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This beautiful paved multi-use trail makes its way around Kent Lake.


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Map Key

8.8

Miles

14.2

KM

Paved Path

940' 286 m

High

883' 269 m

Low

206' 63 m

Up

206' 63 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly This is a beautiful trail to do parts of with the family and witness much of what SE Michigan has to offer.

A Metropark Vehicle Permit is required.

Description

Kensington Metropark Trail is a wide paved pathway that completely encircles Kent Lake. At times, the path is right on the water's edge and offers beautiful views of the large lake and the many islands within it. At other points, the pathway meanders through meadows and forests offering chances to see deer (of which Kensington Metropark has too many) and other animals. Parts are hilly and parts are flat. This variety makes it an excellent trail for biking, long-distance running, or just a quick stroll along any section.

This is a loop trail with many parking areas/access points along its length, so there isn't a clear beginning or end. As such, this description uses Maple Beach as a start point (a spot with abundant parking) and is described going clockwise from there.

The region to the north of Maple Beach is the hilliest along the trail and is relatively steep by SE Michigan bike path standards. This section heads away from the lake through large meadows with some sports fields and a swampy region along Maple Beach Drive.

At the northern end, you can access the Farm Center before the trail crosses the Huron River along West Buno Road (separated by a guardrail). At the northeasternmost part of the trail, you can pick up the Milford Trail. The northeast section of the trail mostly keeps its distance from Kent Lake, passing in and out of forest while traveling parallel to Huron River Parkway. This section has some enjoyable rolling hills. A long but gently graded section takes you past the Martindale Beach parking area with access to the disc golf course.

The southern section of the trail descends along the inland side of the East Boat Launch to the water's edge, but unfortunately also the edge of the I-96 exit ramp. This part can be a bit noisy due to the highway, but it offers great views of the lake. Part of it crosses the Huron River on its own bridge under I-96.

The west section of the trail is along the lake, relatively flat, and offers connections to the West Boat Ramp and Nature Center. You'll get some beautiful views of the lake here. Part of this section is between the golf course and the lake so the noise from I-96 will dissipate quickly.

After the Nature Center, the trail follows Maple Beach Drive through forests. This section has many small rolling hills. You'll soon pass the Boat Rental and return to Maple Beach.

Contacts

Land Manager: Huron-Clinton Metroparks

Shared By:

Karl W

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 11 votes

#11449

Overall
  3.7 from 11 votes
5 Star
36%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
36%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
9%
Trail Rankings

#224

in Michigan

#11,449

Overall
9 Views Last Month
1,481 Since Sep 12, 2017
Easy Easy

88%
13%
0%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

South side of the loop has an elevated wooden path
Sep 26, 2017 near South Lyon, MI

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