There are lots of great ways to see fall color in Manitowoc and Two Rivers. Hike the trails at a state park or local nature center, hop on a bike that skirts the shores of Lake Michigan, or take a paddling trip along two scenic rivers. Here’s a closer look at a few parks and trails to explore this fall.

Woodland Dunes Nature Center

Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve in Two Rivers spans more than 1,500 acres and offers hikers 7 miles of trails to explore hardwood and conifer forests, wetlands, and prairies. Hikers and walkers will find lots of viewing platforms and overlooks where they can take in fall color. Trails vary in length from a third of a mile to more than 2 miles. It’s a great destination for birdwatching in the fall, and it also serves as a launch point for the Twin Rivers Water Trail.

Mariners Trail

This paved recreational trail starts at the 8th Street Bridge in historic downtown Manitowoc and offers the longest continuous scenic view of the lake in the state. The 6-mile route passes scenic overlooks, rocky coves, beaches, flower gardens and other stunning sites. At the north end, it meets up with the Rawley Point Recreational Trail, which heads into Point Beach State Forest.

Point Beach State Forest

Point Beach State Forest, a 3,000-acre site north of Two Rivers, stretches for six miles along Lake Michigan is home to hiking trails (including part of the Ice Age Trail), campgrounds, a nature center, picnic areas, and the Rawley Point Bicycle Trail. Overall, the state forest has more than 17 miles of hiking trails, ranging from half a mile to just over 7 miles.

Silver Creek Park

This stunning 71-acre park in Manitowoc sits on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers a nice beach to walk along on those warm fall days, as well as wooded walking trails, scenic overviews, a playground, and more. The park is also home to a 36-hole disc golf course if you want to take in fall colors while playing.

Twin Rivers Water Trail

Enjoy the sights along the East and West Twin River (the rivers that give Two Rivers its name) in a canoe or kayak along the Twin Rivers Water Trail, a 20-mile-long route that has easy access points along both branches. The paddling route is family friendly—no wild rapids here—and paddlers can stop at the launch points to stretch their legs and take in the sights along the rivers.