Stunning fall color drives in Boulder Junction
August 23, 2023
Fall is the perfect time to discover some of northern Wisconsin’s most scenic roads—here’s a look at four fall color driving routes you should try on your next visit to Boulder Junction.
Rustic Road 60
Vilas County’s only Rustic Road is located just south of Boulder Junction—Rustic Road 60 (also known as County Highway K), travels for 12 miles from County Highway M east to the nearby community of Star Lake and passes several lakes, an old logging camp, and a former sawmill under a canopy of beautiful fall colors. (Bonus hiking option: The trailhead for the Lumberjack Trail is located on the north side of the road just east of White Sand Lake.)
Ben Bendrick Drive
This road south of Boulder Junction is only about a mile and a half long, but it offers some outstanding views for fall color. The road runs parallel to county Highway M on the east side of Trout Lake. Another scenic stop along Trout Lake is Cathedral Point. Cathedral Point juts out between the north and south sections of Trout Lake and is home to ancient pine trees that provide a stunning natural setting.
County Highway B
A drive along this road north of Boulder Junction will take you into Presque Isle along the Wisconsin/Michigan border. From downtown Boulder Junction, head north on County Highway M for about 5 miles until you reach County Highway B. Head west on County Highway B, and you’ll pass the entrance to the Catherine Wolter Wilderness Area (take East Bay Road), a popular spot for fall hiking and birdwatching.
A drive into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
This approximately 85-mile loop passes through Land O’ Lakes and the Upper Peninsula before heading back to Boulder Junction via Presque Isle. Head north on County Highway M to County Highway B, then head east into Land O’ Lakes until you reach U.S. Highway 45. Head north on 45 into the U.P. then west on U.S Highway 2 to Marinesco. Then enjoy the view as you head south on M-64/County Highway B and County Highway M back into Boulder Junction.
Other great ways to see fall color
You don’t have to be behind the wheel or on your motorcycle to take in the Northwoods’ incredible fall colors. Here’s a look at some other ways to enjoy the scenery on your fall trip to Boulder Junction: