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Island Lake Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,894 Google reviews · Running trail in Brighton, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Island Lake Recreation Area'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.
Sprawling 4,000-acre park with meadows & mature woodlands features a hot air balloon launch point.
What runners say about Island Lake Recreation Area
“Needs a trashcan here and there but overall really clean and well-marked.”
“Beautiful hiking trails, peaceful scenery, and several great spots to swim.”
Island Lake Recreation area is lovely. From the great Blue and Yellow mountain bike trails along the Huron River, along railroad tracks, and through wildflower strewn glades, this place never disappoints with its diverse beauty.
A very long state recreation area which connects to Kensington Metro Park. Total riding trail, if you take the loop at Kensington is around 20 miles. Plenty of beaches. Dogs allowed in water outside the swimming pylons and must be on leash. Many hiking and biking trails. Self-serve kayak kiosk.
There's a lot to do at Island Lake Recreation Area--ride bikes safely, swim in several lakes, hike, be alone, be with people, bird watch, forging, rifle shooting range, and more! I love Trout Lake for a clean swim and great fishing.
Great hiking path, they re-routed the trail to avoid the round about. Needs a trashcan here and there but overall really clean and well-marked. Lovely in the fall!
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful hiking trails, peaceful scenery, and several great spots to swim.”
“Portage available going from Kent lake to the rest of the river system just off Kent Lake beach area.”
“It’s also dog-friendly, so it’s perfect for bringing my pup along for an adventure.”
Plan your run at Island Lake Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemichigandnr.com
- Phone(810) 229-7067
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–10 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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