The Riverwalk is one of the iconic runs in Detroit. The ~5 mile paved multi-use path runs along the Detroit River from West Riverside Park (just west of the Joe Louis Arena) east to Gabriel Richard Park at the MaxArthur Bridge. There are good river views most of the way. The path passes by some of Detroit’s most interesting sites, such as COBO Hall, Hart Plaza, the Renaissance Center, William G. Milliken State Park, Stroh River Place, Chene Park and the Dequindre Cut Greenway. The path is within a mile of most downtown hotels.

Note that there are some sections where one has to leave the path and use Atwater Ave. to connect. At the east end, at Mt. Elliott Park, there’s an option to take Jefferson Ave. to get to the eastern terminus at Gabriel Richard Park, or run the Uniroyal Extension along the river instead. Best streets to access the path are Cass Ave., Washington Blvd., and Woodward Ave. There are some parks along the way with some additional paths.

Add-On: Southwest Greenway.  NEW: At the west end of the Riverwalk @ West Riverfront Park, the Southwest Greenway, which opened in 2023, follows a former rail line for 0.6 miles between Jefferson Ave. & Bagley St., site of Ford’s Michigan Central Campus. Note: Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, which is adjacent to West Riverfront Park, is undergoing a major improvement project!

Add-On Options: Enjoy some of the trails on Belle Isle, which is 0.5 miles over the MacArthur Bridge. Also, the Dequindre Cut Greenway runs off Atwater Ave. at Milliken State Park and heads away from the river for 2 miles, paralleling Orleans St./St. Aubin St.