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Thompsonville. Trail segments run from two to seven miles, so you can choose your distance. Pets are permitted, too, so don’t forget to bring them along.
4. Fred Meijer White Pine Trail: Another popular outdoor walking trail is the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, which runs a linear 92 miles between Grand Rapids and Cadillac. Much of the trail is paved, while some parts are gravel. The trail passes through 16 Michigan communities, with most stops offering a drinking fountain and restroom for travelers.
NORTHEAST LOWER MICHIGAN
5. Port Crescent State Park Trail: Considered one of the best state parks in Michigan, this two-mile trail in Michigan’s thumb includes a boardwalk and access to a sandy beach
on the shores of Lake Huron. There is a variety of landscape and lots of trails to choose from off of the main trail. Take a deep breath to smell the unique and almost sweet scent of the freshwater lake!
6. Huron Sunrise Trail: This all-paved asphalt trail is ideal
for walking and biking. It’s 11 miles in length and runs from Rogers City Little League Park to Forty-Mile Point Lighthouse (1896). One of the most beautiful trails in the northeast, you’ll walk among hardwoods, dunes, parks, and streams. One of the sights along the way is Sacred Rock, a massive boulder that was deposited when the last glacier left the Great Lakes. Native Americans believed it was sacred and were known to make sacrifices at the rock.
SOUTHWEST LOWER MICHIGAN
7. Flat River Trail: Running 6.5 miles from Baldwin Lake to Tower Park, you’ll have an easy two-hour walk on the asphalt. The trail follows the twisting Flat River and connects to two mountain bike trails and five city parks. You’ll walk through a mosaic-decorated tunnel that runs under the M57 Highway.
8. Lansing River Trail: Boardwalks, bridges, and paved throughways make the 20-mile Lansing River Trail a diverse and interesting walk for humans and canines alike. You’ll
pass through numerous parks and natural areas and have easy access to downtown Lansing, our state capital.
Visit lansingrivertrail.org/.
SOUTH-CENTRAL LOWER MICHIGAN
9. Barton Nature Area: There are two sections to this 200-acre nature area, Oxbow and Foster. Oxbow, named because of the circular bend in the Huron River that meanders through the property, will take you through beautiful plain landscapes such as prairies, meadows, and fields; Foster is the woodland route and is accessible only by boat. Keep an eye out for butterflies, as this is one of the top butterflying spots, and bring a lunch as there’s a splendid picnic area.
10. Border-to-Border Trail: This lengthy trail in Washtenaw County is non-motorized and connects multiple cities over
the course of 40 miles (and 70 more planned!). The majority of the trail runs between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, with other existing individual segments (soon to be connected) at Dexter (Hudson Mills Metropark) and Chelsea (Waterloo Recreation Area). Stop along the way at one of the parks, universities, libraries, or nature areas.
SOUTHEAST LOWER MICHIGAN
11. Paint Creek Trail: This was the first non-motorized rail
trail in Michigan. It’s one of the state’s most popular, seeing 100,000 visitors a year. With its location in Oakland Township, it’s easily accessible and makes for a nice day excursion. The Paint Creek Trail runs 8.9 linear miles and passes over 12 restored railroad bridges. There are also two cider mills near the trail where you can stop in for some libations. This trail is particularly stunning in the fall (and when the cider is fresh).
12. Dequindre Cut Greenway: If you’re looking for a unique walk, look no further than city center Detroit. The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile urban recreational path from
the East Riverfront and into the heart of Eastern Market. The pedestrian- and bike-friendly pathway is below street level and is well-known for its urban artwork and graffiti. Visit detroitriverfront.org/riverfront/dequindre-cut/dequindre-cut.
Regardless of the state of the world, you can step off your porch or walk out of your RV and embark on a path through the woods of Michigan – and you will always be a witness to the miraculous.
PHOTO COURTESY OF US23HERITAGEROUTE.ORG PHOTO COURTESY OF PAINTCREEKTRAIL.ORG
PHOTO COURTESY OF TRAILSANDTRAVEL.COM
10 • 2021 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS
MichiganRVandCampgrounds.org