Southeast Michigan has a prime array of green terrain for riders to be one with nature — and put rubber to the dirt road. Looking for leisurely rides fit for the entire family?
Plenty of parks host paved pathways that wind through picturesque landscapes. Whether your tot’s a beginner or you’re searching for a challenge for your older kiddos, one of these trails is sure to be a fit.
To compile this list, Metro Parent chatted with experts at Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance to find some popular routes and off-the-beaten-path options.
We also included Huron-Clinton Metroparks and a few other popular family areas in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties (and you can find a few more ideas as well as trail maps over at the TrailLink Rails-to-Trails Conservancy).
Grab a bicycle, check out these bike safety tips and then shift into high gear for a summer of scenic exploration, or try out a cycling event in southeast Michigan!
Addison Oaks County Park
A compact 14 miles takes mountain bikers on a tipsy-turvy route in a thickly wooded area. Dirt paths give way to bridges over spring-fed streams. The MTB Project considers Addison Oaks one of southeast Michigan’s “best kept secrets” and notes the trail drains well after heavy rains.
Belle Isle Park
This 982-acre state park juts from the Detroit River. Pedal on the paved bike trail that circles the island. An $12 recreation pass is required for vehicles, but your admission includes free parking, the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the giant slide, aquarium and more. You can even throw on a swimsuit and dip into the river.
Border to Border Trail
Traverse 35 miles of paved paths beside the Huron River, which winds through the scenic backcountry of Washtenaw County. Find recreation and river access, including Gallup Park in Ann Arbor and the Ford Lake Overlook in Ypsilanti Township. Distinct signage helps riders navigate the trails.
Clinton River Spillway Bike Path
A quickie but a goodie and a viable link to the Metro Parkway Trail and Metro Beach, this two-mile stretch passes through the woods parallel to the spillway between Velger Boat Harbor on Lake St. Clair and Shady Side Park in Mount Clemens.
Clinton River Trail
Part of a route planned to link Port Huron to South Haven, the Clinton River Trail connects the West Bloomfield and Macomb Orchard trails. Put rubber to the turf for 16 miles of partly-paved and limestone paths that wind along a former rail line that spans Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester.
Corktown Bike Lanes
More than 16 miles of bike lanes connect Corktown and southwest Detroit as well as plenty of hotspots in between. Serious bikers can continue their cycle along the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route Detroit Alternate, which winds through Detroit, around Lake St. Clair and beyond, with many historic sites along the way.
Detroit RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut Greenway
Check out the hustle and bustle by hitting paved routes along the scenic Detroit RiverFront. Bring or rent a bike and tackle The Dequindre Cut, a 1.15-mile shortcut fit for walking, jogging and biking. Hop on the Cut at Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue and Woodbridge Street. For more fun, refresh at the RiverWalk Cafe, Detroit RiverFront Playpark, Cullen Family Carousel and Mt. Elliott area splash feature. Bonus: Belle Isle is just a short bike ride from the riverfront.
Downriver Linked Greenways Initiative
Go off-cycling and explore the terrain along these trail segments connecting green spaces like Lake Erie Metropark, cities like Detroit and Dearborn, and other hotspots in Wayne, Oakland and Monroe counties. Ultimately, 250 miles of trail, including over 26 downriver cities and townships, are at your disposal.
Hines Park Trail
Hines Park’s paved trail spans more than 20 miles from Northville to Dearborn Heights. Popular among walkers, joggers and cyclists, the route begins near the Dearborn campus of the University of Michigan and continues northwest, parallel with the Middle Rouge River through several parks and intersects with the I-275 Metro Trail. Note: The low-lying land next to the Rouge River routinely floods after heavy rains.
Hudson Mills Metropark
The park offers a 3-mile loop in the main part of the park for novices. Those feeling a bit more adventurous can take to the paved, 11.7 miles hike/bike trail beside the Huron River and traverse the woodlands. Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40 annual pass that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
Huron Valley Rail Trail
Keep fit with this vast network of trails, from beginner to challenging routes totaling 25 miles. Take detours through Kensington Metropark in Milford, the James F. Atchison Memorial Park in Lyon Township and Lyon Oaks County Park in Wixom.
I-275 Metro Trail
Open and receiving TLC since the 1970s, this trail covers 26 miles in Oakland and Wayne counties. Try out a variety of entry points for a new experience every time you ride. The paved path does skirt the expressway and cross main roads in spots. Eye on Michigan notes that most improvements are north of I-94. The I-275 Metro Trail intersects with the Hines Park Trail and uses part of the trail to cross the I-275/I-96 interchange.
Indian Springs Metropark
Tour the wooded wetlands and green meadows and catch glimpses of the Huron River as you bike eight miles of paved path. The luckiest riders may spot a coyote or a red fox. And beware of the “challenging hill” that’s bound to try the legs of the littlest members of the family. Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40/annual pass that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
Kensington Metropark
Traverse “Michigan’s great outdoors” and bike the hilly and wooded terrain at this popular park. Keep an eye peeled for waterfowl and an array of activities and hotspots, including beaches with stunning sunsets, the Splash ‘n’ Blast, and disc golf. Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40/annual pass that access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
Lake St. Clair Metropark
Just a short stint from Mount Clemens, take a relaxing ride on a three-mile paved hike/bike route with scenic sights of Lake St. Clair. Stop at the gazebo to check out Huron Point. At the entrance, the path even links to a trail that parallels Metro Parkway for easy access to the suburbs. Try your hand (and foot) at court sports and foot golf onsite at the park. Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40 annual pass that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
Lakeshore Park
Mountain bikers won’t be disappointed with this 10-mile trail that winds through a variety of terrain. For a family-friendly ride, the park also hosts an extensive network of wider routes. Note: No motor vehicles are permitted on park property.
Lower Huron Metropark
These 1,258 acres of green meadows and woodlands feature family activities aplenty, including golf, shoreline fishing, canoe launch spots and court sports. You can pedal from one to the other on the four-mile paved bike/hike trail. The older kids can burn some real steam by continuing on the route through Willow and Oakwoods Metroparks for a total 30-mile round trip! Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40 annual pass that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
Lower Rouge Recreation Trail
Canton residents, this one’s for you! This mixture of dirt and paved routes features two miles of smooth leisure riding and mountain biking on tougher terrain. This trail runs from Canton Center Road to Haggerty Road and connects Heritage Park and the I-275 Metro Trail — if you’re looking to extend your ride, another 33 miles await.
M-5 Metro Trail
Start at 13 Mile Road and pedal the two miles to 15 Mile Road. In the future, the trail will expand and turn into a six-mile route that will connect to the I-275 Metro Trail, a 30-mile path for real biking enthusiasts.
Macomb Orchard Trail
Take in a combination of urban and wooded beauty on this 24-mile linear trail that begins at 24 Mile Road and takes riders to the City of Richmond. An extensive 180-mile network of trails intersects with the MOT for riders looking to build endurance.
Maybury State Park
A green gem embedded in Northville Township, there are both leisurely trails and mountain biking trails.You can fish, admire wildlife, horseback ride or hike between jaunts. A $12 Michigan Recreation Passport required for each vehicle.
Metro Parkway Trail (Freedom Trail)
This “comfortably-wide,” 11-mile paved path parallels the Metropolitan Parkway through urban Macomb County. Find more scenic trails to the north and east where the route connects to the Clinton River Park Trail and the Clinton River Spillway Bike Path, respectively.
Milford Trail
This 5.7-mile trafficked loop wraps through the woods and features a waterfall, bridges over rocky ravines, bypass lanes, wild flowers in the spring and summer, and kaleidoscopic foliage in the fall. Best used from March until November.
Oakwoods Metropark
The flat terrain and grassy meadows offer cyclists an easy three-mile ride. The interpretive trails offer pleasant views of the Huron River. Find voyageur canoe launch sites and an interactive nature center, too. This 1,756-acre park near Flat Rock continues on, connecting 12 more miles of paved hike/bike trails in Willow and Lower Huron metroparks (it all adds up to 30 miles of biking round trip!). Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40 annual pass that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
Paint Creek Trail
Michigan’s first non-motorized rail-to-trail offers bikers a picturesque 8.9-mile linear park, located in northeast Oakland County. The 8-foot wide route has three bike stops/parking spots and traverses through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion with no shortage of striking nature scenes along the way.
Polly Ann Trail
Polly Ann Trail connects Orion Township, Oxford Township, Addison Township, the Village of Oxford and the Village of Leonard along a 14-mile stretch. The untouched landscape gives way to a number of public recreation spots along the way. Tip: Find restrooms at the Blanka Trailhead in Leonard.
Pontiac Lake Recreation Area
Escape the hubbub of the city mere miles outside Pontiac at this recreation spot, featuring a 9-mile looped route fit for mountain bikers. Two miles in, pedal the main climb to seek your reward of a fast descent. At three miles in, you’ll get a great view of Pontiac Lake.
River Bends Park
This 5.1-mile route is flat but “flowing,” a cinch for veterans of the trail but a bit of an added push for newbies. Tackle the Dragstrip section, log piles and technical options for a challenge. Note: the trail can be muddy after a heavy rain.
Shiawassee River Heritage Trail
Crossing an array of ponds, roads and boat launches, this trail features a number of stops for cyclists, too. Bike beside the river and keep an eye out for Blue Herons, Kingfishers and Sandhill cranes. Jaunt through Holly and Fenton to see historic buildings framed by wooded stretches.
Stony Creek Metropark
Here, cyclists interested in an easy ride can find six miles of paved pathway while their mountain-bike counterparts can hit 14 miles of hilly, heavily forested dirt terrain. Bike rentals are offered daily Memorial Day through Labor Day. Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40 annual pass that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
West Bloomfield Trail
Find two trailheads in West Bloomfield — one at Sylvan Manor Park, the other at West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve — introducing bikers to a seven-mile pathway. The 54-acre linear park offers picnic spots, bike racks and benches for when you need to take a breather.
Willow Metropark
Looking for a workout that doesn’t leave you wheezy? Discover this 4.5-mile paved bike path that winds through New Boston near I-275 and I-94. The flat route makes for a relaxing ride through woodlands, around the Washago Pond and stretches along the Huron River. For those looking to break a sweat, note the course connects to Lower Huron and Oakwoods metroparks for a 30-mile ride, roundtrip. Requires a $11/vehicle day pass or $40/annual that allows access to all other 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, too.
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