20 gorgeous winter hikes to explore near Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jan 13, 2017 at 3:28 pm

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

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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

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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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Border-to-Border Trail
Ann Arbor
This extensive trail goes on for ,about ten miles, following the Huron River. The trail connects Hudson Mills metropark to downtown Dexter. Along the way, you’ll see great views of the river, bikers, hikers and joggers, and walk by University of Michigan’s medical campus.
Photo via Facebook
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Lyon Oaks County Park
Wixom
Maybe your pooch's new years resolution is to exercise more, too. The Lyon Oaks County Park has a 13-acre fenced in dog park so your dog can run free while you play fetch with it. There are roughly 6 miles of trails, too where you can cross country ski or go for a cool down walk with your best fuzzy friend.
Photo via IG user @addisonnn
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Maybury State Park Hiking Trail
Northville
This hiker friendly trail is a gem for those wanting to escape suburbia. The four mile hike takes you through rolling hills and other trails in the park. If you get winded, there are picnic tables and restrooms clearly labeled and spread throughout the trail so you can stop and check out the beautiful winter scenery before it's all gone.
Photo via IG user @rodneystrong
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Park Lyndon County Park
Lyndon Township
One of southeastern Michigan’s finest natural area preserves, this hilly terrain has a great view of Lake Genevieve. The trail connects to the state’s Waterlook-Pinkney Trail for a combined hiking experience of almost 50 miles.
Photo via Instagram
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Bluebird Loop Trail
Lake Orion
pack your binoculars and a big warm coat, The Bluebird Loop Trail at Orion Oaks is a birdwatcher’s dream come true. Park vehicle permit is required for access to the trail. Park permits are $30 for Oakland County residents and $48 for non-residents.
Photo via Facebook, Alan Fleming
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Graham Lakes Trail
Lake Orion
Also known as the Orange Loop, this trail goes on for 3.6 miles. This trail is the biggest out of the Bald Mountain Recreation Area’s trails. Hikers can expect to see six very cold lakes and trek over many hills and ridges, one of the highest points reaching 60 feet.
Photo via Facebook
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Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Grosse Ile
Located along the western shoreline of Lake Erie, this wildlife refuge features many hiking trails that allow visitors to be immersed in nature. The beautiful view of partially frozen Lake Erie will surely make your Insta feed.
Photo via IG user @deepspacerob
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Bald Eagle-Blue Heron Hike
Sumpter Township
A distance of up to 4.5 miles, this trail is a part of the Crosswinds Marsh County Park. You’ll walk on boardwalks, see an eagle or two, and maybe even see a plane that’s just taken off its the perfect winter compromise of snowy nature and bustling city.
Photo via IG user @dudley_the_labrador
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Bog Trail
Waterloo, Chelsea
One of five trails of Waterloo Recreation Area, the Bog Trail makes for the most unique hike. 1.5 miles in length, the Bog Trail leads hikers to a floating bog in Cedar Lake.
Photo via IG user @scooters1
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Mother Earth Trail
Ray
Like Disneyworld, the Wolcott Mill Metropark combines four parks in one. A historic site, golf course and nature park, Wolcott Mill is also home to the Mother Earth Trail, a beautiful hike just along the riverbanks and walk through land that was used by Native Americans. Photo via Metroparks official website
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