Get Out There!
Below is an ever growing list, in no particular order, of some of the local trails that I love!
Maybury State Park
This is my go to spot to get away into the woods. It is close to me and provides a feeling of escape (just ignore the sound of traffic). There are a variety of trails to choose from. Plenty of single track trails to choose from and for you roadies or those with a Jogging stroller, the paved loops are great as well. I usually loop together a series of hiking trails to the get my desired distance. The hikeing trails are the trails that I would recommend for beginners. They are not that technical with little elevation change.
The Mt. bike trail is also a great run. They are more technical with more elevation change. In the summer this trail is very busy with Mt. bikers so be careful and respectful to them. Additionally, as a runner on the Mt. bike trail we must yeild to the cyclists.
The below tab will take you to the parks web site with directions and trail maps. ENJOY!
http://www.eyeonmichigan.com/guides/hinespark/images/1_2.gif
Cass benton/Bennett Arboretum
Located on the west side of Hines Dr. between 6 and 7 mile roads in Nothville this hilly 2.5 mile figure 8 loop will get your heart rate up. This trail is not well marked but given its size getting lost is hard to do. This is a great option for those that want to get on some dirt and get some hill work in when time is limited. The trail is not very technical so it is a great option for those new to trail running.
Pinckney recreation area
This place is incrediable! The trails are well marked, fairly technical and there are multiple trails to choose from. I love the Crooked lake trail it is marked as 5 miles of beautiful single track. There is a lot of up and down so be prepared for a work out.
The Potawatomi trail is equally amazing and challenging. It is marked as 17.5 miles but you can easily navigate a shorter distance with ease. This trial is also open to Mt. bikers so be careful and remember that we must yeild to them.
Island lake recreation area
Island Lake is also a great option. There are two single tack trails the yellow loop is listed as 5 miles and the blue loop is listed as 9 miles. This trail not very technical or hilly, but offers some great scenery. Both loops are multi-use single track that attaracts a lot of mountan bikers so be careful out there.
There is also a paved trail that is listed as as 4 miles. This trail links up with the paved trail that circles Kent lake in Kensington Metropark, so if you want to avoid the dirt you can get some miles in with some great scenery.