Paint Creek Trail in northern Oakland County runs nearly nine miles and was the state’s first non-motorized rail-to-trail. It’s a favorite for joggers, cyclists, cross-country skiers, and hikers. It runs from Rochester to Lake Orion, and there are a variety of places to park to access the trail. A full map can be found here.

Up in Shelby Township and going into both Oakland and Macomb Counties, Stony Creek Metropark has 27 miles of hiking trails. The park has a variety of trails, from paved to primitive, flat to hilly, and some are shared with cyclists. A park map with hiking and cycling trails, difficult to easy, can be found here.

The Clinton River Trail runs through Oakland County from Rochester to Sylvan Lake, extending westward as the West Bloomfield Trail. It also connects to the Macomb Orchard Trail to the east. The trail runs through both suburban and rural areas, and includes paved and unpaved sections. Here’s a map for hitting the trails.

This park in Southfield may not have as the miles of trails as the others, but Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve offers a quiet, peaceful place for short walks, fishing, and appreciating the natural habitat. Plan your visit here.

Hiking, biking, horse riding, skiing, exploring a farm—Maybury State Park in Northville has many options for recreation. A hiking trail runs six miles (a full trail and park map is available here). Parking is located near the farm entrance off Beck Road, and many picnic shelters are available along the trail. It’s also a great place for fall colors.

There are lots of little trails in the biggest park in Detroit. The Prairie Pathway has a butterfly garden, the Stone Bridge Nature Trail is a nice little loop in the heart of the park, and then there’s seven miles of paved trails as well.

There’s other non-trail parts to the park worth visiting, like D-Town Farms, a field where people often fly model airplanes, and the Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Center and horse stable.

Detroit’s island park has miles of trails to explore. Many visitors walk around the Belle Isle loop, which has sidewalks in varying conditions depending on where you are. Non-paved trails cut through the middle of the island. On the west side of the island, a lovely trail makes its way to the lighthouse and over to some fishing areas. Bathrooms are located at comfort stations throughout the island. A map with landmarks and trails can be found here.

Remember during the spring that the Grand Prix set-up is underway on the west end of the island.

The Rouge River Gateway Trail can connect you to dozens of miles of trails for hiking, biking, or jogging. The trailhead is right by Andiamo off Michigan Avenue in Dearborn. This trail can take you through the 17 miles of Hines Park, or over to the longer metro 275 trail. It also has a smaller loop at Canton. A full map can be found here.

Northeast of Ann Arbor, Cherry Hill Nature Preserve has 160 acres of trails, forests, meadows, and wetlands to explore. The hills can give hikers some spectacular views for all seasons.