FALL COLOR TOURS

OGEMAW COUNTY FALL COLOR TOUR

There are several suggested Color Tour trails designed to show off the bright and wonderful colors that can be seen throughout Ogemaw County in the autumn season.

Loop A is an approximately 27 mile drive centered around West Branch.

Loop B is a 30 mile loop that covers the land between West Branch and Rose City and can be enjoyed on its own or combined with Loop A.

Tour Sections C, D and E are extensions of Loop B that can be explored for even more visual beauty. These sections extend the Color Tour to the Rifle River Recreation Area and the communities of Mio and Fairview.

LOOP A

Directions start from the Quality Inn on Cook Road near the Outlets at West Branch

Leave the Quality Inn and turn right onto the Business Loop (Cook Road).

Follow about 1 mile to Rau Road and turn right.

Follow about 3 miles to M-30 turn right.

Follow about 6 miles turn right onto Houghton Avenue.

Drive through downtown West Branch. There are a variety of quaint shops – park downtown and explore. You can turn left at 3rd Street and there is a parking lot on the left. Turn left onto 3rd Street.

Turn right onto Sydney. Through here you can see some of the old Victorian homes. As you drive you will go by the Middle School and Elementary School. Sydney Street becomes State Street.

Turn left at the flashing light which is Fairview Road. Follow Fairview Road about 5 miles to Ogemaw Hills Pathway on the right just past Clear Lake Road. Ogemaw Hills Pathway is rich with history dating back 16,000 years ago with the glacial movement and is a part of the AuSable State Forest. The park is designed for cross country skiing, hiking and walking.

LOOP B

Directions start from Ogemaw Hills Pathway on Fairview Road about 5 miles north of West Branch

If you are done you can turn left back onto Fairview Road and follow back to Houghton Avenue in town. Turn left at the light with Walgreens, follow the loop and the Quality Inn will be on the right.

Or you can keep going – Turn right onto Fairview Road about 2 miles north you will see the Frank Alley Memorial Snowmobile Park. This is a trail head that ties into over 100 miles of trails. If you are a snowmobiler this is a great place to ride in the winter.

Shortly after the park turn right on Rose City Road (F28).

SECTIONS C, D AND E

Sections C, D and E below include some other driving options or you can turn right on M-33 and go back to West Branch.

Follow M-33 then turn right at the light at M-55 6 miles to West Branch. Turn left at the light and follow the loop to the hotel.

SECTION C

Tour Section C is an extension of Loop B from Rose City

Go straight at the M-33 light to see Rifle River Recreation Area

SECTION D

Tour Section D is an extension of Loop B from Rose City

Turn left onto M-33 follow to Mio which is Amish County.

SECTION E

Tour Section E is an extension of Section D from Mio

Continue on M-33 to Fairview which is Michigan ’s Wild Turkey Capital.