This really is a beautiful drive and there are several areas within this area that can be even better. For example, in Leelenau County, there are some really good hills and lots of maples which mean beautiful Octobers. This is also great bicycle riding country.
Go A little farther North and drive 119 North out of Harbor Springs, It is called the Tunnel of Trees for a reason and it follows the shore of Lake Michigan.
Indeed, that is a beautiful drive anytime. But to get really good color, one needs to go east of 119 and look back west as the color is much better then. Still, to take that entire route along LM is fantastic! We've driven that one many times.
Abosolutely beautiful country. Been to Sleeping bear camping many times and vacation on occasion in Traverse area. Never did it in the fall though. I always thought it would be a great place to retire.
US 41 between Hancock and Copper Harbor is another scenic fall drive if you happen to find yourself up that way.
The wife and I were down that way for our anniversary a couple years ago. It was September, not quite color season yet but still beautiful all the same
