Fall colors are at its peak in Genesee County during the month of October and residents are lucky to have 11,000 acres of beautiful wooded land, lakes and miles and miles of trails to walk on in the Genesee County Parks system. There’s also many other trails in this area and in the surrounding counties. So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your hiking boots and find a trail that’s right for you. Not only will you get a little exercise but you can enjoy the beauty of the glorious fall colors!
Flint Township
FLINT TOWNSHIP PARK AND TRAILS
1490 S. Dye Road, Flint Township
Flint Township Park and Trails was created by Flint Township and its Central Business Authority. There is a 3,500 foot long asphalt trail and a series of shorter wood chip trails. The asphalt trail is long enough to provide a good workout in a short amount of time.
GENESEE VALLEY TRAIL
The Genesee Valley Trail provides a pleasant, nearly 2-mile route on the western outskirts of Flint. The paved trail runs mostly at a diagonal from just north of Genesee Valley Center to Corunna Road.
Trail Review: “This is a nice short walking/biking trail. It is paved with benches along the way. The trail is also pretty friendly, there is even a waste bag dispenser as well as trash cans. There are road crossings along the way so the trail can be broken up into smaller walks.” Eric
Flint
FLINT RIVER TRAIL
If you’re looking for the main trail system, this is where you want to be. The trail runs through Downtown Flint all the way to the Bluegill Boat Launch with connections to other trail systems, such as the Genesee Valley Trail. It is also part of the Michigan Iron Belle Trail System. It is a network of approximately 24 miles of paved, non-motorized pedestrian paths. Beginning at the University of Michigan – Flint Campus, and passing along the north and south edges of the Flint River, with two spurs that connect with Mott Community College and Kettering University.
Clio
TROLLEY LINE TRAIL
The Trolley Line Trail runs north from the City of Clio to the Saginaw County line at Willard Road in Vienna Township. It is called the Trolley Line Trail because it occupies a corridor that once saw service from an interurban railroad that carried passengers between Flint and Saginaw. The trail connects directly to Clio’s George Atkin Jr. Recreational Trail in the south, allowing cyclists, pedestrians and inline skaters to experience the city’s various amenities. The Trolley Line Trail’s route is significantly more rural, dominated by idyllic farmland views for its 3-mile run. Users can park in Clio Park on Mill Street.
Davison
BLACK CREEK NATURE TRAIL
The Black Creek Nature Trail begins at the Davison Township Municipal Center and winds its way to the trail system in the City of Davison’s Jack Abernathy Regional Park. Travelers on the trail will enjoy the tree-lined, 1.6-mile route along the Black Creek to the 138-acre park.
Holly
Seven Lakes Park
13400 Fish Lake Road, Holly.
There is a 7-mile trail system at Seven Lakes Park that winds between and often along the various lakes. This can be a scenic place to hike or mountain bike, particularly the Green Trail Loop, a 2.25-mile loop that connects the park’s three largest lakes.
Columbiaville, Otter Lake and Millington
SOUTHERN LINKS TRAILWAY
The Southern Links Trailway is a 10-mile rail-trail that connects the communities of Columbiaville, Otter Lake and Millington. While the trail is paved with smooth asphalt, an adjacent path is offered for equestrian users. Most of the trail’s route is tree-lined, and the colors are spectacular in the fall months. Views from the trail feature a mixed rural landscape, including fields, wetlands, forests and farmland
A Few Genesee County Park Trails to Discover
FLUSHING COUNTY PARK
4417 N. McKinley Road, Flushing
1-mile loop trail that runs along Carpenter Road and swings close to the Flint River It is a nice, east walk that shouldn’t take more than 25 minutes to complete. Open 8am – Sunset daily.
FOR-MAR NATURE PRESERVE & ARBORETUM
2142 N. Genesee Road, Burton
With numerous miles of trails, which can be accessed at the north and main entrances, the beauty of For-Mar can be seen by running, walking or biking. Hike along the bend of Kearsley Creek and explore the trails that twist through the stream’s heavily wooded mudflat. To enjoy the fall colors, sign up for the Fall Color Hike on October 21.
Visitor Center: 8am – 5pm daily. Park grounds: 8am – Sunset daily.
For-Mar has a no pet policy
LINDEN COUNTY PARK
15349 S. Linden Road, Linden
Two trails. one trail is a 1.5-mile loop through beautiful terrain that takes about 35 minutes to complete and the other cuts through the center and is perfect for biking. Open 8am – Sunset daily.
STEPPING STONE FALLS
5161 Branch Road, Flint
Take a walk on the 1.25-mile trail of repaved terrain around the western side of Mott Lake and around the Flint River to Stepping Stone Falls. Enjoy the birch, maple and oak trees scattered throughout the area. Open May – Labor Day, Sunday – Thursday 8 am – 11pm, Friday & Saturday 8am – midnight. Open Labor Day – December 1, 8am – Sunset. Park closed December – April.
Yelp Review: “There’s trails to walk and picnic benches to the right. It’s very peaceful. I went here for a walk after dinner. It was the perfect ending to a nice date! And it’s free, you can’t get any better than that.”
