Ride into the Green at Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees

Michigan is famous for its trees, sporting lusciously full canopies of leaves. Taking your motorcycle to the Tunnel of Trees lets you ride right into the midst of the greenery.

The Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route—also known as SR 119 or locally as M-119—is a narrow paved two-laner connecting Cross Village, MI, to Harbor Springs. For around 20 miles, it follows the contours of Lake Michigan’s northeastern shore.

They couldn’t have named this road more appropriately. The hardwood trees grow so close to the road on both sides and their canopies are so thick that they block the sky, leaving you riding through a constant green twilight.

Or at least they’re green if you visit in spring or summer. In the fall, the Tunnel of Trees explodes with blazing red, orange, and yellow hues, mixed with an errant evergreen pine or fir.

When the trees thin out, you’ll find yourself surrounded by gentle rural hills, full of fields, grasses, and wildflowers. As a crowning glory, you will occasionally see the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan peek through the leaves.