For a fun running excursion, the adjacent Kensington MetroPark and Island Lake Recreation Area offer thousands of acres of recreation opportunities and miles of trails that are great for running.
Kensington MetroPark. Located 12 miles west of Novi, this 4,000 acre park surrounds 500-acre Kent Lake. Many recreational activities, including wonderful trails. The trail around the lake is 8–10 miles depending on route chosen. The best section for water views is on the south side of Kent Lake TRAIL MAP
Island Lake Recreation Area. Large park 40 miles northwest of Detroit, 15 miles west of Novi. A popular destination for mountain biking, paddling, swimming, picnicking, triathlon training and hiking. The southeast park has an undeveloped and natural feel and features four inland lakes and the Huron River. For running, there’s a 9.2 mile Blue Multi-Use Trail, a 5.8 mile Yellow Multi-Use Trail. and Hard Surface Multi-Use Trail. For trail runners, there’s a 5-mile Hiking Trail. Pick up a trail map and get info at the park entrance. MAP of trails.
For a fun running excursion, the adjacent Kensington MetroPark and Island Lake Recreation Area offer thousands of acres of recreation opportunities and miles of trails that are great for running.
Kensington MetroPark. Located 12 miles west of Novi, this 4,000 acre park surrounds 500-acre Kent Lake. Many recreational activities, including wonderful trails. The trail around the lake is 8–10 miles depending on route chosen. The best section for water views is on the south side of Kent Lake TRAIL MAP
Island Lake Recreation Area. Large park 40 miles northwest of Detroit, 15 miles west of Novi. A popular destination for mountain biking, paddling, swimming, picnicking, triathlon training and hiking. The southeast park has an undeveloped and natural feel and features four inland lakes and the Huron River. For running, there’s a 9.2 mile Blue Multi-Use Trail, a 5.8 mile Yellow Multi-Use Trail. and Hard Surface Multi-Use Trail. For trail runners, there’s a 5-mile Hiking Trail. Pick up a trail map and get info at the park entrance. MAP of trails.
The signature running route in Detroit. Paved multi-use path runs for 5 miles along the Detroit River. Nice water views, several parks & some important Detroit sites. Accessible from downtown hotels. Add-ons: Dequindre Cut Greenway, Southwest Greenway.
A great off-road running option in downtown Detroit, this ~2 mile greenway runs from Atwater Ave. to Mack Ave., following a former railroad line. A unique feature is a series of 16 murals along the way. Good add-on to Riverwalk path.
Olmsted-designed park on an island in the middle of the Detroit River, with views of the Detroit skyline & the Windsor shore. Great paths for running, including 6-mile perimeter road.
For travelers in the Dearborn (Ford HQ) and Northville areas, there are good opportunities for running. The Hines Park Trail is a paved path between Dearborn and Northville.
See auto exec mansions along the winding country lanes of Bloomfield Hills, north of Detroit. Combine with the adjacent Birmingham neighborhood, which has leafy streets and attractive homes.
The best places to run in Detroit’s major western suburbs off I-275, from Huron Township near the Airport north to Northville. The highlight is the linear park from Lower Huron MetroPark to Oakwoods MetroPark. The I-275 Metro Trail is a good anchor.
The best places to run in the northern Detroit suburbs of Bloomfield, Clinton, Pontiac, Rochester: Multi-use paths include the West Bloomfield Trail, Clinton River Trail, & Paint Creek Trail; a wonderful series of parks in downtown Rochester; and Stony Creek Park.
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