Find Your Fall Color Adventure in Metro Detroit

It’s the perfect season to tour the region for changing leaves while sipping fresh cider. We’ve got your best bets for finding fall colors throughout metro Detroit.

Michigan Fall Colors

For Detroiters, finding trails coated in multicolor changing leaves and trees as vibrant as they’ll be all year, is as simple as making  your way to Belle Isle Park. The city’s island park is accessible year-round, though fall is the perfect time to wander its interior trails or bike along the Detroit River. If you find yourself on the Detroit International RiverWalk, take the fork at the Dequindre Cut to follow along the path once used by the Grand Trunk Railroad line. Feel the bounty of the season with a stop in Eastern Market – where you can stock up on fresh crisp apples and cider during the Saturday market.

Heading west into Wayne County, fall color seekers will find Hines Drive filled with the splendor of autumn. Don’t miss the doughnuts and cider at Plymouth Orchards and watch American culinary history come alive at Greenfield Village during Fall Flavor Weekends.

Novi Views

Make your way north near Novi in the Oakland County and you’ll find fall is in full swing. Long’s Family Orchard is the place to get lost in fall colors – or an elaborate corn maze. Spend a day hiking at Kensington Metropark. It’s just one of 13 metroparks within driving distance of Detroit. Franklin Village sets a quaint scene at its fall destination – Franklin Cider Mill. Prepare to dodge crowds (and some bees) to enjoy cold cider and hot cider mill doughnuts. Leave time to browse the bins for fresh apples, pumpkins and Michigan maple syrup, too.

Pair the Sights with Cider and Doughnuts (or maybe a PSL)

Explore deeper into Oakland County and you’ll reach the gorgeous grounds of Cranbrook, where you can hike through forested trails, find your footing near the Cranbrook Art Museum or plan for a tour of the art deco masterwork on the campus. More than 40 acres of trails and gardens around Cranbrook House remain open to the public through October.

Looking to get lost – and get some miles in? Hop on a bicycle to ride the Paint Creek Trail as it winds from Rochester north amid the changing leaves and rush of the creek. Another historic landmark in the metro Detroit area, Yates Cider Mill opened in 1876 and still makes its refreshing apple cider with water power harnessed from the Clinton River. You simply can’t leave without plenty of fresh-baked doughnuts – in plain or cinnamon sugar – to share. Make a day of it by visiting the petting farm, sampling fresh-made fudge and hiking the trail along the river.

Macomb’s Insta-worthy Spots

Fall color tours can be found across the state. Chart your own course by car from Detroit northeast through Macomb County along I-94 and you’ll find a few family-friendly options. Make a day of it and drive up to Port Huron to find M-29 near the St. Clair River. Or stop at Lake St. Clair Metro Park to hike miles of marshes, meadows and wooded trails. Over at Westview Orchards and Adventure Farm in Washington Township, you’ll find fall amusement for the whole family. (If you can sneak away from the kiddos, check out Westview’s wine tasting room.)

Detroiters are never far from the best fall has to offer. Find your favorite seasonal stop and share it with us using #fallindetroit.

See more things to do in metro Detroit.