The 15 most beautiful running paths in the Detroit area

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jul 28, 2017 at 7:10 pm

Forget about going to the gym when you have miles and miles of scenic trails right in your backyard. Whether you want to run on a paved or unpaved trail, one that goes through the city or one that is lined with trees, our list of the best places to run in metro Detroit covers it all.

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Detroit Riverwalk
With views of Detroit skyscrapers on one side the Detroit River on the other side, the Detroit Riverwalk is one of the best places to go for a run downtown. If you are looking to avoid the traffic and people but still be a part of the downtown atmosphere, hit up this beautiful paved pathway.
Photo via IG user @mrs.sarahsattler

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Hines Drive
If you are looking for a more hilly run, you’ve come to the right place. From Dearborn to Northville, this paved trail stretches 17 beautiful miles along a tree lined road full of rolling hills sure to give you an intense workout. This trail is even more scenic in the fall when the leaves change colors.
Photo via IG user @kathygarfield

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Belle Isle
The six mile road that follows the perimeter of the island is another beautiful and peaceful place for a run. On this route you will be able to see much of what the island offers in addition to iconic waterfront views of downtown Detroit, Windsor and the Detroit River.
Photo via IG user @belleislestatepark

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Stony Creek Metropark
This metropark has trails that range from easy to difficult. Whether you are only just starting to run or you have been running for years, with over 27 miles trails in the park, there is at least one that is willing to challenge you. Start out on the 6.2 mile paved trail that weaves through the park, or if you are looking for something more off the beaten path, run on the Inwood Trail in the northern part of the park, but expect to encounter mud and hilly areas. Use the trails near the Nature Center for a hill workout or run up the black Trail, which will give you beautiful views of downtown Detroit at the top.
Photo via IG user @rockcityfitness

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Metro Parkway Trail
This linear paved trail stretches over 10 miles from Schoenherr Road to Saint Clair Metropark. The trail is mostly flat with some rolling hills in between, making it the perfect one for a long run. Cross over bridges, pass wetlands and enjoy canopy of the trees surrounding the trail.Then you can end your run with a dip in the pool at the metropark!
Photo via IG user @running_in_flats

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Dequindre Cut Greenway
One of the most recent developments in downtown Detroit, this two-mile greenway links the Riverfront, Eastern Market and other neighborhoods, and if you are looking to extend your run, this trail connects to the Detroit Riverwalk. This is one of the best trails to go for a run on in downtown because of its established pathway, connecting trails, and views of the historic buildings and neighborhoods of the city.
Photo via IG user @annelisemienne

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Rouge Park
This park is one of the largest in Detroit and offers many trails to exercise on. Start your run on the new Stone Bridge Nature Trail or follow the seven miles of paved pathways that circle the park. You can even end your run at the Brennan Pool and cool off for only $1.
Photo via Friends of Rouge Park Facebook page

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Island Lake Recreation Area
The paved trail at Island Lake Recreation Area stretches over four miles while the dirt trails offer scenic views of over six miles of the park. This is not the place to go if you are looking for an easy run. The steep inclines and downhills will test your limits, but the wooded and peaceful area makes it worth your while.
Photo via IG user @jgonska

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Lakeshore Drive
Located in Grosse Pointe, this pathway follows the shore of Lake St. Clair. Not only do you get beautiful waterfront views, you will also get to gawk at some of the gorgeous homes that you will probably never be able to afford. If you are looking for a more difficult route, turn down any side street and take your run into the hilly neighborhood that lines the drive.
Photo via Google Maps

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Willow Metropark
Willow Metropark has a full paved loop about four miles around with smaller dirt trails that weave in and out of the wooded areas in between. But you don’t have to stick to just these trails. Willow Metropark is connected to Lower Huron and Oakwoods Metroparks as well, with trails reaching up to 31 miles if you do the whole loop. This great running spot is also home to an actual cross country course. Go watch a race or participate in one of the many 5k races they host.
Photo via IG user @drewibrahim

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Paint Creek Trail
Paint Creek Trail is Michigan’s first rail-to-trail. Converted from an old railroad, this trail is now home to one of the best unpaved running trails in the state. The 8.9 mile linear park stretches from Rochester to Lake Orion and there are many parking spots along the trail allowing you to hop on or off at any point depending on how long you want your run to be. If you’re planning on a shorter run, the Paint Creek Cider Mill is located halfway down the trail, so you can end there with a donut and drink.
Photo via IG user @noshow13

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Kensington Metropark
The Kensington Metropark Hike-Bike Trail is an 8.5-mile long paved trail encircles the beautiful Kent Lake. Follow this maintained trail over bridges, along boardwalks next to the water and over rolling hills in one of the most popular parks in Michigan. If you are looking to continue your run, the Huron Valley Trail, Island Lake Pathway and Milford Trail connect to the 8.5-mile loop.
Photo via Michigan Trail and Greenways Alliance Facebook page

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Maybury State Park
This unpaved 4-mile loop stretches from one end of the park to the other while going over rolling hills, through open meadows and wooded areas. The best times to visit this trail are during the fall and spring seasons, but is a serene place to run at any time of the year.
Photo via IG user @summerksandhu

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Grosse Ile Trail
Grosse Ile Trail offers over five miles of paved pathway that follows Meridian Road, but branches off onto different roads on the island. For a peaceful run past country clubs and gorgeous homes, go for a run on this trail.
Photo via Google Maps

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West Bloomfield Trail
This mostly unpaved trail stretches from Orchard Lake Road to Haggerty Road. With over 7 miles of trail, this is the perfect place to go for a long run. You will come across nature preserves and scenic overlooks, which makes this a great getaway from city running.
Photo via IG user @chelsea.jolly

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