One Of America's Least-Visited National Parks Is A Fall Foliage Escape With 170 Miles Of Trails

Autumn, when the Northern Hemisphere's deciduous trees burst with hues of red, yellow, and orange, is a stunning time of year, and America's national parks are especially excellent places to do some leaf-peeping. It's hard to choose the best national park for fall foliage (there are so many!), but Michigan is always a safe bet when it comes to autumnal hues, full of beautiful foliage views at must-visit Midwest spots.

Within Michigan, there's one national park that stands out: Isle Royale on Lake Superior. Not only is Isle Royale one of the most underrated national parks in America, but it's an isolated beauty that shines in the autumn. With just 29,000 visitors in 2025, Isle Royale is one of the country's least-visited parks, primarily because it's hard to reach. This 210-square-mile island — and the other 450 smaller islands that make up the national park — lie smack in the middle of the giant Lake Superior and can only be reached via boat or seaplane. 

The ferry service to the island is seasonal, ending in September and October, which makes the park even more difficult to reach in the autumn months. Those that make it, though, agree that this is one of America's least-visited national parks that are worth the trip. Sugar maples and yellow birch burn amber and gold along the heavily-forested islands, all reflected in the deep blue waters of Lake Superior. The many inland lakes are fringed with these colorful forests, where you're more likely to stumble across a moose or a loon than another human (especially in the fall). Whether you spend your days paddling along the lakes and between the tiny islands or criss-crossing the 170 miles of trails from coast to hilltop, this northern island paradise will be the peaceful autumn getaway you've been craving.

Though it's technically open every year from April 16 through October 31, you'll likely need a private boat (or plane) to visit Isle Royale National Park in the fall. Most of the already limited services on the island are closed during fall, so plan to pack everything you need in (and then pack it all out again). That includes food, water, and trash! The National Park Service also highly recommends emergency provisions, such as extra food and extra warm clothing. The autumn weather on northern Lake Superior can run the gamut, with higher-than-usual temperatures to ice storms, so travel like a Boy Scout and be prepared.

If you do plan to visit in early fall, amenities like the two visitors' centers in Windago and Rock Harbor are open, and so is the Rock Harbor Lodge for non-campers. Ferry service runs regularly until mid-September, leaving from Houghton, Copper Harbor, and Grand Portage (Minnesota). Ferries and planes can be expensive, so budget for transportation as well as the park fee ($7 per day per person, for ages 16 and up). 

Rock Harbor is an ideal base for most visitors, even if several services are shuttered for the season. There's potable water and trash disposal throughout most of October, and Rock Harbor is within easy access to many of the park's trails and campgrounds (and docks, if you're planning to sleep on your own boat). Rock Harbor Campground costs $25 per night, is right in town, and provides basic amenities, including bear lockers. Make sure to check the park's Current Conditions page to see what's open and where during the quiet autumn months.

Don't let the lack of services and transportation intimidate you, though. Isle Royale is one of the prime Great Lakes national parks for adventure-seekers, especially in the fall. Kayaking or canoeing is a must while visiting Isle Royale, whether you brave the ocean-like waters of Lake Superior (where you'll definitely need a sea kayak and the required safety gear) or stick to the calmer inland waters. Rock Harbor Visitor's Center rents out kayaks and canoes through September; otherwise, you'll need to bring your own. 

For those hoping to explore under the surface (beware: brrrr!), scuba diving is a popular activity at Isle Royale too, primarily due to the prevalence of historic shipwrecks in the turbulent waters of Lake Superior. Isle Royale is also beloved by anglers, called both by the waters of Lake Superior (where you'll need a valid fishing license) and the many inland lakes (no fishing license required). Species like lake whitefish, brook trout, northern pike, and yellow perch are abundant — depending on where you're casting that rod. 

We can't forget those 170 miles of trails! You could spend days or weeks traversing the many routes around Isle Royale. The 10-mile Mount Franklin Trail will take you high enough to see all the way to Canada. Try the shorter but incredibly scenic Suzy's Cave Loop (3.8 miles total) that'll take you to an ancient arch formation in the forest and along coastal cliffs. Also near Rock Creek is the customizable Stoll Memorial Trail, which takes you from woodland to coast; it can be done in as little as one hour or up to six, depending on which loop you take.