January 13, 2017

20 gorgeous winter hikes to explore near Detroit

By Metro Times Staff

Whether you have a New Years resolution to uphold or you just need a little walk, here are 20 beautiful winter hikes that you should trek this season.

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Paint Creek Trail Rochester This trail is 8.9 miles long and was the first Non-Motorized Rail-to-Trail in the state of Michigan. It used to be a rail for trains, but was converted into a nice trail for runners or people who want to walk their dogs. The trail is gorgeous and goes through Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Lake Orion. Photo via paintcreektrail.org
Paint Creek Trail
Rochester
This trail is 8.9 miles long and was the first Non-Motorized Rail-to-Trail in the state of Michigan. It used to be a rail for trains, but was converted into a nice trail for runners or people who want to walk their dogs. The trail is gorgeous and goes through Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Lake Orion.
Photo via paintcreektrail.org
Stoney Creek Metropark Shelby Township Stoney Creek is probably among the more popular metroparks in Michigan. When hiking on one of the parks many trails, you might run into a cross country skier or two. Just dress warm and start hiking! Daily fee: $10 per vehicle. Photo via IG user @ig_shotz_le
Stoney Creek Metropark
Shelby Township
Stoney Creek is probably among the more popular metroparks in Michigan. When hiking on one of the parks many trails, you might run into a cross country skier or two. Just dress warm and start hiking! Daily fee: $10 per vehicle.
Photo via IG user @ig_shotz_le
Rolling Hills Park Ypsilanti This park has 5 miles of paved trails, and then 3 miles of hiking trails that have stunning views and observation decks for that perfect Instagram post. Oh, and there are sections that are accessible for people that are handicapped. The trails are dog friendly so don’t leave Fido at home on this one. Photo via IG user @dersmundquinn
Rolling Hills Park
Ypsilanti
This park has 5 miles of paved trails, and then 3 miles of hiking trails that have stunning views and observation decks for that perfect Instagram post. Oh, and there are sections that are accessible for people that are handicapped. The trails are dog friendly so don’t leave Fido at home on this one.
Photo via IG user @dersmundquinn
Macomb Orchard Trail Northern Macomb County Another huge trail! For those who live in Richmond or Shelby Township, you need to hit up this trail. Clocking in at 24 miles(!!!) warm layers and hot chocolate are required on this super scenic trail. With multiple entrances in Richmond, Armada, and Shelby Twp. for parking, you can build your hike however you want.
Macomb Orchard Trail
Northern Macomb County
Another huge trail! For those who live in Richmond or Shelby Township, you need to hit up this trail. Clocking in at 24 miles(!!!) warm layers and hot chocolate are required on this super scenic trail. With multiple entrances in Richmond, Armada, and Shelby Twp. for parking, you can build your hike however you want.
Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Hiking Trail Waterloo Township Bundle up and bring snacks, this is a long one 18.6 mile trail, the Waterloo-Pinckney takes hikers along a back trail through woods for a great winter scenic walk. This hike is canine friendly but it is not for beginners. You have been warned. Photo via IG user @ypsilianne
Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Hiking Trail
Waterloo Township
Bundle up and bring snacks, this is a long one 18.6 mile trail, the Waterloo-Pinckney takes hikers along a back trail through woods for a great winter scenic walk. This hike is canine friendly but it is not for beginners. You have been warned.
Photo via IG user @ypsilianne
River Bends Mountain Bike Trail Shelby Township This trail that’s a part of Holland Ponds Park’s Great Blue Heron Rookery takes you through 4.3 miles of pure nature. You can bike, hike or if you're feeling adventurous, cross country ski your way through these winding woods Photo via IG user @gragey
River Bends Mountain Bike Trail
Shelby Township
This trail that’s a part of Holland Ponds Park’s Great Blue Heron Rookery takes you through 4.3 miles of pure nature. You can bike, hike or if you're feeling adventurous, cross country ski your way through these winding woods
Photo via IG user @gragey
Clinton River Trail Northern Oakland County The Clinton River Trail is LONG, precisely 16 miles long and pretty much passes through every major city in northern Oakland County. Another cool thing about this trail is that it connects to other ones in the area including the Paint Creek Trail and Macomb Orchard Trail so you can hit three of the trails on this list, if you're brave enough that is. Photo via Facebook
Clinton River Trail
Northern Oakland County
The Clinton River Trail is LONG, precisely 16 miles long and pretty much passes through every major city in northern Oakland County. Another cool thing about this trail is that it connects to other ones in the area including the Paint Creek Trail and Macomb Orchard Trail so you can hit three of the trails on this list, if you're brave enough that is.
Photo via Facebook
Addison Oaks Mountain Bike Trail Leonard Adventure seekers, hike on over to this trail. Tie on your most comfortable hiking shoes, and pack your thermos of hot coffee cause this trail is a whopper at 12.3 miles. Biker and hiker friendly, this trail has many bridges, hills, highlands, and low lands that will give you the hike of your life. Photo via Facebook
Addison Oaks Mountain Bike Trail
Leonard
Adventure seekers, hike on over to this trail. Tie on your most comfortable hiking shoes, and pack your thermos of hot coffee cause this trail is a whopper at 12.3 miles. Biker and hiker friendly, this trail has many bridges, hills, highlands, and low lands that will give you the hike of your life.
Photo via Facebook
Algonac State Park Marine City This park is 1,500 acres and has lots of super cold yet very cool trails, as an added feature this park has breathtaking views of the St. Clair River. Photo via Facebook

Algonac State Park
Marine City
This park is 1,500 acres and has lots of super cold yet very cool trails, as an added feature this park has breathtaking views of the St. Clair River.
Photo via Facebook
Lake St. Clair Metropark Harrison Twp. Not only does this park have a one-mile boardwalk and endless trails through marsh and wetlands, but it is a fun place to bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun. If the ice is thick enough, you may see some brave ice fisherman, or you might get extra lucky and catch a glimpse of a deer. Photo via IG user @brian_leppek_photo
Lake St. Clair Metropark
Harrison Twp.
Not only does this park have a one-mile boardwalk and endless trails through marsh and wetlands, but it is a fun place to bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun. If the ice is thick enough, you may see some brave ice fisherman, or you might get extra lucky and catch a glimpse of a deer.
Photo via IG user @brian_leppek_photo

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