Fall 2025 Preview: Elite 8 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit to Enjoy this Season
- Dan Cooke
- Sep 23, 2025
- 9 min read
Happy Fall, Detroit! These warmer days coupled with crisper nights mean that the BEST RECREATIONAL SEASON for experiencing Detroit has returned in its full glory. As you start to plan your perfect fall in southeast Michigan's outdoors, here are our "Elite 8 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit" for you to enjoy this season!
The "Great Debate" is settled: Fall is the best season for outdoor recreation near Detroit.
If you're skeptical at our hot take there, well, please hear us out.
Fall kicks off by carrying all of summer's "peak season" momentum into September. We're talking open campgrounds, backpacking and canoe camping trips, dry mountain biking and trail running trails, and warm days for amazing kayaking. However, we'd argue that September actually improves on summer recreation by delivering smaller crowds, less bugs, more stars, and crisp "campfire-ready nights." So basically extended summer, but better.
October's arrival is where fall truly runs off with Detroit's "best season" title. Beyond hunting's return, October means world-class running competitions, halloween-themed recreational events, harvest festivals, and enjoying generations' worth of fall outdoor traditions. Our stunning parks, trails, and waterways show off their brilliance in autumn's full foliage.
While October tends to attract most of the season's outdoor attention, November closes out Fall's recreational calendar with a literal and figurative "Bang!" November 15th is an official-unofficial holiday in Michigan, marking the start of whitetail deer firearm season. Trail running season wraps up with its closing acts, followed closely by a plethora of "Turkey Trot" races. And - if we're lucky - our "Big Four Ski Resorts" may open for business before the winter months kick in.
Yeah...we happily - no, excitedly - rest our case. From kayaking to potentially skiing, the next three months will bless us with the full spectrum of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem. While that may seem overwhelming at first, we've taken the initiative to curate the most anticipated experiences that we are most looking forward to enjoying this Fall.
So let's get into it! Here are Expedition Detroit's "Elite 8 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit" for inspiring your Fall 2025 adventures.
1. CYCLE FOR CIDER MILLS
Destination: Paint Creek Trail | Orion Township, MI
When to Experience: All Fall
Recommended Adventure: Cycling the Paint Creek Trail to Several Cider Mills
Grab your flannel and pump up your tires, we're going cycling for cider mills!
The Detroit region is uniquely blessed with two fall recreational staples: a vast trail network lined with spectacular fall colors and postcard-ready apple orchards featuring quintessential cider mills. Hear us out - why not combine a perfect fall bike ride with a stop (or three) at a cider mill?
If this sounds like your perfect fall weekend, then get ready to gear up and head over to Oakland County's "Paint Creek Trail"! Heading out from the Pure Michigan Trail Town of Orion Township, the 10-mile Paint Creek Trail will guide you past Bald Mountain State Recreation Area and several nature preserves to the Goodison Cider Mill and aptly-named Paint Creek Cider Mill.
But wait, there's more cycling and cider ahead of you. Once you're fueled up with ample cider and donuts, keep the fall adventures moving by continuing east on the Clinton River Trail towards Bloomer Park. Once in Bloomer Park, follow the marked biking path towards trail marker #24, leading towards Yates Park. As you may have guessed, the famous Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills awaits your arrival.
2. HIKE FOR ULTIMATE FALL COLORS
Destination: Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, MI
When to Experience: Early-Mid October
Recommended Adventure: Hiking the Crooked Lake Trail
Last year, the Expedition Detroit team set out on a nearly impossible mission. We challenged ourselves to identify the best trail in the Detroit region for experiencing peak colors. A wonderfully brutal task.
Countless hours of research and field testing later, we finally decided on a winner: the "Crooked Lake Trail" at Pinckney State Recreation Area! This 4.4 mile loop trail is a year-round favorite for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers, although it abruptly bursts with colors once October gets going. Beyond the trail's celebrated foliage, its surrounding wildlife actively sharply increases as the temperatures begin to dip. To enjoy the full experience, be sure to book a campsite at the Crooked Lake Rustic Campground.
In honor of fall's glorious return, we're excited to launch a MASSIVE increase in our guided day hikes along the Crooked Lake Trail! Expedition Detroit day hiking trips are perfect for hikers of all experience levels. We only ask that you arrive with a wide-eyed sense of adventure and excitement to discover Metro Detroit's world-class trails - especially the Crooked Lake Trail.
RESERVE YOUR ULTIMATE FALL COLORS HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
3. FINISH RACING SEASON STRONG
Destination: Detroit Riverfront | Detroit, MI
When to Experience: October 19, 2025
Recommended Adventure: Running the Detroit Free Press Marathon
Ladies and gentlemen, lace up those sneakers: primetime racing season in Detroit is BACK!
Regardless of whether you're a road or trail runner, fall's return means that our region's preeminent running events are back in the recreational spotlight. The Ann Arbor Marathon kick's off the season on October 12th, followed a week later by the crown jewel of southeast Michigan's outdoor events calendar: the Detroit Free Press Marathon.
While either of these marathons will inevitably represent the seasonal finish line after months of grueling training, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention a few other key fall races:
Crooked Lakes Trail Run | October 4th | Independence Oaks Park, Clarkston, MI
Wicked Halloween Run | October 27th | Maybury State Park, Northville, MI
Bonfyre Trail Fest | November 8th | Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea, MI
Detroit Turkey Trot | November 27th | Downtown Detroit, MI
Milford Gobbler Gallop | November 29th | Downtown Milford, MI
TRAIN FOR RACING SEASON YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
4. EMBRACE SPOOKY SEASON ON A HAUNTED HIKE
Destination: Belle lsle Park | Detroit, MI
When to Experience: All October
Recommended Adventure: Hiking Belle Isle's Lighthouse and Blue Heron Loops
Detroit remains undefeated as one of America's top destinations for Halloween-themed activities. From haunted hayrides to paranormal tours, the annual Monster's Ball, and a season's worth of Halloween 5Ks, experiencing "Spooky Season" in and around Detroit is a bucket list-worthy adventure.
Last year, team Expedition Detroit embraced Halloween in our outdoors by researching the best "Haunted Hiking" destinations throughout our region. Lo and behold, one of our most popular guided day trips - Belle Isle's "Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Loops" - prominently features two such macabre destinations!
In honor of Spooky Season's return, we will also be increasing our guided day trip offerings not only to Belle Isle Park, but also Highland Recreation Area's "Haven Hill Loop." The Haven Hill Loop features a special, Expedition Detroit-exclusive encounter with the ruins of the Ford Family's hilltop "wilderness estate."
Do paranormal spirits still haunt the islands of the Detroit River or forest surrounding Haven Hill? There's only one way to find out...if you dare!
EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK THIS SPOOKY SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
5. GO ON THE HUNT FOR CONSERVATION
Destination: Highland State Recreation Area | Highland, Michigan
When to Experience: October through November
Recommended Adventure: Whitetail Deer Hunting in Michigan State Recreation Areas
If you're looking forward to the full menu of incredible outdoor experiences coming down the recreational pipeline this fall, then we have one small ask of you: please buy a Base License from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Why? The sale of hunting and fishing licenses remains a core fiscal component of several interwoven business models. From supercharging the Michigan DNR's financial capacity to supporting thousands of small businesses, the long-term viability of hunting remains a vital economic interest.
If you are already planning on getting out in the woods and enjoying one of several hunting seasons that kick off this fall, then you are obviously planning on purchasing at least a Base License and actively supporting the Michigan DNR's conservation efforts. But even if hunting is not your main cup of tea for getting outside this autumn, we still encourage you to passively support conservation by purchasing a Base License. Best $11.00 you'll ever spend.
Ethical hunting is essential for the longevity of Detroit's recreational ecosystem. There's no way to sugar coat it, and we at Expedition Detroit are proud to support the Michigan DNR and Michigan Wildlife Council in their ambitions to expand hunter and angler education and engagement.
For more information on the upcoming the Fall 2025 Hunting Season, check out Expedition Detroit's 2025 Fall Hunting Cheatsheet.
GEAR UP FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
6. ATTEND THE GRAND OPENING OF THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK
Destination: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park | Detroit, Michigan
When to Experience: October 25th - 26th
Recommended Adventure: Attending the Grand Opening Ceremony and Detroit Harvest Fest
The City of Detroit is no stranger to massive, ground-breaking events. We made that abundantly clear to the rest of the world during the record-setting 2024 NFL Draft.
Better yet, our city especially shines whenever we're blessed with the opening of a new, or refurbished outdoor space. Look no further than the award-winning Campus Martius ("Best Public Square in America"), Iron Belle Trail ("Longest State Trail in America"), and of course, the Detroit Riverwalk ("Best Riverwalk in America").
Well, guess what, Detroit: we're running up the score when it comes to the Riverwalk. This October, the long-awaited Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is FINALLY opening to the public! The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy invites you to experience the historic opening of the park during a two-day FREE "Grand Opening" celebration. The festivities will include live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and endless fun for all ages throughout the brand-new park.
Visit the Detroit Harvest Fest website for continuing updates on the grand opening celebration.
7. CONQUER THE "FIVE SUMMITS" WITH PEAK VISIBILITY
Destination: Five Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
When to Experience: Throughout November
Recommended Adventure: Hike to the top of each of the "5 Summits" after the final leaves drop - but before snowfall - for peak visibility conditions
In his 2022 hit song "Stick Season," Noah Kahan coined a name for winter's shoulder seasons in the northwoods. If you're unfamiliar with the term or song, "Stick Season" refers to the periods on both the forefront and backend of winter where the trees neither have leaves nor snow. They're just...sticks.
Stick Season in the early spring means mud, i.e. less than ideal hiking or mountain biking conditions.
In the late fall, however, Stick Season means great hiking conditions paired with UNMATCHED visibility in the woods. Put differently, the gradual loss of fall colors means the incremental gain in wildlife spotting, land scouting, and unmatched views from the Detroit region's highest points.
For Team Expedition Detroit, we will be taking our late-fall hiking talents to each of the "Five Summits" across the Detroit region. We wrote an article earlier this year popularizing those high points - and have a new "Trail Challenge" surrounding them in the works for 2026 (stay tuned). For the TL;DR, here are each of the Five Summits for reference:
Wayne Hill: elevation 990 feet | Maybury State Park, Northville, Michigan
Prospect Hill: elevation 1,150 feet | Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea, Michigan
Pontiac Lake Peak: elevation 1,154 feet | Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, White Lake, Michigan
Mount Kanzer: elevation 1,160 feet | Highland State Recreation Area, Highland, Michigan
Kerr Hill: elevation 1,229 feet | Ortonville State Recreation Area, Metamora, Michigan
8. GRAND OPENING OF THE GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE (MAYBE?)
Destination: Gordie Howe International Bridge | Detroit, Michigan
When to Experience: Hopefully this Fall
Recommended Adventure: Cross the bridge from the Iron Belle Trail to the Trans Canada Trail (and back)
The inclusion of this last item is a gamble. On one hand, if the Gordie Howe International Bridge FINALLY opens at some point this fall, it will constitute - and this is putting it lightly - the single most important development in the history of Detroit's outdoor economy. A direct link between between the Iron Belle Trail and Trans Canada Trail. A fluid, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly connection between both nationalities of the Detroit region.
When we first covered the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, that industry-redefining event was slated for sometime in 2024. Roughly a year ago, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced that the bridge would open sometime during "fall of 2025." While that timeline still hasn't officially changed, a recent report from the ratings agency S&P Global stated that opening could be delayed into 2026 due to delays completing the ports of entry on either side of the border.
We're not in the gambling business, but if we had to place a bet on the bridge's opening, we'd unfortunately take the over into a 2026 ceremony. BUT, assuming in a perfect world that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will be opening this season, here's what binational explorers of the Detroit region can look forward to:
A prominent multi-use path that will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists across the Windsor-Detroit border.
Toll-free access to the bridge for foot and pedal traffic.
Direct integration into the Trans Canada Trail in Windsor and the Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way in Detroit.
Safety features including concrete barriers separating the multi-use path from vehicular traffic, emergency call stations, security cameras, and lighting.
Expedition Detroit's "BACK-TO-SCHOOL DEALS" are still LIVE through the end of September! The deals include 30% OFF of ALL GUIDED HIKING TRIPS, 20% OFF of all EXPEDITION DETROIT STORE PRODUCTS, and 10% OFF of all HIKING BUNDLES booked before September 30th!
What are your recreation plans for this fall? Are there any destinations or top outdoor experiences near Detroit that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!
Comments