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Independence Oaks County Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 1,430 Google reviews · Running trail in Village of Clarkston, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Independence Oaks 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.
Big park offering boating & fishing on Crooked Lake, plus trails for hiking & cross-country skiing.
What runners say about Independence Oaks County Park
“Trails are well kept as is the overall condition of the park.”
“Beautiful Park just outside major city, perfect escape from busy traffic.”
It's a huge park with lots of trails to walk or bike. They have a lot of Pavillions you could rent out for events. They have a swimming area as well as a nature center. You can also fish in some areas of the park or you can put a boat in the water to fish.
Another beautiful Oakland county park! It's a metro park, so you need a pass to get in. This metro park is great for all kinds of activities: paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, picnicking, and of my favorite, birding! You can even reserve some areas of the park for events.
Beautiful park with beautiful trails. We love going for walks here. There is a cost for your park pass to all Oakland County Parks, $30 for an annual fee. However, military and veterans get a free pass. The grounds are beautiful. There is a beach, archery range, walking trails, and much more.
Last year we visited Independence Oaks to visit Lewis E. Wint Nature Center. Upon arrival there was lots of construction going on with the building, but the center was still open. We said we would be coming back to see the nature center finished. That's exactly what we did.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful Park just outside major city, perfect escape from busy traffic.”
“Lastly, dogs are allowed, but please pick up after them so everyone can enjoy the park.”
“They do have bathroom facilities and playgrounds for children to play on as well.”
“This park is great in any weather and has a good mix of paved and dirt trails and doesn’t get too muddy or buggy.”
“This park is great in any weather and has a good mix of paved and dirt trails and doesn’t get too muddy or buggy.”
“The lake loop was pretty dry with just a few muddy areas.”
Plan your run at Independence Oaks County Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteoakgov.com
- Phone+1 248-625-0877
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–8:30 pm |
Running trails near Village of Clarkston
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Independence Oaks Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
Lewis E Wint Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 59 reviews
Well-liked park featuring winding trails for hiking and biking, plus a nature center with exhibits.
Clintonwood Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 487 reviews
Kid-friendly recreation area with a playground, water splash pad & paved walking paths.
Orion Oaks County Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 750 reviews
900+ acres of county land with a boating & fishing lake, dog park & trails for hiking or biking.