One of the best things about living in Mid-Michigan is the region's trail network. Across Genesee, Oakland, Livingston, and Lapeer counties, you'll find paved multi-use paths winding through riverside corridors, rugged nature trails through hardwood forests, and everything in between. Whether you're pushing a stroller, walking the dog, training for a half-marathon, or exploring on two wheels, there's a trail waiting for you — often within a ten-minute drive.
This guide covers the trails Mid-Michigan residents rely on most, with the practical details you need to plan your next outing: surface type, length, parking, and what makes each one worth the trip. For more outdoor inspiration, you might also enjoy our guides to the best parks in Genesee County and best lake beaches for swimming near Mid-Michigan.
Genesee County: The Flint River Trail and Beyond
Genesee County's trail system is anchored by the Flint River Trail, a paved multi-use path that spans approximately 27 miles across the county. Following the Flint River and C.S. Mott Lake, the trail runs from downtown Flint north through suburban and rural landscapes to Richfield County Park in Davison. It's mostly flat, completely paved, and connects to several parks and neighborhoods along the way. The trail is also part of the statewide Iron Belle Trail system, which will eventually link Belle Isle in Detroit to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula.
Best access points: The trail can be entered at Mott Lake, Stepping Stone Falls, the Flint River Trailhead near downtown Flint, and Richfield County Park. The stretch from Stepping Stone Falls north to Mott Lake is especially scenic, with river views and shaded sections that make it comfortable even on hot summer afternoons.
Surface: Paved asphalt, suitable for road bikes, running strollers, rollerblades, and wheelchairs.
Length: 27 miles point-to-point (out-and-back options available).
Parking: Free parking at Stepping Stone Falls (Flint), Richfield County Park (Davison), and several roadside pull-offs.
Best for: Biking, jogging, family walks, and long-distance training.
Another key route is the Genesee Valley Trail, a paved pathway that runs approximately 4.4 miles from Linden Road in Flint Township to downtown Flint. It passes through wooded sections and Chevy Commons Park, a restored riverside greenspace. The trail connects to the Flint River Trail at North Chevrolet Avenue, making it possible to build longer loops. HAWK beacon crossings at Court Street and Corunna Road make the major road crossings safe for cyclists and pedestrians.
For a natural-surface experience, For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum in Burton offers 7 miles of hiking trails across eight loops. The preserve spans 383 acres and includes woodland, wetland, meadow, and pasture trails. The Edge of the Woods Trail (2.0 miles) is the most popular, while the Maple Walk (0.7 miles) works well for families with young children. Biking is permitted on the gravel service drive only.
Insider tip: The Flint River Trail can be hot on summer afternoons — the sections closest to the river are the most shaded. Plan your ride for early morning or early evening, and bring plenty of water. The trail links to several parks with water fountains along the route.
Oakland County: Paint Creek Trail, Holly, and Bald Mountain
Oakland County is home to some of the most beloved trails in southeastern Michigan. The Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9-mile National Recreation Trail that runs from Rochester to Lake Orion. It was Michigan's first rail-trail, opened in 1983, and its crushed limestone surface and gentle grade make it accessible to walkers, runners, and cyclists of all skill levels. The trail passes through woods, alongside wetlands, and over several charming wooden bridges. It's a particular favorite for families with kids learning to ride.
Surface: Crushed limestone (fine gravel, hard-packed).
Length: 8.9 miles one way.
Parking: Designated lots at the Rochester trailhead (301 Paint Creek Trail, Rochester), the Lake Orion trailhead, and several mid-point access points off Dutton Road and Silver Bell Road. All free.
Best for: Family bike rides, running, dog walking, and birdwatching.
For mountain bikers, the Holly Recreation Area is the premier destination in the region. This 7,817-acre state park features the Holly-Holdridge Mountain Bike Trail Network — 25 miles of single-track trails built and maintained by the Michigan Mountain Biking Association. The trails range from beginner-friendly flow trails to technical rock gardens and root-strewn advanced sections. Admission requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, which costs $14 for the year (or $9 for a day pass from a state park self-serve station).
Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion offers another outstanding option, with over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Bald Mountain Red Loop (4.4 miles) is the most popular, offering moderate elevation changes and lake views. The Orion Oaks County Park trail system, just south of Lake Orion, provides a 10-mile loop suitable for all skill levels and is a quieter alternative on busy weekends.
For road cyclists, connecting the Paint Creek Trail to the Polly Ann Trail (which runs from Orion Township north through Oxford and into Lapeer County) creates a 20+ mile paved route through northern Oakland County's lake country. The Polly Ann Trail is a developing rail-trail corridor with a mix of paved and crushed limestone sections.
Livingston County: Brighton Recreation Area and Island Lake
Livingston County's trail system is anchored by the Brighton Recreation Area, a sprawling 4,947-acre state park with rolling wooded hills, lakes, and ponds. The Penosha Trail is a 5-mile loop through dense hardwood and pine forests, widely considered the best hiking trail in the county. The park also offers the Appleton Trail (4.2 miles), Murray Lake Trail (7.5 miles), and the Torn Shirt Trail (8 miles) — all shared-use mountain bike and hiking trails.
Surface: Natural dirt and gravel, some sections with roots and moderate elevation changes.
Parking: Brighton Recreation Area, 6360 Chilson Road, Howell. Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Best for: Hikers seeking a workout, mountain bikers, trail runners.
The Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton offers over 50 miles of trails across 4,000 acres of lakes, wetlands, and woodlands. The 2.9-mile Island Lake Trail is a popular family-friendly option, while the more challenging Spring Mill Pond Trail (3.5 miles) offers lake views and a chance to spot herons, turtles, and bald eagles. The Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park cuts through the southern part of Livingston County, offering a 35-mile paved rail-trail from Stockbridge to Hamburg that's ideal for road biking and long-distance training.
For a shorter, easy walk, Fillmore County Park in Brighton (opened 2020) offers an 83-acre natural area with a 1.5-mile loop trail through meadows and along the Huron River. It's a good option for families with toddlers or anyone looking for a quick nature break without the state park entrance fee.
Lapeer, Saginaw, and Shiawassee County Trails
The Polly Ann Trail extends north from Oakland County through Lapeer County, covering over 30 miles from Orion Township to Imlay City and beyond. Its paved southern section gives way to crushed limestone surface as you head north, passing through farmland, wetlands, and small towns. The trail is relatively flat and uncrowded, making it a peaceful option for cyclists who want to escape the busier metro-area trails. Parking is available at several points in Oxford, Leonard, and Imlay City.
In Saginaw County, the Zilwaukee Pathway is a paved 3.5-mile multi-use trail along the Saginaw River, connecting downtown Saginaw to the Zilwaukee Township area. It's a short but scenic route with river views, benches, and access to the Saginaw River Walk. The Saginaw County Parks system is developing longer trail connections, and the Genesee-Saginaw Trail Connection is a regional priority that will eventually link the two county trail systems.
Shiawassee County offers the Shiawassee River Heritage Trail, a developing paved pathway through Owosso that follows the Shiawassee River. The existing section runs about 2 miles from the Curwood Castle area to McCurdy Park, with plans for future expansion. Owosso's historic downtown makes a nice starting point — grab coffee at a local café, then walk the trail along the river.
Trail Tips for Mid-Michigan Summers
- Start early or go late. Mid-day heat and humidity can be intense from late June through August. The best trail windows are 7–10 a.m. and 6–8 p.m.
- Bring bug spray. Michigan mosquitoes are active near wooded and wetland trails from May through September. The paved, open sections of the Flint River Trail and Paint Creek Trail are generally less buggy than deep-woods trails.
- Check the Recreation Passport. State parks and recreation areas (Brighton, Island Lake, Holly, Bald Mountain) require a Michigan Recreation Passport. If you don't have one, a day pass costs $9 and can be purchased at the park entrance or self-serve station.
- Download the trail map. Cell service is generally good on paved trails near towns, but can be spotty on the deeper sections at Brighton, Holly, and Bald Mountain. AllTrails and TrailLink apps work well for offline navigation.
- Plan for water stops. Paved trails like the Flint River Trail and Paint Creek Trail have water fountains at major trailheads. Natural-surface trails generally do not — bring your own.
Finding Your Home Near the Trails
One of the questions I hear most often from homebuyers moving to Mid-Michigan is, "Where can I live that's close to good trails?" And it's a smart question — trail access is one of the top quality-of-life factors for families and active adults in this region.
Communities like Grand Blanc, Davison, Fenton, and Clarkston and Lake Orion all offer direct access to the trail systems described above — often within walking distance of the trailhead. And because the trail network is still expanding, properties that are close to existing or planned trail corridors tend to hold their value well over time.
If you're thinking about a move to Mid-Michigan and want to find a home that puts you near the best trails, parks, and outdoor spaces, I'd love to help. With more than 20 years of local experience — and a pretty good sense of where the trails are — I can point you toward the communities that fit your lifestyle, your budget, and your love of the outdoors.
Joyce England, REALTOR®
Keller Williams First · Mid-Michigan
Joyce helps families and active adults find the right Mid-Michigan community — one that puts them close to the trails, parks, and outdoor lifestyle they love. With 20+ years of local real estate experience, she knows these neighborhoods inside and out.
