Oakwoods Metropark to Flat Rock Trail

Michigan

1 Reviews

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 city of Flat Rock, forming an important link in the network of trails that follows the path of the Huron River on its way to the river mouth at Lake Erie. The paved path provides cyclists and pedestrians with an easy connection to and from the nearby city, and gives residents an excellent recreational path.

Starting in the metropark, the trail heads south from its junction with the Wayne County Metroparks Trail and runs through a pleasant, wooded landscape - particularly beautiful in the fall as the leaves begin turning. The nearby nature center at the park offers a variety of interesting exhibits for you to peruse, including a 700-gallon aquatic tank with turtles and other area marine life. Continuing along the trail, you pass over railroad tracks and enter into the outskirts of the city, crossing over the Huron River again to enter the island that houses Flat Rock's Huroc Park. The trail loops around the island park, which features nice spots for picnicking and fishing, before crossing over the dam and into the city proper. A number of eateries and shops await you in Flat Rock, and a local nonprofit runs the Flat Rock Model Train Depot and Museum, conveniently located right next to the trail's end for those with an interest in railroad history or neat-looking model trains. The city's Flat Rock Bike Path, accessible from the Oakwoods Metropark to Flat Rock Trail via a signed bike route, allows you to continue further along the river and down into Rockwood and the Lake Erie Metropark.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available in Oakwoods Metropark via the lot for the nature center, located at the end of Nature Trail Road. Vehicles must pay an admission fee or purchase an annual pass to enter the metropark. On-street parking is also available at the trail's eastern end in Flat Rock on Arsenal Road; be sure to follow any posted parking signs and regulations. To reach the eastern end in Flat Rock from Interstate 275, take exit 8 and proceed east on Will Carleton Road for several miles. Turn left onto Telegraph Road/U.S. 24, then turn left onto Huron Street and you should see the trail heading across the river.