Parks & Trails
Discover the best parks, trails, and outdoor recreation across Mid-Michigan. From scenic hiking trails to family-friendly playgrounds, Genesee County, Oakland County, Livingston County, Lapeer County, Shiawassee County, and Saginaw County offer abundant outdoor spaces for every season.
What Are the Best Parks in Genesee County?
The Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 11,000 acres across the county, offering a remarkable range of outdoor experiences — from the 383-acre For-Mar Nature Preserve to the 27-mile Flint River Trail. Whether you're searching for parks near Grand Blanc, hiking trails in Flint, or family-friendly outdoor activities in Genesee County, these destinations are among the best in Mid-Michigan.
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
383 acresAn accredited arboretum with 7 miles of hiking trails, nature education programs, and seasonal events. One of Genesee County's most treasured outdoor destinations.
Visit WebsiteSeven Lakes State Park
1,400+ acresLocated in Holly, this state park features six lakes, camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing. A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the region.
Visit WebsiteFlint River Trail
27 milesA paved multi-use trail spanning approximately 27 miles, connecting urban areas, parks, and natural landscapes along the Flint River.
Visit WebsiteStepping Stone Falls
ScenicA beautiful waterfall on the Flint River, popular for photography, picnicking, and enjoying nature in an accessible setting.
Visit WebsiteThread Lake Park
Community ParkA community park centered around Thread Lake, offering walking paths, fishing, and a peaceful setting in Flint.
Visit WebsiteKearsley Park
Community ParkA historic park in Flint featuring green spaces, a pavilion, and community gathering areas.
Visit WebsiteRiverbank Park
Urban ParkAn award-winning urban park along the Flint River in downtown Flint, featuring fountains, walking paths, and public art.
Visit WebsiteFlint State Park
New State ParkA new state park along a 3-mile stretch of the Flint River and Swartz Creek, managed in partnership with Genesee County Parks.
Visit WebsiteWhat Dog-Friendly Parks Are in Oakland County?
Oakland County is known for its exceptional park system and dog-friendly outdoor spaces. From Orion Oaks Bark Park in Lake Lyon to the six-lake Seven Lakes State Park in Holly, outdoor activities in Oakland County Michigan range from off-leash dog areas and paved trails to camping, fishing, and winter sports. If you're looking for dog-friendly parks near Clarkston, Lake Orion, or Holly, Oakland County delivers.
Orion Oaks Bark Park
A popular off-leash dog park in Lake Orion featuring open fields, wooded trails, and a dedicated pond for dogs. One of the best dog-friendly parks near Lake Orion Michigan.
Oakland County ParksLyon Oaks Dog Park
Located in Wixom, Lyon Oaks offers separate areas for large and small dogs, water stations, and shaded walking trails — a favorite among Oakland County dog owners.
Oakland County ParksSeven Lakes State Park
A 1,400+ acre state park in Holly featuring six lakes, camping, swimming, hiking, and fishing. One of the best parks in Oakland County for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Visit WebsiteHolly Recreation Area
A state recreation area offering cross-country skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping across 7,800 acres. A great option for outdoor activities near Holly Michigan.
Visit WebsiteWhere Can I Find Family Parks Near Brighton and Howell?
Livingston County offers a mix of state recreation areas, county parks, and community green spaces ideal for families. From the trails of Island Lake Recreation Area near Brighton to the parks near Howell and Pinckney, there are plenty of outdoor activities in Livingston County Michigan for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
Island Lake Recreation Area
A 4,000-acre state recreation area near Brighton featuring a beach, fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and a paved trail system connecting to the Kensington Metropark.
Visit WebsitePinckney Recreation Area
Spanning over 10,000 acres across Livingston and Washtenaw Counties, this park offers extensive trail systems for hiking, biking, and horseback riding plus camping and paddling on the Huron River.
Visit WebsiteLyon Oaks County Park
Located in the western edge of the county near Wixom, Lyon Oaks features trails, a dog park, and open green spaces — a convenient outdoor destination for families near Brighton and Hamburg Township.
Livingston County ParksKensington Metropark
A popular Wayne County metropark along the Livingston County border near Milford, featuring a beach, paved trails, nature center, and seasonal activities including winter sports.
Visit WebsiteWhat Outdoor Activities Are Available Across Lapeer, Shiawassee & Saginaw Counties?
The communities surrounding Genesee County also offer outstanding outdoor recreation. From Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area's 4,400 acres of forests and trails to Shiawassee County's river parks and Saginaw County's Chippewa Nature Center, outdoor activities in Mid-Michigan extend well beyond any single county line.
Lapeer County Parks & Trails
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
A 4,400-acre state park near Metamora featuring cross-country skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and the picturesque Lake Metamora. One of the best parks in Lapeer County for year-round outdoor recreation.
Visit WebsiteLapeer Area Trails
Multiple trail systems connect Lapeer's communities, including the Polly Ann Trail and local park paths. Great for walking, biking, and nature observation near Lapeer and Imlay City.
Explore Lapeer County GuideShiawassee County Parks & Trails
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
A 9,300-acre wildlife refuge near Saginaw offering birdwatching, hunting, hiking, and scenic drives. A gem of outdoor recreation in the Mid-Michigan region.
Visit WebsitePere Marquette Rail-Trail
A paved trail stretching through Shiawassee and Saginaw Counties, popular for walking, biking, and inline skating. Connects communities through scenic Mid-Michigan landscapes.
Explore Shiawassee County GuideSaginaw County Parks & Trails
Chippewa Nature Center
A 1,500-acre nature center near Midland featuring over 15 miles of trails, a visitor center, and year-round environmental programs. A leading outdoor education destination in central Michigan.
Visit WebsiteBay City State Park
Located on Saginaw Bay, this state park offers a beach, paved trails, fishing, camping, and a nature area. A popular summer destination for outdoor activities in Saginaw County.
Visit WebsiteWhat Are the Best Hiking and Biking Trails in Mid-Michigan?
Mid-Michigan's trail network spans paved multi-use paths and natural-surface hiking routes across several counties. Whether you're looking for walking trails near Flint, biking routes along the Flint River, or a peaceful nature hike at For-Mar, these trails showcase the best of outdoor living in the region.
Flint River Trail
27 miles
The region's primary trail system, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas along the Flint River corridor.
For-Mar Trails
7 miles
A network of trails through the For-Mar Nature Preserve, ranging from easy walks to moderate hikes through diverse habitats.
Genesee County Park Trails
Varies
Trails throughout the Genesee County Parks system, offering hiking, biking, and nature observation opportunities.
What Lakes and Outdoor Living Experiences Are in Mid-Michigan?
Mid-Michigan is home to numerous lakes, rivers, and waterways that provide year-round outdoor recreation. From fishing and boating in summer to ice fishing and cross-country skiing in winter, the region's water features are central to the local lifestyle.
Seven Lakes State Park alone offers access to six different lakes, while communities like Fenton and Linden are known for their lakefront living and water-based activities. The Flint River provides additional opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and riverside walks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parks & Trails in Mid-Michigan
What is the most popular park in Genesee County?
The Flushing Riverview Trail is one of the most visited outdoor sites in Genesee County, historically averaging over 500 users per day. For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum and Seven Lakes State Park in Holly are also among the county's most popular destinations for hiking, fishing, and family outings.
Are there dog-friendly trails in Mid-Michigan?
Yes, there are several dog-friendly parks and trails throughout Mid-Michigan. In Oakland County, popular off-leash areas include Orion Oaks Bark Park in Lake Orion, Lyon Oaks Dog Park in Wixom, and the Pontiac Lake Dog Park in Waterford Township. In Genesee County, Flushing County Park features an off-leash dog area and various trails. Dogs are generally permitted in most county parks if kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, though certain areas like beaches and the For-Mar Nature Preserve restrict dogs.
What are the best winter activities in Mid-Michigan parks?
Mid-Michigan parks offer excellent winter recreation including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing. Seven Lakes State Park and Holly Recreation Area provide groomed trails for cross-country skiing, while several county parks maintain winter hiking trails. Nearby Hawk Island Park in Lansing is well known for its snow tubing hill, and Lake Lansing Park North offers approximately 10 miles of Nordic skiing trails.
Where can I camp near Genesee County, Michigan?
Genesee County offers camping at the Wolverine Campground on Holloway Reservoir, managed by Genesee County Parks, as well as the Genesee Otter Lake Campground. For additional options, Seven Lakes State Park and Holly Recreation Area in Oakland County, and Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Lapeer County are all within easy driving distance.
What are the best hiking trails in Genesee County?
Some of the best hiking trails in Genesee County include the 7-mile trail network at For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, the 27-mile paved Flint River Trail for walking and biking, and trails throughout the Genesee County Parks system. Stepping Stone Falls also offers a short, accessible trail perfect for families.