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While there are some great slopes and hills for skiing and snowboarding, Michigan generally features flat terrain. If going cross-country is more your speed, but you find skis to be cumbersome, snowshoeing is an excellent way to get outside, get some exercise and explore the beautiful nature trails of Metro Detroit in the winter. From beginners to more intermediate trails, we’ve rounded up five local snowshoe trails in Metro Detroit below.
Creekshead Nature Preserve Loop
Clocking in at 0.7 miles, Creekshead Nature Preserve Loop in Salem Township is perfect for beginners. Given that the trail is a loop, you can set out in either direction from the start and find yourself back where you started by the end. The wooded path is home to wildlife, and dogs are permitted so long as they are on a leash.
E.L. Johnson Nature Center Loop
Another great snowshoe trail for beginners is the E.L. Johnson Nature Center Loop in Bloomfield Hills. This 0.9-mile loop reaches a higher max elevation than Creekshead Nature Preserve. If you want to explore more, the Nature Preserve itself features close to two miles of interconnected trails, a four-acre lake and more. If you do not have your own snowshoes, the Nature Center has rentals available on weekends.
Stage Nature Center Loop
Located near Troy, Stage Nature Center Loop is actually two loops in one. Totalling 1.5 miles, this trail is made up of four different trails: Sugar Maple Loop Trail (0.4 miles), Blackbird Loop (0.7 miles), Bluebird Trail (0.13 miles) and Fox Trail (0.35 miles). If you’re interested in wildlife, stop by the Nature Center itself and learn about more than 145 species that have been identified in the area.
Valley, Meadow and Windbreak Trail Loop
At just two miles, this next trail may not seem like much of a step up from the others mentioned so far. But, with a max elevation of 134 feet, the Valley, Meadow and Windbreak Trail Loop in Farmington will definitely test your endurance. Those that are up for the challenge will be treated to local wildlife so bring a camera!
Clinton River Trail
We saved the longest, highest trail for last. The Clinton River Trail is a total of 15.7 miles long and reaches elevations up to 367 ft. It’s a long trail for sure, but there are many points at which to stop and take a break and, of course, you decide how much of it you want to walk. At one end you have Rochester and at the other end is Sylvan Lake. There’s a lot to see along the way, so pack plenty of snacks and water.
