Archival views: Rosy Mound (2006), Chris Light · New Richmond Bridge Park (2024), WMrapids (CC0). Cropped and combined; collage CC BY-SA 4.0.
Updated October 2026
We asked locals a simple question: Where's the best place around Holland to see fall colors?
The answers went well beyond one park. People sent us dune hikes, wooded preserves, river trails, overlooks, back roads, and one very specific “tree tunnel” route into Hamilton.
This isn't a ranking, and it's not a generic Michigan fall-color list. It's a community-sourced guide built from the places people around Holland, Grand Haven, Saugatuck, Fennville, and the surrounding area actually told us to go.
So...where should you start?
If you want the most iconic Holland fall overlook, start with Mt. Pisgah. For the full woods + dunes + Lake Michigan hiking experience, make Rosy Mound your next stop.
If you want a longer wooded walk without the dune staircase workout, try Hofma Preserve, Hemlock Crossing, or Pigeon Creek. For a high overlook, head to Crow's Nest. For something flatter and different, try New Richmond Bridge Park.
If you'd rather stay in the car with coffee and music, take Lakeshore Drive toward Grand Haven, follow the 133rd Avenue tree-tunnel route toward Hamilton, or make an afternoon of Blue Star Highway toward South Haven.
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When to catch the color
October 2026 planning note: Pure Michigan’s October 6–12 report put Holland at 0–20% color and estimated peak color for October 26–31. Save these spots for the coming weeks; the forecast is a guide, not a guarantee.
The fall color spots locals told us to save
Mt. Pisgah — Holland
Why it made the guide: Mt. Pisgah was recommended by locals, and it may be the most unmistakably Holland fall-color stop on the list. Holland's own visitor bureau highlights the climb for autumn views, and it deserves a spot right at the top.
What you'll find: A boardwalk and stair climb up a towering wooded dune just east of Holland State Park. The top sits about 157 feet above Lake Michigan and opens to panoramic views of Lake Michigan, Lake Macatawa, the marinas, surrounding dunes, and Big Red.
Location: 2238 3rd Avenue, Holland, MI 49424.
Good to know: Be ready for 239 steps to the overlook. Admission is free, but dogs aren't allowed. The park closes at 8 p.m. starting October 16.
Rosy Mound Natural Area — Grand Haven
Why it made the guide: Rosy Mound came with one of the best specific recommendations: walk the trail all the way to Lake Michigan, take in the view over the wooded dunes, then use the cutoff around the pine area on the way back.
What you'll find: A classic Lake Michigan dune hike through forest, boardwalks, and sandy terrain. The main route from the parking area to the shoreline is about 0.7 mile and includes roughly 1,000 feet of stairs.
Location: 13925 Lakeshore Avenue, Grand Haven, MI 49417.
Good to know: This one earns the view. Dogs aren't allowed. October falls outside the seasonal parking-fee period. The park closes at 8 p.m. starting October 16.
Hofma Preserve — Grand Haven
Why it made the guide: Hofma was one of the first names locals dropped when we asked where they'd go for a fall walk.
What you'll find: A large wooded preserve with miles of trails and an 885-foot floating bridge through wetland habitat. Grand Haven Township lists two main entrances, giving you a couple of ways to explore it.
Location: Main entrance at 16295 Sleeper Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417. A second entrance is at 13894 168th Avenue.
Good to know: Dogs are allowed on leash. Hofma Park and Hofma Preserve sit next to each other, but the preserve is the stronger choice if your goal is a longer wooded fall walk.
Hemlock Crossing — West Olive
Why it made the guide: Hemlock Crossing came up as one of the Holland-area parks locals would choose once the woods start turning.
What you'll find: More than six miles of trails through woods and wetlands along the Pigeon River, plus a pedestrian bridge and several scenic overlooks. There's also a nature center if you're making a family outing of it.
Location: 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive, MI 49460.
Good to know: There's no entry fee, leashed dogs are allowed, and about a mile of paved trail offers an easier option. The park closes at 8 p.m. starting October 16.
Pigeon Creek Park — West Olive
Why it made the guide: Pigeon Creek was recommended right alongside Hemlock Crossing, but it gives you a different kind of outing: more trail mileage and a lot of mature deciduous forest.
What you'll find: More than ten miles of trails winding through mature woods and along the Pigeon River.
Location: 12524 Stanton Street, West Olive, MI 49460.
Good to know: There are no entry or trail fees. Dogs are allowed on leash outside of winter ski operations, and the park stays open until 10 p.m. year-round.
Crow's Nest Trail — Saugatuck
Why it made the guide: A local specifically pointed us toward Saugatuck and the Crow's Nest for the view above the Oval Beach area. If you want fall color with elevation, this is the one.
What you'll find: A wooded dune loop in Tallmadge Woods leading to the Crow's Nest overlook, with a ridge above the Kalamazoo River on the return. The Land Conservancy lists 2.6 miles of trail.
Location: Park at Mount Baldhead Park, 769 Park Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453. Walk north along Park Street to the Tallmadge Woods trailhead before the private Ox-Bow School of Art property.
Good to know: Follow the Land Conservancy's access directions and watch for cars on the steep, narrow approach. Expect roots and steep trail sections. Leashed dogs are allowed; stay on the public trail.
New Richmond Bridge Park — Fennville
Why it made the guide: A Fennville-area reader called New Richmond lovely, and it has a completely different fall feel from the dune hikes.
What you'll find: A restored 1879 swing bridge across the Kalamazoo River, about a half-mile of boardwalk trail, fishing piers, and wetland views.
Location: 3160 Old Allegan Road, Fennville, MI 49408.
Good to know: This is a strong choice if you want scenery without committing to a long hike. The railroad bridge running beside the park is active, so stay in the designated public areas.
More fall-color stops around Holland
Windmill Island Gardens — Holland
Why it made the guide: A Holland local suggested Windmill Island for one last seasonal visit, and it's hard to argue with the combination of De Zwaan, canals, gardens, and changing trees right near downtown.
Location: 1 Lincoln Avenue, Holland, MI 49423.
Seasonal access: Windmill Island's advertised final 2026 weekend is October 9–11. For a visit after October 11, check current visitor information before heading over; don't assume the regular attractions or seasonal hours are still available.
Waukazoo Woods — Holland
One local's recommendation was simple: Waukazoo Woods will not disappoint.
This is a wooded residential neighborhood on Holland's north side rather than a destination park, so think of it as a slow scenic drive more than a place to park and hike. Stay on public roads, respect private property, and don't block neighborhood streets.
Take the long way: scenic fall drives locals recommended
Lakeshore Drive — Holland to Grand Haven
Why it made the guide: “Lakeshore Drive” and “the back roads to Grand Haven” both came up in the recommendations. This is the easiest option on the list when you want the color without turning the day into a hike.
What you'll find: A tree-lined lakeshore drive between Holland and Grand Haven, with wooded dunes and detours to Kirk Park and Rosy Mound. The roughly 20-mile paved Lakeshore Trail follows the corridor if you'd rather bike part of it.
How to do it: Follow Lakeshore Drive/Lakeshore Avenue north toward Grand Haven, leaving time for park stops. Check your navigation route before setting off so it follows the lakeshore road rather than the faster inland highway.
The 133rd Avenue “tree tunnel” into Hamilton
This was the most specific back-road tip we received.
Reader tip: Start at 133rd Avenue and 58th Street and explore the back-road stretch toward Hamilton.
Good to know: The reader called it an “adorable tree tunnel drive.” This is a local tip, not a verified turn-by-turn route. Road surfaces and access can change, so follow posted signs and never stop in the roadway for photos.
Blue Star Highway — Saugatuck to South Haven
Why it made the guide: Another reader's advice was simple: cruise down the lakeshore toward South Haven. If you've got a few hours, this turns leaf-peeping into an actual fall afternoon.
What you'll find: Blue Star Highway connects the Saugatuck-Douglas area with South Haven through wooded stretches, farms, orchards, and lakeshore towns.
How to do it: Follow Blue Star Highway south through the Saugatuck-Douglas area toward South Haven. Check that your navigation stays on Blue Star Highway rather than I-196, and leave time for a stop in town.
Worth the drive
Allegan County foot trails
Why it made the guide: A Fennville-area reader put it plainly: the Allegan foot trails are totally worth it.
Where to look: Allegan County lists public foot trails at Ely Lake Campground in Fennville, Silver Creek Park near Hamilton, Bysterveld Park, Littlejohn Lake Park, and New Richmond Bridge Park.
Good to know: The county recommends bright clothing on fall trails. Some designated foot trails close during the November firearm deer season, so check current trail information before heading out later in the season.
Trail conditions, park hours, and seasonal access can change. Use the official links above before heading out, especially after heavy rain or later in the fall.
And this guide isn't finished. We'll keep updating it as we hear about more local routes, overlooks, trails, and places worth adding.
Explore more local guides
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Have a fall-color spot or scenic drive we missed? Email Tyler at [email protected].
This guide is built from local recommendations, and we'll keep improving it.