9 Picnic Perfect Hikes Around Detroit That Will Make Your Spring Complete
Warmer weather provides the perfect opportunity to head outside for a breath of fresh air, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a picnic and a stroll along the best hikes in Detroit and its neighboring communities. Despite its status as a bustling metropolis, the Motor City area is home to plenty of wide-open spaces that offer a peaceful escape and ample space to enjoy an outdoor meal with loved ones. If you need a break from the stress of modern life, visit these nine picnicking spots that are paired with some of the best hikes in Detroit and beyond. Get ready to unwind in the most wonderful way imaginable.
1. Detroit Riverfront (Detroit)
Detroit Riverfront, 588 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
If you don’t want to venture too far from downtown, head to the beautiful shores of the Detroit River for a perfect picnic. After dining, walk off any lingering anxieties by enjoying a soothing stroll along the river, which is a sight to see during the spring months (and every other season, for that matter). For an added bonus, snap a few photos of the lighthouse at Milliken State Park and Harbor.
Make your way to the ever-popular college town of Ann Arbor for an exceptional dose of outdoor beauty. Locals and out-of-towners alike have long raved about the winding trails and natural splendor of Nichols Arboretum, fondly known as “The Arb.” During the springtime, you’ll appreciate lots of greenery, plenty of blooms, and lovely views of the Huron River that make for a perfect hike and picnic option.
3. Rolling Hills Country Park (Ypsilanti)
Rolling Hills, 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
This Ypsilanti gem is open year-round, but it’s particularly magical during the warm spring months. With an impressive 439 acres of land to explore, there’s no shortage of space for a fantastic picnic before heading out to get some exercise. Rolling Hills is home to an unforgettable trail system that winds through some of Metro Detroit’s prettiest scenery, so add it to your seasonal itinerary.
This impressive trail extends for 24 miles through Macomb County, but many visitors choose to appreciate just a small section of the pathway. If you stop by for a picnic and a walk, you’ll appreciate the trail’s flat terrain and easy access for visitors of various abilities. Along the way, enjoy a picnic among the greenery or stop to unwind on a bench -- it’s easy to enjoy your experience along the Macomb Orchard Trail.
5. Kensington Metropark (Milford)
Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
This massive outdoor park is situated along the shores of Kent Lake and features something for every member of the family, with a particular abundance of attractions to explore during warmer months. Find the perfect picnic spot among the area’s rolling hills, sit down to eat in a rented picnic shelter, or snack as you stroll through the park’s more than 4,000 brilliant acres. You might just want to spend the whole day here.
6. Heritage Park Canton (Canton)
Heritage Park, 1150 S Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188, USA
Head to Canton for a day of gleeful delights at this underrated park, which is perfect for kids and adults alike. On sunny afternoons, there’s nothing more wonderful than settling in at one of the park’s covered picnic tables or spreading a blanket on the grass to enjoy lunch. When you’re through, you’ll find a beautiful boardwalk trail and plenty of waterfront strolling space to peruse.
7. Addison Oaks (Leonard)
Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W Romeo Rd, Leonard, MI 48367, USA
Addison Oaks has a little bit of everything, from peaceful picnic pavilions to a playground to equestrian trails. Once you’re through digging into your picnic basket goodies, venture out to get happily lost among the park’s trail system, which features more than 20 marvelous miles. You could spend hours indulging in the fresh air here and never run out of spectacular sights to see.
8. Yates Park (Rochester Hills)
Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA
You might have visited Yates Cider Mill during the fall months, but did you know that there’s a charming public space just across the street? Yates Park sits along the roadside and offers scenic glimpses of the beautiful Clinton River. In addition to grills and picnic tables, the park features four acres of land that make for a short and sweet post-lunch walk.
9. Lake St. Clair Metropark (Harrison Charter Township)
Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Twp, MI 48045, USA
Situated approximately 20 miles from Detroit, Lake St. Clair Metropark makes for an ideal day trip destination when you’re in the mood to get out of the house and escape major crowds. You’ll enjoy the springtime sunshine and fresh air when you visit this 770-acre park, which boasts ample green space that draws in picnic enthusiasts of all ages. After eating, check out a nature trail or walk along a 1,600-foot boardwalk. Does it get much more relaxing than this? We think not!
Now you’re all caught up and equipped with a list of the best hikes in Detroit that include picnic areas. Are there any other picnic-perfect hiking spots in and around Detroit that should have been included in our piece? We would love to hear your top suggestions for springtime, so be sure to drop us a line in the Facebook comments or recommend more natural attractions in Detroit by completing our official nomination form.
Address: Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Twp, MI 48045, USA
Address: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA
Address: Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W Romeo Rd, Leonard, MI 48367, USA
Address: Heritage Park, 1150 S Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188, USA
Address: Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
Address: Macomb Orchard Trail, Shelby Township, MI, USA
Address: Rolling Hills, 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Address: Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
Address: Detroit Riverfront, 588 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Detroit
April 06, 2022
Sophie Boudreau
Are there any historical hikes in Detroit?
If you’re a history buff and a nature enthusiast, you’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of historic trails in Detroit and nearby. Whether you’re checking out an abandoned Ford family estate along Historic Haven Hill Trail or delving into military history at River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, you’ll find something to enjoy on our list of the six most historic hiking trails in Metro Detroit.
What are some of the best hidden gems in Detroit?
While hiking is a fantastic activity to appreciate here in the Motor City, there’s so much more to love in Detroit — including a plethora of hidden gems that might be overlooked by many visitors to the area. Luckily for our readers, we’ve compiled a collection of the nine most underrated places in Detroit, including a fascinating Great Lakes-focused museum and a long-standing Polish cafe that will capture your heart while satisfying your taste buds. Get exploring!
Are there any free outdoor activities in Detroit that should be explored?
For those who prefer to explore Metro Detroit without breaking the bank, planning family excursions can be a challenge. Thankfully, though, there are plenty of free outdoor activities in the Motor City that will keep visitors of all ages smiling. Options include biking or walking along the Dequindre Cut, catching stunning sunsets along the Detroit River, or even digging into a picnic with loved ones at Campus Martius Park. Detroit is so full of fun.
Address: Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Twp, MI 48045, USA
Address: Yates Park, 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307, USA
Address: Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W Romeo Rd, Leonard, MI 48367, USA
Address: Heritage Park, 1150 S Canton Center Rd, Canton, MI 48188, USA
Address: Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
Address: Macomb Orchard Trail, Shelby Township, MI, USA
Address: Rolling Hills, 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Address: Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
Address: Detroit Riverfront, 588 E Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
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