During the fall season, it’s always fun to take a scenic drive to see the changing colors and beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a drive to take in the Metro Detroit area, check out these routes that offer plenty of natural beauty and places to stop for photos.
O’Hair Park Nature Trail
Although it’s less than 10 miles from Redford, the O’Hair Park Nature Trail is a fantastic place to view the fall scenery in the area. O’Hair Park is an 80-acre outdoor space, housing an unpaved trail that makes you feel like you’re in the great outdoors. You can drive around the park or get out and explore the trail to get an up-close glimpse of the shades of orange, yellow, and red as the leaves change.
Jefferson Avenue and Lakeshore Drive
As you make your way along Lakeshore Drive and Jefferson Avenue, you’ll get a beautiful view of Lake St. Clair. This area of Detroit also has a number of historic mansions and homes dating back many years, helping you to feel like you’re in the early days of the city. The speed limit is fairly slow, giving you the opportunity to look around without feeling like you’re holding up the cars behind you. If you can get up early enough to drive these roads before sunrise, you’ll be treated to the imagery of the sun rising over the lake.
Belle Isle
Driving to Belle Isle is a must if you live in the area. It’s only about 23 miles from Redford, but the drive offers an impressive view of the river around much of the park. As you travel, you may catch a glimpse of some of the upscale homes located on the Canadian shore and a view of the Detroit skyline. If it’s not too cold yet, the members of the Detroit Yacht Club may be out on the water enjoying their boats before the weather turns chilly.
River Road Scenic Byway
As the name suggests, the River Road Scenic Byway offers beautiful views, as well. Along this scenic drive, you’ll come across several viewing areas that sit high above the AuSable Valley. If you want to take some photographs, these viewing areas are the ideal places to stop along the way.
On the route, you’ll also go through some of the early logging towns that played a major role in Michigan’s history in this industry. Learn more about the timber industry at the Lumberman’s Monument Visitor Center and take a short walk to the monument that recognizes the hard-working lumberjacks. If you’re up for a hike, bring the right shoes as some of the trails lead right to the water’s edge. When you get out, you’ll be able to see a few trees with changing leaves. However, much of this area includes evergreen trees.
Enjoy a relaxing drive in the Redford area as you explore the natural beauty of the state of Michigan. You don’t have to travel too far from your hometown to experience the impressive fall colors.
Image via pixabay.com
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