Hudson Mills Metropark offers several hiking paths. Step onto the welcoming path of our flat, two-mile Acorn Nature Trail past bushy areas near the Huron River, or through densely wooded areas laden with flowering dogwood trees. Trek along a paved, 5.3-mile hiking/biking trail past abandoned fields, lush woodlands, and wetlands. In early spring you may spy blue-spotted and four-toed salamanders migrating around the Tamarack Swamp.
Whether you seek a breathtaking view atop the prairie overlooking the Metropark, or a quiet, serene experience walking among towering trees arching above you, Indian Springs' hiking trails quickly transport you to the wonders of the natural world. Follow six miles of self-guided footpaths meandering through wet woodlands, tallgrass prairies and native plant gardens surrounding the nature center. Woodland Trail traverses the Huron Swamp, one of the last great natural areas in Southeastern Michigan, leading to secluded Timberland Lake. Stop to see the sedge fen, a unique wetland bordering the lake. Farmland Trail is a one and a half-mile course through old farm fields; a few antique farm implements still remain. Pondside Trail is a short, paved path around a small marsh, Discovery Pond, tallgrass prairies and the wooded edge of a vernal pond. An eight-mile, paved hike-bike trail couses through the park's woodlands and open, grassy areas. Trails begin at the Park Office or the Environmental Discovery Center. The hike/bike trail begins at the Meadowlark Picnic Area.
Hit the trails and get your daily dose of nature hiking at Kensington Metropark. Trek 7 miles of scenic trails through woodlands, grassy fields, wetlands the remnants of an ancient bog around the Nature Center. Interpretive labels mark natural and cultural history along the footpath. A paved 8 ½ mile hike-bike trail through wooded, hilly terrain and a few challenging inclines circles picturesque Kent Lake. The park is open 6 am to 10 pm and trails are not lit.
Traverse a 2-mile hiking-mountain biking trail that links Kensington Metropark to Proud Lake State Recreation Area or journey along a 4-mile paved hike-bike trail extending from Kensington Metropark’s Milford Road entrance to the Village of Milford.
Rediscover nature and enjoy a serene setting with an invigorating hike through Lake Erie Metropark. Almost three miles of flat terrain winds along the eye-catching Lake Erie and Detroit River shoreline, past dense hawthorn thickets and cattail marshes. A long boardwalk and several scenic outlook points offer spectacular views of the natural setting and long Canadian shoreline. Nearly six miles of trails course through the Huron Swamp, open fields, meadows and woodlands. Observe abundant wildlife and waterfowl like deer, great blue herons, muskrat, wood ducks, and mink along the way. Vibrant palettes of fall color and hundreds of migrating birds add beauty to the footpath each autumn. Spectacular vistas and abounding flora and fauna accompany your trek year round.
Get off the treadmill and enjoy an invigorating hike outdoors at Lake St. Clair Metropark. A two-mile flat paved trail winds around Huron Point with breathtaking views of Lake St. Clair. Foot trails meander through the Nature Study area to a marsh observation deck. The Main Trail is a ¾ mile route that winds through a grove of Eastern Cottonwoods, past a vernal pond and along the edge of a large cattail marsh where you may catch a glimpse of a great blue heron or nesting ducks and swans. Follow the ½ mile Meadow Loop Trail through a small, grassy meadow and shrubby area where raspberry, wild rose, and dogwoods attract a variety of birds and wildlife. Marsh Road Side Trail is a ½ mile course leading into the wetland area where you may encounter a common moorhen, Virginia rail or least bittern. The marshland, lake shoreline and wooded areas provide miles of flat terrain and eye-catching vistas for your next outdoor excursion.
Discover the sights and sounds of nature as you hike through Lower Huron Metropark. Explore two self-guided footpaths through beautiful, mature woodlands along the floodplain of the Huron River. Or, take the paved 4.1 mile hike/bike trail within the Metropark connecting to Willow and Oakwoods Metroparks, for a longer, 30-mile round trip. The diverse habitats teem with wildlife along the routes.
Discover 5 miles of self-guided trails past mature hardwood trees, an ancient sandbar, scenic overlooks and along the backwaters of the Huron River at Oakwoods Metropark. View a variety of wildlife as you meander along 5 nature trails including a butterfly garden and scenic, 3 acre pond. A 700 foot, hard-surface trail is ideal for people with disabilities or those with baby strollers. A paved 3 mile hike/bike trail, with flat terrain, extends to a 15 mile paved, hike/bike trail at Lower Huron and Willow Metroparks for a 30 mile (roundtrip) excursion.
Explore more than 27 miles of trails hiking through thick woodlands, expansive fields and wetlands at Stony Creek Metropark. Discover six miles of trails with moderately hilly terrain, near the Nature Center, for ample bird and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Explore Black Trail to reach the highest point of Macomb County, with stunning views of downtown Detroit on a clear day. Traverse 14 miles of hilly, heavily wooded dirt trails on the southwest side of the Metropark. Walk or run around scenic Stony Creek Lake on the paved 6.2 mile (10K) hike/bike trail. The trails vary from flat to hilly terrain
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Check out our newly opened "Trolley Trails" located across from Eastwood Beach. These trails are a multi-use system of trails enjoyed by both bikers and walkers. The Trolley Trails use a portion of the old interurban light rail system created in the early 1900's to move people and goods to and from Detroit and the surrounding area.
Download the Trolley Trails Map.
If you are looking for something a bit more rustic, hike the "Inwood Trails" located in the northern section of the park. These are primitive trails for foot traffic only. Expect to find and traverse wet or muddy areas, moderate grades and side slopes, narrow boardwalks and minor obstacles.
Click here for a Inwood Trails Map. Click here for an interpretive explanation of the area.
While we are a pet friendly park system we do have areas in the park where pets are not allowed. Pets are not allowed at Baypoint Beach, Eastwood Beach or north of the Stony Creek river in the Nature Center area. All pets must be on a six foot leash and under control at all times. Discover the sights and sounds of nature as you hike through Willow Metropark. Follow a winding, 4.5-mile paved trail past woods, waters and picturesque Washago Pond. Extend your journey further along the trail, which connects to Lower Huron Metropark to the north and Oakwoods Metropark to the south. The entire paved 15-mile hike/bike trail through woodlands and along the Huron River connects to Lower Huron and Oakwoods Metroparks. The footpath teems with wildlife with a chance to glimpse a white-tailed deer, fox or swans.
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Explore the historical and natural surroundings while hiking at Wolcott Mill Metropark. Three trails, totaling four miles, traverse through lush woodlands, open fields and the Clinton River. Follow Millrace Trail along the old millrace on the site and beside gently-flowing waters. Mother Earth Trail uses an interpretive flyer to explain the use of the area by Native Americans. Hike along the top of a bluff on the Settler’s Trail for an interesting view of the north branch of the Clinton River.
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Click here for a map of the Mother Earth Trail.