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Print Friendly MapThe Grosse Ile Trail is a smooth, paved route running nearly the entire north–south length of Grosse Ile, which rests in the Detroit River between mainland Michigan and Ontario, Canada. The trail primarily parallels Meridian Road, with portions on the southern end following Groh Road and South Pointe Drive.
Grosse Ile Township has long been considered a desirable place to live by Michigan’s upper class, so the scenery along the trail primarily consists of kempt—and often lavish—homes. Cyclists looking for a longer journey and water views can complete a recommended loop via Horsemill Road and E. River Road.
While the Grosse Ile Trail is not a rail-trail, the path does cross Grosse Ile Parkway, which occupies a corridor once home to the island’s sole rail line. Canada Southern Railway built the line to transport passengers and freight from Michigan to points east via a ferry from Stony Island to Ontario. Later, the Michigan Central Railroad operated a train on the line for residents and tourists between Grosse Ile and Trenton.
Trail users interested in railroad history will want to take the recommended on-road loop to see the Michigan Central train depot—now home to the Grosse Ile Historical Society Museum—at the intersection of E. River Road and Grosse Ile Parkway.
Parking for the Grosse Ile Trail is available at Grosse Ile Township Hall (9601 Groh Road).
The trail in through the middle is a little rough and not very scenic. The outside road around the island has spectacular views! I would highly recommend doing that.
The north part of this trail is quite nice, but the south half is very rough. The south end has many driveways cut through the older trail surface which makes for a rough ride. I rode this trail with my recumbent trike and will not do it again.
Beautiful walk through the Grosse Ile Twp. neighborhood. Well-paved walkway with room for people to pass and comfortable benches on which to rest. Sunny with rarely any shade, so prepare with a hat or sunblock. Quiet wooded trails branching off but a bit flooded in spring.
I planned to run part of the trail this afternoon. However, I felt the need for a restroom before running. Not seeing one within walking distance of the parking lot, I decided to drive the route first to see if there were any accommodations along the way. There was one small gas station at Meridian and Macomb, but I did not see any other businesses (like a McDonald's) that I could have used. Not convenient for those of us driving to the island to use the trail, but it does look like a nice option for those who live close.
I live on the island that has the trail mentioned here. It is always pleasant riding on the trails, pasting golf courses,wooden bridges, bikers, walkers, dogs and even deer crossing by. There are plenty of drinking fountains for the bikers and walkers to enjoy and have a rest on our benches. You may even have a chance to see planes landing at our small airport on the south of the island. This place is a beaut! There are also rivers,creeks that past under the trails and you can see small boats and kayaks!
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