Classic Roads: Tunnel Of Trees Road (Aka M119)

Travel One of Michigan’s Most Famous Roads

Tracing the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, the Tunnel of Trees road is a delightful and curvy scenic cruise, albeit a relatively short one. A must do ride for motorcyclists traveling through Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Best Time to Go: Mother Nature doesn’t follow a precise timetable, but radiant fall colors of red, gold, and orange appear between mid-September and mid-October. Spring also is a good time to experience the route. Weekday travel is best for avoiding heavy traffic.

Scenery: Although a relatively short bucket road, Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees is nevertheless ranked as one of the state’s most scenic routes. Hardwood trees overarch much of the road, forming nature’s cathedral of colorful vegetation. Gaps in this heavily forested area provide panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan.

Curves: Approximately 137 curves from start to finish; no centerline.

Traffic: Can be heavy during fall weekends.

Distance: Approximately 21 miles.

Time Required: One to two hours, depending on number and duration of stops.

Technical Difficulty: Appropriate for all experienced street riders and their street legal mounts.