Summer has officially come to an end and as the air is beginning to crisp it’s the perfect time for Michiganders to take part in an annual tradition: watching the leaves change color. It’s a simple yet beautiful pleasure that we’re fortunate to have. Many Michiganders spend all year anticipating the arrival of Autumn to watch Michigan transition through glowing golds, bright oranges and radiant reds all over the state. We’ve put together a quick list of places to catch the leaves change color around Metro Detroit.
As always, please remember to practice social distancing and wear a mask when you’re out and about. Peak color season started on September 20th and extends through October 14th – so don’t miss out!
You don’t have to venture far out of the city to catch Michigan’s Fall beauty. Located in Detroit, Belle Isle Park’s 960 acres are filled with hickory, elm and oak trees that radiantly change color during the Fall. Take a hike around the nearly 6-mile perimeter or picnic on the island while you admire the Fall scenery. And if you’re up for an adventure, kayaking around the island will give you one of the best views.
This 15-mile stretch is one of Metro Detroit’s best spots for a Fall color tour. This trail extends from Dearborn to Northville and is lined with trees all the way through, making it the perfect trail to catch Fall’s colorful blast.
Grab the family and spend a day at Kensington Metropark in Milford this Fall. The park’s 4,481 wooded acres has something for everyone, whether you’re a hiker, biker, golfer, fisher or just looking to sit back and relax. Enjoy time with your family while surrounded by the vibrant colors that make Michigan Falls so beautiful. And don’t forget to stop by one of the area’s many cider mills for some fresh donuts on your way home.
Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan’s arboretum is magical year-round, but especially during the Fall. Filled with trails, native and exotic trees, gardens, ponds and streams, this is a storybook spot to admire Fall colors. Take your bike, go for a hike, or chill out by the water as you watch the leaves change all types of iridescent greens, golds, reds and purples.
Sitting 1,072 feet above sea level at the highest elevation point in Kent County, Fist Knob Park offers the best views in the region to watch the leaves change color. The park is currently not allowing vehicle traffic, but you can hike your way to the top and see up to 20 miles out.
The Tunnel of Trees along Lake Michigan’s shoreline is ranked one of the most scenic roads in the nation. The hilly drive takes you from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. Its dense forestry makes it an iconic fall colors tour destination. There are plenty of stops along the 20-mile pathway. Make sure to pull over in Good Hart to enjoy Michigan’s famous chicken pot pies from Good Hart’s General Store.
Do you have a great place to watch the leaves change color? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share your pics!