Sep 24, 2024 - Climate

When to expect peak fall foliage in Metro Detroit in 2024

Annalise Frank

Illustration of a fall leaf holding a camera. — Illustration: Maura Losch, Allie Carl/Axios

Bring out your lace-up boots, cardigans and tall socks — the leaves are changing.

The big picture: Fall foliage changes have begun across the state, with partial color across much of southeastern and mid-Michigan, according to the website Smoky Mountains' trusted nationwide prediction map.

The autumnal equinox was Sunday, Sept. 22.

State of play: By Oct. 7, expect peak color in Southeast Michigan and much of the rest of the state.

We will pass peak colors by Oct. 14-21.

The intrigue: The County Road Association of Michigan has a list of the best backroads for viewing the reds, oranges and yellows of fall by car. Options near-ish to Detroit include:

Beverly Road in Southfield Township, from 13 ½ Mile to 14 Mile Road, passing Evans Nature Preserve
Lakeshore Drive between 8 Mile Road and Marter Road
If you're going to Macomb County for apple orchards, try M-53 between 28 Mile Road and 32 Mile Road and the Macomb Orchard Trail.

Add Axios on Google

When to expect peak fall foliage in Metro Detroit in 2024

More Detroit stories