Two of our favorite views came from the tower at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse (65 feet tall) and from the Mission Hill Overlook. We also found this route to be a lot less busy than others in the U.P., although now that the Upper Peninsula has been named the Best Spot for Fall Foliage by USA Today/10best.com that could change in coming years.

The North Country Trail runs parallel to the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway for several miles and intersects it at the Naomikong Overlook. There are many parking areas along the way for those looking to hike. The Bay Mills Resort and Casino, Brimley State Park, Monocle Lake Recreation Area, and Bay View Campground all offer RV accommodations or lodging. Sault Ste. Marie is home to many hotels and restaurants as well as the Soo Locks. The Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway is also a great place to view freighters traveling on Lake Superior, as they all have to pass by the sites listed above on their way to or from the locks.