It’s that time of year again when the leaves start changing colors. As we move into the Fall season, the foliage transition is upon us, with leaves changing colors from bright green to rich yellows and ambers. The timing of the color change varies depending on where you are. In Michigan, the Upper Peninsula experiences the color change a little earlier than the Lower Peninsula, but the timing is similar overall.

SmokyMountains.com has recently released its annual Fall Foliage Prediction Map, which forecasts when the color change will reach its peak and when it will be past peak viewing across the entire United States. However, it’s important to note that predicting the exact dates that Michigan’s fall colors will peak is not an exact science and is subject to change based on local weather patterns.

Peak Fall Colors in Michigan

The website predicts that most of Michigan will start to see near-peak color change at the beginning of October. Peak color changes will be seen on the east and west sides of the Upper Peninsula around October 9. Around that time, Michiganders will see peak color change in most of the Lower Peninsula and in the central Upper Peninsula. The east and west sides of the Upper Peninsula will be past peak color change by then. Finally, the entire state will be past peak color change by the end of October.

If you want to see the changing colors at their brightest and boldest, they recommend that you head outdoors during the first week of October.

During spring and summer, leaves are green, which is the color of chlorophyll that turns sunlight into food for the tree. However, two things happen in the fall that cause chlorophyll to break down: diminishing sunlight and colder temperatures. This is a natural process and part of the tree’s transition to winter mode, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As the chlorophyll breaks down, the leaves change into other colors. Sunlight diminishes at the same pace every year during the fall, but temperature changes in October could affect the timing of the leaves turning.

Check out the complete predictions map here.

Get Your Cider Fix: 16 Metro Detroit's Cider Mills to Visit this Fall

The cool breeze is creeping in, and Fall is sneaking up on us here in Michigan. We’re more than halfway through August, and it’s time to gear up for some autumn fun. Among these activities are haunted attractions that’ll make you jump and pumpkin patches begging for your best jack-o’-lantern face. But before we jump into spooky season, we are excited about apple orchards and, of course, cider mills.

The excitement

There’s a thrill that comes with the mention of apple orchards. You have the aroma of cider mills in full swing, and the irresistible allure of freshly made, warm sugary donuts. These elements combine to create an experience that captures the essence of fall. Michigan is home to numerous cider mills, with some particularly favored ones scattered throughout the Metro Detroit area.

Michigan apples

It’s worth noting that the state has emerged as a significant contributor to the apple market; there are a substantial number of apple orchards in Michigan. According to information from the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan holds the rank of the nation’s third-largest apple producer. The state has over 14.9 million apple trees that span 34,500 acres and are distributed among 775 family-operated farms.

Michigan is one of the best states for homemade donuts and apple cider. For those who appreciate the charm of cider mills, it’s no secret that each one has its own distinct personality. With an assortment of activities, specialties, a variety of donuts, and a specific blend of apples, no two cider mills are quite the same. And quite a few cideries have jumped on the trend of offering hard cider as well.

Whether you’re planning a full day out with the family, keeping up a cherished tradition, or simply curious to see what all the fuss is about, these cider mills should definitely be on your radar. With offerings ranging from hayrides and u-pick experiences to petting zoos and corn mazes, check out these cider mills in Metro Detroit.

Long Family Orchards, Commerce
Now open at 1540 East Commerce Rd in Commerce, you’ve got the Long Family Orchard ready to welcome you. They have a cider mill, a corn maze, and a play area for visitors. Alongside their cider and donuts, you can also pick up apples, pumpkins, and other fresh produce from their offerings.

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Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill, Plymouth
Experience fall to the fullest at Plymouth Orchards & Cider Mill. Treat yourself to a cinnamon donut and fresh cider, and don’t miss the wagon ride to the pumpkin patch or the hay bale maze. Located at 10685 Warren Rd. in Plymouth, they’re opening up for Labor Day weekend.

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Yate's Cider Mill, Rochester Hills
Right at 1990 E. Avon in Rochester Hills, this place is open for business. They have cider, pastries, and fudge. They also have a petting farm with sheep, horses, and Lucy the Llama. And if you’re up for a walk, there are riverside trails to explore. They’re open every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find more information about Yates Cider Mill here.

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Paint Creek Cider Mill, Rochester
This family-operated cider mill and restaurant serves up scratch-made meals year-round. You can enjoy lunch and dinner here, and when fall rolls around, they have cider and donuts too. They also offer a variety of baked goods and ice cream, including a fun treat called the Apple Cider Milk Shake. Located at 4480 Orion Rd. in Rochester.

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Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, Armada
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is open and waiting for you at 17985 Armada Center Rd. in Armada. They’ve got not one, but two spots to explore: Blake’s Orchard Funland and Blake’s Big Apple Funland. They have a petting farm, water duck races, an animated scarecrow band, and wagon rides at each spot. Plus, they’ve got tasty treats sourced locally. Blake’s has got more to offer with an open-air apple press, a tasting room, and even a restaurant.

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Blake's Lyon Township, South Lyon
This 104-acre apple orchard and mill used to be called Erwin Orchards and Cider Mill. It opened a few weeks ago and has everything from doughnuts, cider, and U-pick apples to a petting zoo. And they offer Blake’s Hard Cider, wine, yummy cider mill treats, and baked goods. This is located at 51475 Silver Lake Rd. in South Lyon.

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Franklin Cider Mill, Franklin
They’ve got an open-air market, the Apple Shack, and the Franklin Tent where you can grab homemade jams, maple syrup, honey, salsas, meats, and cheeses. And they’re bringing back Cider Dogs, which are hot dogs soaked in cider. You can even watch them making the cider inside the mill. Head to 7450 Franklin Rd. in Franklin when they open up on Saturday, September 2nd.

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Three Cedars Farm, Northville
Starting September 1st, head over to 7897 Six Mile Rd. in Northville. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a colorful entrance packed with fall flowers, mums, corn stalks, and, of course, the chance to pick your own pumpkins. Don’t miss the big red barn and cider mill – that’s where the hayrides start every 10 minutes. And if you’re up for a challenge, there’s a 7-acre corn maze for both kids and adults. Plus, Three Cedars offers 10 private bonfire sites for rent all season long.

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Parmenter's, Northville
Opening its doors on August 26, you can find this place at 714 Baseline in Northville. They have all the good stuff like cider, doughnuts, cider slush, and more tasty treats. And if you’re into fresh hard cider and beer, check out Parmenter’s Northville Winery and Brewing Co. This year marks their 150th anniversary.

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Spicer Orchards, Fenton
Spicer Orchards is open all year round and has been growing fruit for six generations. They got their Hartland farm in 1967 and set up another market there in 1980. They do apples and cider, and they also have a winery, a doughnut shop, and a bakery. You can check them out at 10411 Clyde Rd. in Fenton.

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Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Holly
Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill is open daily from mid-August to Halloween, 9 am to 6 pm. They serve apple cider, homemade donuts, apple butter, honey, jams, pies, candy, and more fall favorites. A visit to Diehl’s feels like a trip “up North” rather than a typical Metro Detroit cider mill.

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Stony Creek Orchard & Cider, Bruce Township
Eat fresh apple cider straight from their mill and enjoy hot, homemade donuts at the Donut House, all while your kids play on straw bales in the picnic area. No need for an admission fee at their farm. You can pick your own apples, pumpkins, and raspberries (red, yellow & black) or buy pre-picked ones. They also offer apples, homemade pies, caramel apples, pre-picked pumpkins, gourds, jams, jellies, honey, maple syrup, and more. You can even check out antique tractors on display for fun photo ops.

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Wiard's Orchards, Ypsilanti
Right now, you can head over to Wiard’s at 5565 Merritt Road in Ypsilanti. With a history of almost 170 years, they have a petting farm, corn maze, wagon rides, mini golf, fire engine rides, paintball, karaoke, and a super big inflatable slide. You can also pick your own apples and pumpkins. And if you’re up for a scare, check out Wiard’s Haunted Thrill Park on weekends in September and October. They’ve got a Haunted Barn, MindShaft, and Asylum waiting for you. Wiard’s is open Wednesday through Sunday, and there are even more cool things happening on weekends.

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Westview Orchards, Washington
For an fall family outing, check out Westview Orchards in Washington Township. They offer u-pick apples, a farm market, and bakery, along with activities like The Black Hole, Giant Slide, Corn Maze, and more. Visit on Saturdays and Sundays in September and October from 10 am to 5 pm.

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Apple Charlies, New Boston
Located at 38035 S. Huron Rd. in New Boston, Apple Charlie’s is set to open next month. The star of the show at Apple Charlie’s is their wide array of apples and fresh-pressed cider. For the little ones, there are pony rides and a farm with animals to enjoy. You’ll also find food truck vendors on-site.

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Miller's Big Red Orchard, Washington Township
Located at 4900 32 Mile Rd. in Washington Township, they’re gearing up to open in mid-September. It’s a fully operational farm with much more than apples and pumpkins. Alongside their cider, Millers has a Country Store stocked with pies, bread, jams, jellies, donuts, and more. They’ve also got a greenhouse filled with various plants. Throughout the seasons, you can enjoy U-Pick strawberries, cherries, pumpkins, raspberries, and three types of apples. Plus, they have their own ice cream parlor and craft their own mackinaw fudge.

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