Detroit, MI Running Trails and Maps

633 Reviews

Looking for the best Running trails around Detroit?

Find the top rated running trails in Detroit, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.

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Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type
48 Results
Activities
Length
Surfaces
Type

Clinton River Park Trail

4.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Dequindre Cut Greenway

1.8 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Detroit RiverWalk

3.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

East-West Connector Trail

2.1 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Fieldcrest Pathway

3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

ITC Corridor Trail (Novi)

4.66 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Island Lake Trail Connector

0.8 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone

Kensington Metropark Trail

9.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Lake Erie Metropark Trail

3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Lohr-Textile Greenway

4.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Boardwalk

Lower Rouge River Recreation Trail

4 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone

Macomb Orchard Trail

23.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Trail

2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Michigan Air Line Trail

5.45 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park

39.6 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone

Milford Trail

4.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

North-South Connector Trail

3.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Paint Creek Trail (MI)

8.9 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone
Accordion

Stony Creek Metropark Trail

6.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Trenton Walking Path

2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Wayne County Metroparks Trail

16.3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

West Bloomfield Trail

6.8 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone

Border-to-Border Trail

19.7 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone

Bridge to Bay Trail

42.17 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Clinton River Spillway Bike Path

2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Clinton River Trail

16 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Crushed Stone

Grosse Ile Trail

6.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Huron Valley Trail

12.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

I-275 Metro Trail

33.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

ITC Corridor Trail (Canton)

2.97 mi
State: MI
Crushed Stone

Island Lake Pathway

4.3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

M-5 Metro Trail

2.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Metro Parkway Trail

10.7 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

Polly Ann Trail

34.2 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone

Chelsea Community Wellness Path

1.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Woodchips

Flat Rock Pathway

3.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Lakes Community Trail

4.4 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Boardwalk

I-696 Trail

2.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

River Raisin Heritage Trail

7.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

Brownstown Township Trail

2.4 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Gale Road Trail

2.3 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Metro Connector Trail

2.5 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Michigan Avenue Connector

1.1 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Paint Creek to Polly Ann Trail Connector

3.1 mi
State: MI
Asphalt, Concrete

Platt Road Greenway (MI)

2.25 mi
State: MI
Asphalt

Rockwood Pathway

1.6 mi
State: MI
Asphalt
Trail Image Trail Name States Length Surface Rating
The Clinton River Park Trail winds along the east bank of its namesake river connecting three northern suburbs of Detroit: Shelby Township, Utica, and Sterling Heights. The paved pathway runs through...
MI 4.5 mi Asphalt
The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a paved path nearly 2 miles long in downtown Detroit. The trail has separate lanes for bicyclists and pedestrians and you'll find entrance ramps at Lafayette Street,...
MI 1.8 mi Asphalt
Along its 3.5-mile route, the RiverWalk offers breathtaking views of the Detroit River and city skyline. Recreational opportunities abound as the trail links Milliken State Park and numerous plazas...
MI 3.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The East-West Connector Trail is true to its name, providing an important off-road connection between several trails in the Downriver Linked Greenways network, which enables cyclists and pedestrians...
MI 2.1 mi Asphalt
The Fieldcrest Pathway stretches 3 miles in the Green Oak Township, a suburb of Detroit. The trail follows Fieldcrest Drive from Lee Road south to Silver Lake Road. The paved recreational trail...
MI 3 mi Asphalt
This trail is actually composed of two trails: the 2-mile Rouge River Gateway Greenway and the 17.5-mile Hines Park Trail, which create a seamless 19.5-mile connection between Dearborn and...
MI 19.5 mi Asphalt
Clocking in at over four and a half miles, the ITC Corridor Trail in Novi is a fantastic recreational asset for the community, providing a paved pathway that connects neighborhoods and recreation...
MI 4.66 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Island Lake Connector Trail allows cyclists, pedestrians, and other residents of Green Oak Township to connect to the Island Lake Recreation Area. The trail sits on a converted railroad bed, and...
MI 0.8 mi Crushed Stone
The Kensington Metropark Trail forms a paved loop around Kent Lake in western Oakland County. The scenic area, which features 4,481 acres of hilly terrain around the large lake, is one of the most...
MI 9.5 mi Asphalt
A popular destination year-round for residents across the Detroit area, the Lake Erie Metropark offers a wide variety of activities and recreation sites across its 1600-plus acres. Nestled along the...
MI 3 mi Asphalt
Lohr-Textile Greenway is an asphalt sidepath stretching more than 4 miles. The path has two segments—one north-south along Lohr Road between West Ellsworth and Textile Roads. The segment continues...
MI 4.2 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
The Lower Rouge River Recreation Trail closely follows the river for 4 miles through the town of Canton, located between the urban centers of Ann Arbor and Detroit. The compacted crushed stone pathway...
MI 4 mi Crushed Stone
The automotive industry has the most impact on Macomb County’s economy, but it’s the freshly picked apples and squeezed cider that leave lasting impressions on visitors to the Macomb Orchard Trail....
MI 23.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
This trail runs from the Matthaei Botanical Gardens two miles south to Parker Mill Park. It was conceived in response to the need for a safer alternative for non-motorized travelers. Dixboro Road only...
MI 2 mi Asphalt
The Michigan Air Line Trail stretches nearly 6 miles across the communities of Wixom, Walled Lake and Commerce Township in Oakland County. The trail begins on Wixom Road and travels east in the former...
MI 5.45 mi Asphalt
Tradition says that Michigan has 11,000 lakes. The eastern section of the Lakelands Trail State Park passes through a chain of them as it rolls from the town of Hamburg and Lakeland to the outskirts...
MI 39.6 mi Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone
Closure Notice: Parts of the Milford Trail will be closed from June to October 2020 for the Saginaw Trail Pipeline project. A map of the affected area can be found on the project website. The...
MI 4.2 mi Asphalt
The aptly-named North-South Connector Trail provides a paved trail connection between the communities of Gibraltar and Trenton, in the area south of Detroit known as the Downriver. Part of a...
MI 3.5 mi Asphalt
An extension of the paved paths that connect the Oakwoods, Willow, and Lower Huron Metroparks, the Oakwoods Metropark to Flat Rock Trail allows you to continue your trail experience into the small...
MI 2 mi Asphalt
Even though the Paint Creek Trail is Michigan’s oldest nonmotorized rail-trail, the occasional face-lifts and renovations keep it looking as young as ever. Established in 1983, the crushed-limestone...
MI 8.9 mi Crushed Stone
Accordion
With 4,461 acres of prime recreational lands, this top-rated park's scenic, hilly terrain surrounds beautiful 500-acre Stony Creek Lake. Park features include a nature center, a hike-bike trail,...
MI 6.2 mi Asphalt
A paved path, suitable for walking and cycling, the Trenton Walking Path follows the small but tranquil Frank and Poet Creek through a series of parks and green space that cuts right through the heart...
MI 2 mi Asphalt
You won’t find this trail’s name on the ground: the continuous stretch is actually made up of the scenic trails within Oakwoods Metropark, Willow Metropark and Lower Huron Metropark, as well as a...
MI 16.3 mi Asphalt
The West Bloomfield Trail sails along for nearly 7 miles through a municipality that claims to be one of the wettest in the nation—not from rainfall but from the sheer number of lakes (28), ponds...
MI 6.8 mi Crushed Stone
The Border-to-Border Trail is a work in progress, which when complete, will stretch across Washtenaw County from its border with Livingston County in the northwest to Wayne County in the east. Much of...
MI 19.7 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk, Crushed Stone
The Bridge to Bay Trail is a diverse trail system of boardwalks, river walks, rail trails and bike paths that extends along 50+ miles of shoreline across St Clair County, Michigan. Heading north, the...
MI 42.17 mi Asphalt
The Clinton River Spillway Trail passes through a mostly wooded corridor above and parallel to the spillway between Velger Boat Harbor on Lake St. Clair and Shady Side Park in Mt. Clemens. At the east...
MI 2 mi Asphalt
The Clinton River Trail is a 16-mile recreational trail on an abandoned rail line through the heart of Oakland County, including the cities of Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and...
MI 16 mi Asphalt, Crushed Stone
The Grosse Ile Trail is a smooth, paved route running nearly the entire north–south length of Grosse Ile, which rests in the Detroit River between mainland Michigan and Ontario, Canada. The trail...
MI 6.2 mi Asphalt
Paved and mostly flat, the Huron Valley Trail links several suburban communities, parks, and a large recreation area while providing connections to a growing network of trails. Forming a lowercase...
MI 12.2 mi Asphalt
The I-275 Metro Trail began back in the 1970s as the Michigan Department of Transportation's response to the then-fuel crisis. The original trail linked Wayne, Oakland and Monroe counties along a...
MI 33.2 mi Asphalt
Canton's ITC Corridor Trail makes use of a power-line utility corridor, converting this space that previously served as a barrier between neighborhoods into a means of connecting various parts of the...
MI 2.97 mi Crushed Stone
The Island Lake Pathway runs east–west through the densely-wooded landscape of the Island Lake Recreation Area southeast of Brighton. Although relatively short, the paved trail may prove a challenge...
MI 4.3 mi Asphalt
The M-5 Metro Trail runs for 2 miles between Commerce Township and the city of Novi in southeastern Michigan. The paved trail parallels the west side of its namesake roadway (also known as the...
MI 2.2 mi Asphalt
The Metro Parkway Trail—also known as the Freedom Trail—parallels the busy Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile Road) through urban Macomb County. You'll find many street crossings throughout a mix of...
MI 10.7 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Polly Ann Trail is a 34-mile long, non-motorized trail extending north from suburban Detroit on a former Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad corridor. The trail is managed separately by groups in...
MI 34.2 mi Asphalt, Ballast, Crushed Stone
The Chelsea Community Wellness Path weaves through a large campus home to many of Chelsea’s amenities. Although the total length of the trail is less than 2 miles, it is divided into three separate...
MI 1.5 mi Asphalt, Woodchips
The Flat Rock Pathway is a paved asphalt path in the small, industrial community of Flat Rock, located on the banks of the Huron River not far from where it empties into Lake Erie. Part of the...
MI 3.5 mi Asphalt
The Lakes Community Trail is a multi-use pathway in southwest Oakland County. The walking-and-biking path stretches four miles and links to parks within four adjacent communities; the City of Wixom,...
MI 4.4 mi Asphalt, Boardwalk
Located atop Interstate 696 as it cuts through the Detroit suburbs of Oak Park and Southfield are the three parks. Back in the 1980s, the Orthodox Jewish community opposed the construction of this...
MI 2.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Running from the city of Monroe's popular Munson Park, through the city's charming historic downtown, and out to Sterling State Park - one of the most-frequented of Michigan's state parks - the River...
MI 7.5 mi Asphalt, Concrete
Providing nearly two and a half miles of paved trail through a mixture of suburban and industrial land, the Brownstown Township Trail may not be much of a destination trail, but it is a great resource...
MI 2.4 mi Asphalt
This unassuming recreational path in Goodrich, Genesee County is actually a part of the Iron Belle Trail, Michigan's state-spanning multiuse trail system. The Gale Road Trail starts near Perry Road...
MI 2.3 mi Asphalt
The Metro Connector Trail works as its name suggests, closing the gap between two local favorites in Novi: the M-5 Metro Trail and the I-275 Metro Trail. The trail begins on 13 Mile Road and then...
MI 2.5 mi Asphalt
A shared-use path parallels Michigan Avenue between Warner Road and Platt Road. The path connects to local government offices, the Pittsfield Township Farmer's Market as well as Prairie Park. It also...
MI 1.1 mi Asphalt
Also known as the Amber's Heart Orion Township Connector Trail, this paved trail provides an important link between the Polly Ann Trail and the Paint Creek Trail (MI). Following Clarkson Road for the...
MI 3.1 mi Asphalt, Concrete
The Platt Road Trail is located on the east side of Platt Road and connects users to Lillie Park, where they can relax by the pond, picnic in a pavilion or take a stroll along its woodchip and...
MI 2.25 mi Asphalt
Stretching from the small riverside community of Rockwood to the East-West Connector Trail north of the city, the Rockwood Pathway provides a great way for cyclists and pedestrians to get around town...
MI 1.6 mi Asphalt

Recent Trail Reviews

West Bloomfield Trail

Dusty but wonderful trail!

June, 2023 by cmandron

My 13 year old son and I came here today and we loved it. The trail was very well kept and had some good incline on some parts. We did a total of almost 11 miles (to a certain point and turning around) and just loved it. Some parts of the trail are pretty wide which makes it easier for passers. The trail wasn’t too busy either. Beware though. This trail is VERY dusty. My son got dust in his eyes several times and his allergies were kicking his butt. The up side to all the dust on the trail was the satisfaction of rinsing our bikes with the hose afterwards ¿ Great scenic trail! Highly recommend. I will be coming back. J

Flat Rock Pathway

This pathway is longer than stated. It needs a little work, but it's perfect. You will see many bicyclists along the way. All on different levels. Most are respectful using proper edicate . You will come across wildlife and enjoy this very much.

This pathway is longer than stated. It needs a little work, but it's perfect. You will see many bicyclists along the way. All on different levels. Most are respectful using proper edicate . You will come across wildlife and enjoy this very much.

Macomb Orchard Trail

boring

May, 2023 by matthewgriffith9

I rate this trail with 3 stars because of the good asphalt surface and the connection to other trails. The majority of the trail is boring north of 29 Mile heading towards Richmond. Not many places to stop along the trail and enjoy the view, because there aren’t any, definitely needs improvement.

Accordion

Clinton River Trail

rough ride

May, 2023 by matthewgriffith9

A very nice trail with enough greenery to feel secluded from urban sprawl. The majority of the trail through Rochester Hills is not “bike friendly”, recycled asphalt does not make for the best riding experience. The trail is manageable for a cyclist with experience riding in many different trail conditions, I would not recommend this trail for a novice cyclist.

Clinton River Spillway Bike Path

Newly resurfaced

May, 2023 by jocelynd102_tl

This is a very nice wide path that goes I think a little over 2 miles in one direction It has just been resurfaced and is very level. At the starting point near the parking lot is a bathroom and drinking fountains. They also have picnic tables and benches along the path. The only drawback is there’s a spot where at the freeway is very close to the trail and it’s kind of loud.

Clinton River Trail

Not a good trail at all

May, 2023 by rjdurkee

I started at the Opdyke Trail Head. Headed east and enjoyed the first mile of two through Auburn Hills which was newly paved. Outside of Auburn Hills the trail became crushed asphalt. I rode to Rochester Hills and turned around. I do not like riding on this crap. Also there were several very busy roads to cross.
Headed west from Opdyke. You are riding on sidewalk along busy roads. After about a mile the sidewalk deteriorates and becomes narrow. I turned around.
I never did see the Clinton River.
I will NOT ride this trail again.
Recommended for fat tire bikes and people not interested in a nice trail.

West Bloomfield Trail

Scenic ride past many lakes

March, 2023 by bklemz_tl

This is one of the original rail trails in Michigan and provides a valuable link in the growing network of trails across metro Detroit. Very scenic, frequently riding past or across many lakes and wildlife viewing is easy along the trail. The trail seamlessly connects to a larger network of trails on either end, allowing for days worth of riding if desired. The trail is always popular and well used.

The biggest complaint is the crushed gravel surface, which while perfectly easy to ride in dry weather can become a muddy mess in the spring and after heavy rain. Unfortunately, too many people attempt to ride the trail while the surface is soft, leaving behind permanent ruts that must be navigated throughout the year. Like all gravel trails, expect your drivetrain to need a good cleaning once your ride is done.

Michigan Air Line Trail

Great trail!

March, 2023 by bklemz_tl

The Air Line trail has quickly become one of my favorite regular rides. The surface is nearly new and very smooth. The entire length of trail is surprisingly scenic considering it navigates a suburban area. The road crossings are well marked with safety lights available. This is a welcome and valuable addition to the growing network of trails in the Detroit metro area.

Even though the Air Line itself is fairly short, it seamlessly connects to a much larger network at both ends, providing access to days of riding if desired.

Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park

Great Michigan ride

March, 2023 by bklemz_tl

I ride this trail often and find it is very well used throughout its length. Diverse scenery through wetlands, farms and small towns. The surface varies from smooth asphalt to bumpy asphalt to hard pack gravel, but is no problem with a hybrid bike. Common to share the trail with horseback riders -- please follow the well posted instructions on how to safely approach a horse.

The eastern trailhead easily connects to the trail along US-23 and further on to the Island Lake trail and the trails through the Detroit suburbs. Just be careful navigating the freeway exits at US-23 and M-36. I've ridden as far as Stockbridge and looking forward to the planned extensions farther west.

Island Lake Pathway

Pretty ride through State Park

March, 2023 by bklemz_tl

Very scenic ride and part of the larger Great Lake to Lake trail across Michigan. Many hills that provide a solid workout. Go slow and be cautious of pedestrians and kids near the beaches and picnic areas.

The paved surface has many bumps and could be improved, but not an issue navigating on my hybrid bike tires. I've ridden much worse.

About two-thirds through the park, the dedicated bike trail ends, but easily connects to the park road. There is not much traffic at this end of the park, but use caution when navigating around the hills and curves.

Island Lake Trail Connector

Connector Trail

March, 2023 by bklemz_tl

Hard packed gravel trail that is easy to ride and connects Brighton to Island Lake State Park. Easy to miss the east entrance in Island Lake -- be sure to turn before crossing the railroad tracks!

Fieldcrest Pathway

An Important Link

March, 2023 by bklemz_tl

Highly functional trail connecting Island Lake State Park to the Lakelands Trail. Parallels US-23 throughout, so expect noise and not much in the way of scenery. There is a one mile gap at the south end to reach the Lakelands Trail. Fieldcrest Road has minimal traffic and works as a connector, but use extreme caution in this stretch, especially navigating around the highway ramps.

Good hills along this stretch to provide a solid workout.

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