There’s nothing more magical than venturing out to explore fall colors near Detroit. While the season is chock full of fun adventures, including pumpkin patches and corn mazes, we’re total suckers for an autumn road trip. When you’re ready to hop in the car and explore some of the prettiest scenery Metro Detroit has to offer, follow this short and sweet route through some of the most vibrant spots in the area.
This road trip through fall foliage in Metro Detroit should take approximately two hours. If you’d like to access a convenient adjustable map of our proposed route, click here. Happy leaf-peeping, fellow Detroiters!
Google Maps
- Belle Isle
Flickr/Maia C. Kick off your journey at Belle Isle, which can be explored by car or on foot. It’s easy to understand why this destination is beloved among locals and out-of-town visitors alike. As you make your way through, you’ll appreciate bright, colorful trees set against the skyline of the Motor City. To extend your stay, take a walk at Whitcomb Conservatory or settle in for a quick picnic along the Detroit River. Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
- Elmwood Cemetery
Google Reviews/Erica Alliss Who says cemeteries have to be spooky? We’re firm believers that there’s beauty to be found in historical resting places, and Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit certainly fits the bill. This spot was established in 1846 and features 86 peaceful acres to appreciate. During the fall months, foliage abounds among the graves of Civil War veterans, former Michigan politicians, artistic personalities, and everyday Detroiters alike. Take a drive or walk through the cemetery for a truly serene experience. Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
- Quickstad Park
Google Reviews/Will Haapaniemi As your fall color drive through Metro Detroit continues, head to Quickstad Park in Royal Oak. This small but charming site is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after a bit of time in the car, featuring 2.54 acres and a gorgeous trail through a section of foliage known as Tenhave Woods. Be sure to bring along your camera when you head out for a stroll here, as the fall foliage is nothing short of spectacular. It’s no surprise that Quickstad Park has remained a community fixture in Royal Oak since its establishment in the mid-1950s. Quickstad Park, Normandy Rd & Lexington Blvd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
- Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng Next on the list is Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, a brilliant gem in Southfield that brings together an impressive assortment of natural habitats among some of the prettiest surroundings in the area. Meadows, wetlands, forested swaths, and access to Carpenter Lake make this spot utterly unique – particularly when fall colors appear. With nearly a mile of trail space and access to everything from fishing to a rock park, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this nature-rich haven. Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, 27101-27215 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48033, USA
- Maybury State Park
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng As you circle around and begin to wrap up your tour of fall foliage in Metro Detroit, make a final stop at Maybury State Park in Northville. Whether you simply stop in for a quick glimpse from the car or fully immerse yourself in the stunning terrain that sets this park apart, you’ll be enamored. Many guests opt to hike and bike among the area’s 944 spectacular acres, which simply explode with fall colors each year. We can’t imagine a more magical place to round out your autumn adventure. Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167, USA
As you head back to Detroit, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an entirely new world — but you’ll only have spent two hours driving. Whether you choose to exit the vehicle at every destination is entirely up to you, but we recommend fully exploring each spot on our list for the richest, most memorable experience. If you’d like to recommend another wonderful place to spot fall colors near Detroit, fill out our nomination form here.
Google Maps
Flickr/Maia C.
Kick off your journey at Belle Isle, which can be explored by car or on foot. It’s easy to understand why this destination is beloved among locals and out-of-town visitors alike. As you make your way through, you’ll appreciate bright, colorful trees set against the skyline of the Motor City. To extend your stay, take a walk at Whitcomb Conservatory or settle in for a quick picnic along the Detroit River.
Belle Isle, Detroit, MI, USA
Google Reviews/Erica Alliss
Who says cemeteries have to be spooky? We’re firm believers that there’s beauty to be found in historical resting places, and Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit certainly fits the bill. This spot was established in 1846 and features 86 peaceful acres to appreciate. During the fall months, foliage abounds among the graves of Civil War veterans, former Michigan politicians, artistic personalities, and everyday Detroiters alike. Take a drive or walk through the cemetery for a truly serene experience.
Elmwood Cemetery, 1200 Elmwood St, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Google Reviews/Will Haapaniemi
As your fall color drive through Metro Detroit continues, head to Quickstad Park in Royal Oak. This small but charming site is the perfect spot to stretch your legs after a bit of time in the car, featuring 2.54 acres and a gorgeous trail through a section of foliage known as Tenhave Woods. Be sure to bring along your camera when you head out for a stroll here, as the fall foliage is nothing short of spectacular. It’s no surprise that Quickstad Park has remained a community fixture in Royal Oak since its establishment in the mid-1950s.
Quickstad Park, Normandy Rd & Lexington Blvd, Royal Oak, MI 48073, USA
Google Reviews/Ghi Zheng
Next on the list is Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, a brilliant gem in Southfield that brings together an impressive assortment of natural habitats among some of the prettiest surroundings in the area. Meadows, wetlands, forested swaths, and access to Carpenter Lake make this spot utterly unique – particularly when fall colors appear. With nearly a mile of trail space and access to everything from fishing to a rock park, it’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this nature-rich haven.
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, 27101-27215 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI 48033, USA
As you circle around and begin to wrap up your tour of fall foliage in Metro Detroit, make a final stop at Maybury State Park in Northville. Whether you simply stop in for a quick glimpse from the car or fully immerse yourself in the stunning terrain that sets this park apart, you’ll be enamored. Many guests opt to hike and bike among the area’s 944 spectacular acres, which simply explode with fall colors each year. We can’t imagine a more magical place to round out your autumn adventure.
Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167, USA
If you’re looking for a more extended adventure, read about our longer fall foliage road trip through Metro Detroit.
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