HomeMichiganWhitmore Lake › Independence Lake County Park

Independence Lake County Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 337 Google reviews · Running trail in Whitmore Lake, Michigan · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Boardwalk
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Independence Lake County 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.

BoardwalkScenicRestrooms

Summer spray area, fishing, winter cross-country trails & more at 360-acre park with lake & prairie.

What runners say about Independence Lake County Park

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (337 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“It is nice, it is clean, they have a splash pad for the littles and a concession stand where food, drinks and boat rentals can be purchased.”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“Despite all of that, it was absolutely beautiful, the hot chocolate was fantastic and the picture station was awesome.”

UPDATE 10-05-25 🍁🧡🍁🧡👍 Autumn is slowly starting! An amazing experience. This lake park is gigantic. Paths for running, walking, strollers and tree/leave viewing. A lot of twists and different paths to choose from. Plenty of parking and there is a playground for children and picnic tables and covered eating as well...

★★★★★ — Shane , Oct 2025

Awesome beach, not too crowded on weekdays. Very clean bathroom facilities. A nearby sandbox is complemented with a big size playground structure ideal for climbing. A section of the playground is dedicated for toddlers. Small paved path for bikes and walkers some paths for hiking.

★★★★★ — Emilia , Nov 2020

Nice well kept trails. Cool lookout tower and beautiful views of nature and wildlife.

★★★★★ — Patricia , Nov 2024

The short version: I love Indy! Where to start? For me, disc golf. But also: Waterpark, hiking, swimming lake and beach, pavilions, nature, and not far from the freeway! The long version: The disc golf course is one of the better rated in the area.

★★★★☆ — Nick , Jun 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 337 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 7 mentions

“The play structure is kind of hidden for a first time visitor, the signage is so poor we had to use Google Maps and satellite view to find the play structure.”

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🚻 Restrooms 6 mentions

“It's now two 18 hole courses (East and West), replete with a pavilions and fire pits, bathrooms, and a practice hole.”

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🪵 Boardwalk

“Parts are on a boardwalk and cross through marsh and other grassy areas.”

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Plan your run at Independence Lake County Park

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
  • 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 trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
  • Websitewashtenaw.org
  • Phone(734) 449-4437

Hours

Monday 8 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–9 PM
Thursday 8 AM–9 PM
Friday 8 AM–9 PM
Saturday 8 AM–9 PM
Sunday 8 AM–9 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 Independence Lake County Park

3200 Jennings Rd, Whitmore Lake, MI 48189

Get directions

Running trails near Whitmore Lake

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

Delhi Metropark

4.7 ★★★★★ 606 reviews

Ann Arbor, MI

PavedScenic

Riverside spot on 53 acres with fishing, canoeing, wildlife, a playground, ball field & picnics.

5.3 miles away

Lakelands Trail Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 100 reviews

Pinckney, MI

Paved

Flat, paved trail for walkers, runners, cyclists and rollerbladers, as well as horseback riders.

5.7 miles away

Hudson Mills Metropark

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,603 reviews

Dexter, MI

3 miLoopMixedScenic

Large park offering hike/bike trails, golf, disc golf, picnic & sports areas, boating & fishing.

5.9 miles away

Colman Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 47 reviews

South Lyon, MI

PavedScenicDog-friendly

Small park featuring a paved walking path.

6.1 miles away

Dexter-Huron Metropark

4.7 ★★★★★ 585 reviews

Dexter, MI

3 miLoopMixedScenic

Scenic park for hiking, kayaking and tubing, plus picnic areas.

6.2 miles away

Penosha Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 56 reviews

Brighton, MI

5 miLoopNatural surface

Kid-friendly area featuring hiking trails and mountain biking.

6.7 miles away

All running trails in Whitmore Lake, MI →

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.