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Tunnel of trees
Tunnel of trees











Distant boats become the size of toys and lighthouses, reduced to mere specks in the distance.

Tunnel of trees full#

Glimpses of blue on the other side of the road periodically open up into full panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan, viewed from way above, as much of M-119 resides up on a bluff overlooking Little Traverse Bay. They are also good places to try and spot deer, turkeys, cranes, or the flocks of Canadian geese that frequent the area. The dense forest breaks up occasionally, and the expansive fields you’ll see when it does are sometimes host to horses or cows being let out to pasture. Originally a footpath carved out by Native Americans long ago, this section of M-119 is comprised mostly of hardwoods, the forest areas floored with ferns and fallen leaves, and much of the road canopied by criss-crossed branches and arching pines, sometimes to the point where the sky is barely visible. And then, the real Tunnel of Trees drive begins. Taking a right turn directly in front of what’s locally known as “the old Hollywood Market” (now Island Bean Coffee), you’ll continue up a steep hill, staying to the left and driving past a small suburban neighborhood and a golf course. Even though the route is marked 20 miles, it takes longer than you might think, as the 45 mph or less speed limit is there for a reason the road, although well-maintained and well-marked, is often barely wide enough for two cars to pass, especially when those healthy trees stretch their trunks and branches out towards the asphalt. The typical Tunnel of Trees visit begins in downtown Harbor Springs, where there are several small cafes and markets at which one can pick up a gourmet sandwich, coffee, pizza, or soda to take on this relatively short but gorgeous road trip (trust us - you’ll probably want to make sure your camera has film and batteries, too). The otherwise-quiet road becomes full of gently-cruising automobiles all throughout the fall, as the tree colors slowly bloom from every shade of green to the oranges, reds, and browns that the season is known for.

tunnel of trees

Located at the opposite end of M-119’s run from the outskirts of Petoskey, the Tunnel of Trees is comprised of 20 miles of twisting, turning (often sharply so), heavily foliage-bedecked highway that runs from just outside of Harbor Springs proper all the way up to Cross Village. The far end of Michigan’s Highway M-119 - otherwise known as the “Tunnel of Trees” - is, of course, available for driving year-round, yet it’s autumn that the road is famous for. But it’s one of the “shoulder seasons,” as they’re called here, that holds a certain unique appeal for both car and driver. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the Emmet County Planning, Zoning, and Construction Resources, and the Michigan Department of Transportation are active partners in the Committee’s activities.Visitors to Petoskey and Harbor Springs, Michigan can find plenty to do for the two major seasons of the tourist year namely, summer (domain of swimming, boating, camping, and shopping) and winter (domain of skiing and.

tunnel of trees

The Committee is made up of representatives from four townships and the Emmet County Lakeshore Association. The M-119 Tunnel of Trees Scenic Heritage Route Committee is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the scenic, cultural, natural, and historic characteristics of the M-119 corridor through Friendship, Readmond, West Traverse, and Cross Village Townships. Recognizing the unique value of M-119 and the area surrounding the roadway, the M-119 Heritage Route Management Plan will strive to protect, preserve, and enhance the natural, scenic, and cultu ral character of the M-119 Heritage Route.











Tunnel of trees