Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan is in my front yard. I live on M-119 just north of Good Hart, Michigan, and there has been more traffic this fall than ever before.
Tunnel of Trees is Michigan highway M-119, also known as Lake Shore Drive. It is designated a historic, scenic byway.
We’ve seen a massive increase in traffic, especially on fall weekends. Traffic is bumper-to-bumper the entire month of October. Cars will stop in the too-narrow roadway to take photos, meanwhile blocking a long line of traffic.
Patience can wear thin with drivers. Patience is especially thin with locals who need to get somewhere – or when they find people using their front yards for picnics and toilets (yep, it happens!)..
So, why the huge increase in traffic on the Tunnel of Trees, especially in areas like Good Hart and Cross Village?
What’s making this scenic drive in Northern Michigan more popular than ever before?
Are there solutions to help manage the traffic?
Increased Popularity of Outdoor Tourism
- Impact: Since the pandemic, there’s been a surge in domestic travel. People are seeking outdoor destinations for scenic drives, hiking, and nature activities. The Tunnel of Trees, with its stunning views along M-119, has become a top attraction for travelers looking to experience Northern Michigan’s beauty.
- Result: This scenic route is now attracting visitors from across Michigan and beyond, contributing to higher traffic volumes than this narrow road can handle.
Social Media and Online Exposure
- Impact: With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and travel blogs, the Tunnel of Trees has gained even more exposure. Photos of its views, especially in fall when the colors are vivid, have gone viral. This prompts more people to visit.
- Result: As more people share their experiences online, they are inspiring followers to take the same journey, further increasing traffic along this narrow road.
Seasonal Tourism Peaks
- Impact: Certain times of the year, especially during the fall color change and summer months, see a significant uptick in visitors. The Tunnel of Trees is promoted for its fall foliage, which draws a large number of tourists who want to experience the colors firsthand.
- Result: The increased seasonal tourism leads to congestion during peak times which makes it harder to enjoy the views at a slower pace. The road’s narrow design makes it difficult to accommodate the growing number of cars.
Growth of Local Attractions
- Impact: Good Hart and Cross Village are not only beautiful, but they also feature unique stops like the famous Legs Inn and the beautiful Three Pines Studio & Gallery in Cross Village, as well as shops in Good Hart. These spots have become must-visit destinations for those traveling along the Tunnel of Trees.
- Result: The popularity of these attractions adds to the traffic, as people aren’t just driving through; they’re stopping for meals, shopping, and exploring.
The Road’s Design and Capacity
- Impact: M-119 is a historic, scenic byway, but it’s also narrow and winding. There is limited capacity for large volumes of traffic. The road was not originally designed to handle the current surge of vehicles, and because of its protected scenic nature, widening or major modifications to it are unlikely.
- Result: The narrow road often creates bottlenecks, especially during peak travel times, as there are limited opportunities to pull over, pass slower cars, or manage the flow of traffic smoothly.
Post-Pandemic Travel Boom
- Impact: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a renewed interest in road trips and local travel, especially since people are still cautious about international travel. Scenic drives like the Tunnel of Trees offer a safe getaway option for many.
- Result: The Tunnel of Trees has experienced more visitors than ever before. It’s a short drive from major urban areas in Michigan and is seen as a socially distanced activity.
Increased Interest in “Hidden Gems”
- Impact: The Tunnel of Trees has been highlighted by travel bloggers and local guides as one of Michigan’s “hidden gems,” making it a must-see for road trippers. Michigan’s tourism industry has also promoted it as a top destination.
- Result: As more people discover this route, traffic has naturally increased, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons.
Challenges for M-119
- Road Capacity: M-119’s infrastructure was designed decades ago for lighter traffic, not the large volumes seen today. The road’s narrow width and sharp turns can make it difficult to accommodate the growing number of cars safely.
- Safety Concerns: More traffic can lead to increased accidents. This road’s curves and lack of shoulders make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely at high volumes.
- Preservation Efforts: Since the Tunnel of Trees is a protected scenic route, expanding or altering the road is a delicate issue. There’s a desire to maintain the natural beauty and character of the area, which limits the options for improving traffic flow.
Potential Solutions
While there may not be immediate infrastructure solutions due to the road’s nature, there are ways to help manage the traffic:
- Traffic Control: Should local authorities introduce seasonal traffic control measures, such as lower speed limits and restricting parking on the highway?
- Promoting Off-Season Travel: Can bloggers encourage tourists to visit during non-peak seasons, like May when the Trillium are in bloom?
Tunnel of Trees in Northern Michigan
The increase of traffic on the Tunnel of Trees, particularly in Good Hart and Cross Village, is driven by a mix of rising tourism and the road’s growing online popularity.
However, M-119 was designed decades ago for lighter traffic, not for the insanely large volumes we are seeing now.
Write about it and they will come. Travel bloggers and local guides keep posting each fall that everyone has to visit Michigan’s “hidden gem” – the Tunnel of Trees.
It’s not that hidden anymore.