Fall Driving Routes In the Brighton Howell Area

August 26, 2025

When the colors reach their peak, its time to get in the car and chase them. In the Brighton Howell Area, home to 50,000 acres of parks, there are plenty of places for you to take the most scenic of drives. This year, explore tree-lined roads, charming downtowns, and vibrant parks and hit these fall driving routes in the Brighton Howell Area.

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The Brighton Loop: Parks, Lakes, and Downtown Charm

Your Brighton journey starts in Kensington Metropark where you will take a scenic drive down the tree-canopied Huron River Parkway. In the Metropark, be on the lookout for a variety of wildlife that call it home. Then head west to venture through downtown Brighton where you’ll find cozy coffeeshops and small town charm that create the perfect fall scene. Continue east until you reach Brighton State Recreation Area where you can catch the sights of the colorful tree-lined waters of Bishop Lake.

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Howell Heritage Route: Country Roads and Classic Michigan Charm

Start in historic downtown Howell where you’ll find mature trees bursting with color, especially on the courthouse lawn. Have a quick pit stop to shop for great fall decor and dine on tasty dishes. Then, travel north on Michigan Avenue up through Oak Grove to cruise through farmland and wooded areas where the fall colors come alive. Next, head east on Faussett Road to Argentine Road where you will go south to continue your country road drive. Wrap up your scenic route by heading back to downtown Howell to take a drive by Thompson Lake to take in the breathtaking waters surrounded by fall colors.

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Pinckney-Hell Tour: Forest Tunnels and Hellish Fun

Dive into a rustic adventure by grabbing a cup of coffee from Earth’s Energy in downtown Pinckney. Then, head west toward the infamous town of Hell. Stop into Screams Souvenirs from Hell & Helloween to find some one-of-a-kind collectibles and ice cream! Continue your journey down Tiplady Road to Dexter Townhall Road to make it to Pinckney Recreation Area, an 11,000-acre hotspot for fall colors. Follow the winding roads through the dense, vibrant forest, then take Patterson Lake Road back toward town through rolling hills and brilliant foliage.

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Apple Trail: Orchards, Farms & Markets

Fall in Michigan wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the apple orchard or pumpkin patch. For the ultimate fall drive, start at Spicer Orchards to experience wagon rides, homemade treats, a petting zoo, and more. Then, head west on Clyde Rd to Markille Orchard to snag some delicious donuts. Continue south through Howell on Dexter Pinckney Road to see gorgeous fall colors along your drive. Make a pit stop at Grainger’s Orchard and Chambers Family Farm for a true country experience.

As you continue south on Dexter Pinckney Road, your next stop is Schell Family Farm in rural Pinckney. Here, you’ll be able to fully experience gorgeous fall colors lining the perimeter of this family-owned farm. Your last time takes you east through dense forest areas and along back roads to Blake’s Lyon Township Cider Mill.

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This fall, take time for a relaxing drive through the country for the ultimate autumn adventure. Explore the 50,000 acres of parks, vibrant communities, and fall adventures waiting for you in the Brighton Howell Area. Before you plan your trip, snag a visitor’s guide and sign up for our newsletter, which has everything you need to know to have the best getaway.

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