Embracing Fall Colors in the Detroit Metro Area and Oakland County

There are many places to see fall foliage in Oakland County. Some of the most popular spots are:

Polly Ann Trail, Orion Township – This 14.2 mile non-motorized trail runs through several Oakland County communities and is one of Michigan’s 134 “Rails to Trails” destinations. Whether you’re here for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or simply a casual walk through the forest, Polly Ann offers stunning views of the fall foliage and a variety of species of flora to observe.

Yates Cider Mill, Rochester Hills – Arguably the most popular cider mill in the area, this is also an incredible spot to see some fall leaves. The Clinton River Trail runs through the Yates property, and whether you go south toward Gene Shepherd Park or north into Bloomer Park, you’re going to find a variety of healthy trees displaying their fall colors. Also if you’re thinking of cider and donuts, check out some other local cider mills!

West Bloomfield Nature Preserve, West Bloomfield Township – This 162-acre preserve is frequented by over 100 species of bird and tens of species of trees. The trail runs along a utility right-of-way that West Bloomfield has taken special care to preserve for access to nature. Be sure to check out the Marsh Overlook which provides an elevated platform to see both swamp and dense forest. While the trees this time of year are stunning, the late-season activity from deer, fox, mink and salamanders is also a major draw.

Long Family Orchard, Commerce Township – While maybe not as forested as some of the above and below options, this orchard provides a different look at “colors” as you can see an actual working orchard during its harvest season. Long Family Orchard provides a variety of U-Pick Apples, in addition to its pumpkin patch and corn maze. The barn also features honey from local bees, cider, and donuts. The orchard is card-only and open weekends from 10 am to 5 pm.

Kensington Metropark, Milford Township – While you can pick any number of Detroit Metroparks to visit, if you ask me - Kensington is Oakland County’s top choice. With 4,481 acres of wooded terrain and lakes, no Oakland County outdoor adventure is complete without a visit to Kensington. An annual Metropark pass can be purchased; and I highly encourage this if you’re local as it opens up endless fun at all 13 metroparks, but if you’re here on travel a day-pass only costs $10. Cyclists can show up for free.

Tenhave Woods, Royal Oak – Located near Royal Oak High School, this is as much a neighborhood park as it is a destination. This 22-acre property was named after a ROHS Biology Teacher who stressed the importance of the environment to his students. Its trees tower above and provide a beautiful fall canopy worth exploring. Hikers only though, no bikes allowed, and bring boots if it has rained because the trails are unimproved.

Rose Oaks County Park, Holly Township – As one of Oakland County’s best county parks Rose Oaks is in an undeveloped part of Oakland County that was originally formed by glaciers, and though those glaciers receded about 12,000 years ago, many of their lakes, moraines, and other features remain - and today they are covered by vast swaths of diverse forest. Rose Oaks is 640 acres and accessible to hikers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, and fishers, but the best way to explore Rose Oaks is as an equestrian. If horseback is the way you want to explore fall, Rose Oaks is your destination.

Beech Woods Park, Southfield – Located off Nine Mile, this park is known for its large beech trees, which turn a brilliant yellow in the fall. Beech Woods features a park, golf course, recreation center, and trails through an urban park area that is easily accessible to the population centers of Oakland County.

Stage Nature Center, Troy – Another suburban park, Stage features a 100-acre nature preserve located just north of the 75 in Oakland County’s largest city - Troy. Stage is home to an interpretive nature center that exits to a paved path. This paved path meanders through mature trees, many rising 100+ feet into the air. Open dusk to dawn, you’ll find four trails in this 100-acre nature center, and during the fall it provides all the looks, feels, and smells of a park in a less-developed part of the county.

In addition to hiking and biking, there are many other ways to enjoy the fall colors in Oakland County. You can take a hayride at Upland Hills Farm or get lost in a corn maze at Maybury, you can go for a scenic drive along the Pontiac Trail - connecting Pontiac to Wixom, through West Bloomfield and Orchard Lake, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty of nature from a park bench - I highly recommend trying one of the benches at Shain Park in Birmingham or Meininger Park in Royal Oak.

In reality Oakland County is one of the most forested urban areas in the country and no place you go is going to be lacking fall colors, but hopefully you make the most of this season and explore some of the more natural areas that our county has preserved.