If you’re a fan of all things autumn, you’ve likely been counting down the days until Michigan’s marvelous apple orchards open for the season. Many of these spots are right here in Metro Detroit, offering locals the chance to escape from everyday stressors and immerse themselves in a fall wonderland. Here are nine of the best apple orchards to explore within driving distance of the Motor City. Find a new favorite apple orchard near Detroit right here!

1. Long Family Orchard, Farm, and Cider Mill - Commerce Charter Twp

There’s something so classic and charming about the Long Family Orchard, Farm, and Cider Mill, which offers all sorts of fresh produce and autumn adventures for everyone to enjoy. In addition to a variety of apples, Long’s grows sweet corn, pumpkins, mums, asparagus, and a plethora of other amazing options. Round it all out with some refreshing apple cider - what’s not to love?

2. Erie Orchards - Erie

The 70-acre Erie Orchards & Cider Mill is pure magic in the fall, featuring approximately 15,000 bushels of apples and fun for the entire family. Whether you drop by for a U-Pick outing with loved ones, hop on a hayride, or check out the on-site animal center to meet a few new farm friends, you’ll have a total blast here in Erie, Michigan.

3. Erwin Orchards - South Lyon

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Erwin Orchards is permanently closed. For many Metro Detroit residents, a trip to Erwin Orchards is a genuine autumn tradition. It’s easy to understand why this spot is so beloved - after all, it offers U-Pick apples and pumpkins during the fall months, in addition to plenty of other tasty treats and an exciting corn maze. Bring along your camera because you’ll want to snap a few photos to remember your outing here.

4. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill - Armada.

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill might be the region’s most famous apple orchard, boasting seemingly endless fun for the family throughout the year across its sprawling compound. U-Pick apples are a main draw in the fall, typically remaining available through November. From Paula Red to Ginger Gold, the apple varieties here are deliciously fresh - and you can round out your U-Pick adventure with a visit to the on-site artisan market. It's a great place to go when you're looking for apple picking near Detroit.

5. Apple Charlie’s Orchards - New Boston

Head to the town of New Boston for an autumn excursion at Apple Charlie’s Orchards, a 95-acre farm that houses a U-Pick orchard and plenty of family fun during the fall months. Pick up a homemade apple pie for the road, dig into a slice of the farm’s apple-chopped cinnamon bread, or hop on a hayride. You might just want to return to Apple Charlie’s each and every weekend. It has some of the best apple picking in Michigan.

6. McCallum’s Orchard & Cider Mill - Grant Township

In addition to U-Pick apples, McCallum’s Orchard & Cider Mill also offers sunflowers, grapes, red raspberries, pears, pumpkins, and more, so you’ll find it difficult to leave this fun spot empty-handed. Explore the on-site corn and sunflower mazes, snap a few photos atop a large pile of straw known as "Straw Mountain," or pick up some delectable apple cider and donuts to take home. Does it get much better when it's fall in Michigan?

7. Hy’s Cider Mill - Bruce Township

Hot cider, delicious donuts, U-Pick apples, and a variety of family-friendly activities… is there any better way to spend a fall weekend? We think not, and you’ll find all these things and more when you check out Hy’s Cider Mill. After a long work week, there’s no better medicine than a brisk fall afternoon spent among the beauty of the countryside, and Hy’s certainly delivers. If you've been searching "apple orchards near me," this one is an excellent choice!

Are there any other apple orchards or cider mills throughout Metro Detroit that we should consider for future articles? Have you visited any of the destinations included in our list above? We’re always eager to hear about your favorite spots, so be sure to leave us a comment to tell us all about your experiences or make an official recommendation by filling out our nomination form. If you're looking for places to stay no matter where you are, check out Vrbo for all sorts of accommodations, from hotels to yurts to cabins. There is something to fit every taste and budget.

For one really fun fall adventure, check out this charming cabin rental near Detroit.