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Dodge #4 State Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,123 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterford Township, Michigan · Dawn to dusk

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Crushed gravel
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Dawn to dusk

Confirmed from Dodge #4 State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Crushed gravelScenicDog-friendlyRestroomsTrailhead parking

139-acre preserve with a mile of shoreline also has boating docks & cross-country skiing trails.

What runners say about Dodge #4 State Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (2,123 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“The beach was spotless, and the water was so clean…perfect for just kicking back.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful views of the lake and a nice little walking trail, but you’ll need to do like 3 laps or more if you’re actually planning on doing a workout here.”

I was surprised when we visited the park. It's really a big park .people can walk ,swim and play volleyball, and do barbecue too. Park is free .it has a very long beach water muddy little bit .it's good for family to go there and enjoy the fresh air and nice view

★★★★★ — Abdullah , Oct 2023

Arrived at the park around 8 PM and there was no charge entry, park is more on the medium or small side size, many benches to enjoy view of the lake, there is also a trail which was nice . I recommend this park

★★★★☆ — Safa , Jul 2024

Beautiful views of the lake and a nice little walking trail, but you’ll need to do like 3 laps or more if you’re actually planning on doing a workout here. More for a laidback day with family rather than actual hiking/running/biking.

★★★★★ — Arthur , Oct 2025

Beautiful park! Sunset is the best time to go, I loved walking by the water & there is lots of seating area & parking area! This is a special place for me!

★★★★★ — Jesussavedruth , Nov 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 2,123 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 11 mentions

“Beautiful views of the lake and a nice little walking trail, but you’ll need to do like 3 laps or more if you’re actually planning on doing a workout here.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 6 mentions

“Sunset is the best time to go, I loved walking by the water & there is lots of seating area & parking area!”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“Great place to bring your dog!”

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🚻 Restrooms 2 mentions

“There is Cass Lake access to drop kayaks and canoes, a nice beach, fishing piers, picnic facilities, bathrooms, and a sand volleyball court.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone

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Plan your run at Dodge #4 State Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
  • SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websitemichigan.gov
  • Phone+1 248-682-7323
  • Social Instagram · Facebook

Hours

Monday 8 am–10 pm
Tuesday 8 am–10 pm
Wednesday 8 am–10 pm
Thursday 8 am–10 pm
Friday 8 am–10 pm
Saturday 8 am–10 pm
Sunday 8 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Dodge #4 State Park

4250 Parkway St, Waterford Township, MI 48328

Get directions

Running trails near Waterford Township

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

West Bloomfield Trail Connector

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Sylvan Manor Park

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Relaxed park featuring a playground, basketball court and softball field, plus a trail for walking and biking.

1.8 miles away

West Bloomfield Trail East Trailhead

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West Bloomfield Township, MI

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Marshbank Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 877 reviews

West Bloomfield Township, MI

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Park with hiking trails, lake views, fishing, volleyball, and picnic areas.

1.9 miles away

Elizabeth Lake Woods Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 21 reviews

Waterford Township, MI

2.0 miles away

The Tunnel - On West Bloomfield Trail

5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews

West Bloomfield Township, MI

2.3 miles away

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Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.