COVID-19 UPDATE:听With pretty much all of metro Detroit鈥檚 nightlife, entertainment, and recreation options stuck in suspended animation, we鈥檙e fortunate to have an abundance of natural beauty within easy reach. With that in mind, for this year鈥檚 City Guide we鈥檝e rounded up a number of great nearby places to bike, hike, fish 鈥 or just take in the view. Even outdoors, though, it鈥檚 important to take precautions. In addition to the usual (wash your hands often and don鈥檛 touch your face), the state Department of Natural Resources offers these guidelines:听Go out only if you鈥檙e healthy.听Avoid long-distance travel.听Keep 6 feet apart from people not from your household.听If the parking lot at your destination is full, leave and choose someplace else.听Be safe out there!
Need a break from your oft-trod route through your own neighborhood? For a change of scenery, consider getting your steps in at one of these nearby walking and hiking spots.
New Boston
Oakwoods Metropark Trails
Hike through 5 miles of self-guided nature trails while enjoying views of a butterfly garden, 3-acre pond, and the backwaters of the Huron River. Oakwoods Metropark, 32911 Willow Road, New Boston; 734-782-3956;
Detroit
Dequindre Cut
Once a disused railroad track, the 2-mile greenway offers a 20-foot-wide paved pathway for pedestrians to walk through the East Riverfront, Eastern Market, and several residential neighborhoods. Dequindre Cut, Detroit;
Detroit
Detroit RiverWalk
While you can鈥檛 ride the carousel or enjoy treats from the RiverWalk Caf茅 for now, you can still go on a leisurely stroll while taking in views of the riverfront and admire the art sculptures of the RiverWalk Garden Rooms. Detroit RiverWalk, 1340 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-566-8200;
West Bloomfield
West Bloomfield Trail
As part of the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve, the 64-acre linear park and former railroad corridor spans nearly 7 miles through four cities. Walkers can brush up on state automotive history with the MotorCities Wayside Exhibits posted along the trail. West Bloomfield Trail, 4655 Arrowhead Road, West Bloomfield;
Rochester
Paint Creek Trail
The 8.9-mile linear park is the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the state, and it extends through five cities, townships, and villages. Pups can accompany their owners on the trail, and horses are even allowed in limited areas. Paint Creek Trail, Rochester;
Madison Heights
Red Oaks Nature Center
Situated inside the 37-acre Friendship Woods, the center鈥檚 1-mile trail can be used for hiking, walking, and seasonal family nature programs. Red Oaks Nature Center, 30300 Hales St., Madison Heights; 248-585-0100;
Shelby Township
Stony Creek Metropark Trails
Voted the second-best hiking trail in metro Detroit by WXYZ Detroit in 2018, the park boasts 27 miles of trails offering views of woodlands, wetlands, and tallgrass prairies. Stony Creek Metropark Trails, 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-781-4242;听
Shelby Township听
Holland Ponds Trail
The 3-mile trail overlooks Holland Ponds, a 200-acre park revitalized by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources after being lost to toxic waste. Holland Ponds is also well-known for its heron population, where blue and green herons frequent its waters. Holland Ponds, 50385 Ryan Road, Shelby Charter Twp.; 586-731-0300; 听
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