Tunnel of Trees
Scenic Highway · Harbor Springs, Michigan
The Tunnel of Trees is the name for Highway M-119 along the Lake Michigan shore between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, a drive of about 20 miles in Emmet County. It is a narrow, winding two lane road that runs under a near-continuous canopy of hardwoods, with the lake appearing in flashes through gaps in the trees. In summer the leaves close the views almost completely, so the drive feels like a green corridor. In early to mid October the canopy turns, and that is when the road is busiest. The route has a low speed limit in places, no real shoulder and many blind curves, and cars and cyclists share the same lane. It passes the tiny village of Good Hart and ends at Cross Village, home of a well known folk-art restaurant. It suits drivers who want a slow scenic road, not a destination with attractions. Allow about 45 minutes without stops and more with them. Confirm speed limits and colour timing before you go.
M-119 north of Harbor Springs, Harbor Springs, Michigan, 49740, United States
The road is public and open all year, with no gate, ticket or opening hours. It is plowed and salted in winter, but this is a narrow, curving, tree-lined road, and snow, ice and drifting can make it slow or unpleasant after storms, so check conditions before a winter drive. Late spring through October is the usual driving season. Good Hart and Cross Village businesses run on seasonal schedules that shorten sharply outside summer and early autumn, and some close completely in winter, so confirm before planning a meal or a stop. Autumn colour peaks around early to mid October, though the exact weeks shift by year, and weekends then bring slow convoys. Early morning and weekdays are far calmer than midday on a colour weekend.