Come evenfall , make out the non - swelteringly - hot outdoor activities . Take advantage of Michigan ’s cool atmospheric condition , vibrant decline colour , and picturesque landscape in the metro Detroit field , which can still supply that “ up northward , detached from real living ” feel if you fuck just where to go for it . Luckily for you , we ’ve strike hard out step one – here ’s a leaning of 10 unlike trails worth checking out . Grab your bicycle , your best hike shoe , and a bottle of water : It ’s time to tally the trail .
Rouge River Gateway Greenway (Hines Park Trail)
Dearborn to NorthvilleThis winding 20 - naut mi trail begin near the beautiful University of Michigan - Dearborn campus , where you ’re able to enter the Henry Ford Estate and a phone number of side trails that ’ll take you through its hinterland ( this is a great orbit for birdwatching , by the means ) . But if you stay on the master path , you ’ll continue to swoop along the Rouge River all the manner up to Northville , passing both urban and rude landscapes . Pro tip : If you start up in Dearborn , parking area at the back of Andiamo eating place , which is right next to the trailhead .
I-275 Metro Trail
Novi to New BostonYou can access this 33 - sea mile excursion from the Plymouth fate of the Rouge River Gateway Greenway , or from trailheads in Novi and New Boston and various stops throughout . take you around Oakland and Wayne County , the I-275 Metro Trail was built to counter the 1970s fuel crisis , later falling into shambles . It was then keep open and rehabbed by MIDOT and a crowd of dedicated volunteers . If you do n’t listen haphazardness from the nearby highway and a twosome jumpy plot of ground , it ’s a fun agency to view the leaf turn without getting too far into nature .
West Bloomfield Trail
West BloomfieldThis pretty ( but often busy ) almost 7 mile rail track offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of West Bloomfield , about 30 minutes northwest of Detroit . With a nature preserve on one end and a residential area Mungo Park on the other , the limestone path frustrate peaceful wilderness and marsh - corresponding domain that offer several birdwatching stops . Travel off of the principal way and onto one of the side trail to spot foxes , Marmota monax , and rabbits , and at the many ponds , cute small turtles , and chirrup waterfowl .
Paint Creek Trail
Rochester to Lake OrionMichigan ’s first non - motored rail to trail takes you through historic Rochester , Rochester Hills , Oakland Township , Orion Township , and the hamlet of Lake Orion . Made up of nearly 9 miles convert from the former Penn Central Railroad ( which you’re able to still see remnants of ) , Paint Creek Trail curves through shaded woods with a tunnel of trees arc overhead . Throughout the path , you ’ll get a chance to stop at the Paint Creek Cider Mill for a donut and cup of cider , along with several nature overlook that give admission to sportfishing area . The trail is n’t pave , but still makes for a very placid bicycle ride or run – you might even pass over path with a deer or two .
Milford Trail
MilfordIf you get there right on clip , the massive Kent Lake always promise a beautiful sunset from atop its hilly terrain . A little more than four naut mi of wetland and woodlands take you around the lake and over a dam , dipping up and down to give your manner of walking , jog , or tantalise changing interval ( but not too much – it ’s in force for any level of experience ) . When you reach the goal , you may either connect to the 9.5 mile loop topology at Kensington Metro Park , or snaffle a immediate bite to eat up in Milford ’s sorcerous Downtown district , which is fundamentally freeze in time .
Independence Oaks County Park River Loop
ClarksonThis short paved trail – just over two naut mi – is one of your best bets for a family jaunt . Take the Kyd on an good afternoon bicycle drive and stop at one of its many picnic tables for an outdoorsy luncheon in the crisp Michigan breeze . You ’ll pass the headquarters of the Clinton River , where you ’re all but assure to spot waterfowl and grassy hayfield full of bluebird houses . The loop also includes several boardwalks , sportfishing outlets , and play areas , so you really could expend an entire day there .
Maybury State Park Hiking Trail
NorthvilleThe picturesque Maybury State Park in Northville offers a secluded , easy , and unbend four - mile walk loop that ’s great for Kid to enjoy , too , considering it has stops at fun parks and picnic areas ( just do n’t make them do the entire trail ) . In October , colorful leave of absence float down from the trees and transform the serene parkland into a picture - sodding snap of fall in Michigan . But the trail is never too busy , so you could get in a good acid of quiet , pondering nature time – practice of medicine for the soul , we believe .
Macomb Orchard Trail
Shelby Township to RichmondA bop 23.5 international nautical mile of railing - track run through northern Macomb County . At one end , you ’ll bump Richmond ’s cityscape , and at the other final stage , vast countryside full of crop discipline , dairy farm , and fruit grove . Varying landscapes ensure you do n’t get bore well , but do check out for route crosswalk – some of these areas get pretty interfering , so you might be better off convey your cycle across if you ’re riding . The track often pass over open land , but near Armada , you ’ll find shaded asylum under what ’s been nickname a “ cathedral of trees . ”
Stony Creek Metropark – West Branch Mountain Bike Trails
Shelby , Oakland , and Washington TownshipsFor the adventurous case , a 14 - international mile bike path runs through the heart of the sprawl Stony Creek Metropark . Mountain bikers will bask gravelly hills and deep woods far from civilisation ( though banker’s bill : bikers must put on helmet ) , but it ’s also accessible to tramper and those just look for a one - upped walk . Do n’t be afraid to venture into other section of the park , though , because there are 27 miles of trail , all array in levels of difficulty from easy nature walk to more difficult climbs .
Detroit International Riverfront
Downtown DetroitWith the reddish lights of Windsor , Canada illuminating the paired destruction , this stroll along the Detroit River is most beautiful in the other eventide . Five - and - a - half miles make up the Detroit Riverfront , which runs from the westerly - remain firm Ambassador Bridge to the easterly - located Belle Isle . You ’ll pass the iconic skyscraper of Downtown Detroit , like the GM Renaissance Center , and the endearing Milliken State Park and Harbor , stud with tail boat . Weather permitting , there are always plenty of family - friendly activities to partake in , such as movies under the stars , gratuitous concert , and carnivals . Come back to the Riverfront in June for what ’s arguably the good view of the Ford Fireworks , one of the worldly concern ’s largest fireworks displays .
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Milford Trail|SNEHIT/Shutterstock
Ford Estate|LouLouPhotos/Shutterstock
Flickr/Heckrodt Wetland Reserve
Paint Creek Trail
SNEHIT/Shutterstock
Flickr/ellenm1
Flickr/Wigwam Jones
