Chelsea Community Wellness Path

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 pathways offering their own unique experiences.

The longest stretch is a paved loop encircling the Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Community. Residents of the senior neighborhood contributed to the trail’s development by measuring the planned route and creating trail markers. Other local residents got involved, too, such as an Eagle Scout candidate who contributed signs and benches.

A short, paved connector path leads from the main loop to the Washington Street Education Center and Chelsea Senior Center. This portion also passes by athletic fields used by students at nearby Chelsea High School.

The third stretch extends northwest from the loop on a former Detroit, Jackson and Chicago Railway corridor. Chelsea was one of the stops on the interurban line between Detroit and Jackson before it ceased operations in 1928. The woodchip trail runs for 0.75 mile on the former corridor through peaceful woodlands.

Parking and Trail Access

Chelsea Community Hospital is approximately 15 miles west of Ann Arbor (roughly 1 mile north of Exit 159 on Interstate 94). Parking for the Chelsea Community Wellness Path is available at the hospital on Will Johnson Drive (off Main Street/State Route 52).

Pretty Short

November 2024 clonetrooper5373

There isn’t too much to this trail, being a round trip of 3 miles. It is nice and smooth for the most part.

You’ll spend most of your time in an urban setting except for a brief stint in a wooded section that ends far quickly for my taste.

It’s fine for locals, but I wouldn’t bother traveling to this one.

families & dog walkers

May 2015 heyamyheyamy

This trail is great for families tooling around town on foot or bike. It is also great for walking pets. I use it to get to & from meetings at Silver Maples and the hospital. It may not be long enough for marathoners, but I frequently see joggers on it.

Too short

June 2014 unagiunagi

This trail is paved and smooth. But it is too short for jogging and biking. Even by adding extra loop with Pierce Lake's trail, it may be still too short for joggers.