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Mitchell State Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,213 Google reviews · Running trail in Cadillac, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mitchell 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.
Cabins & tent sites between 2 lakes with adjacent swimming, fishing, hiking & water sports.
What runners say about Mitchell State Park
“Although we didn't camp here, the campground looked clean and there were lots of sites next to the lake channel.”
“Town of Cadillac is a short and scenic 4 minute drive and is just big enough to have nice restaurants, some big events through the year, and nice public spaces.”
“Very clean and quiet considering its almost full on July 4th week.”
“Entire campground is dog friendly w/lots of surrounding bike/walking trails.”
We really enjoyed our stay at Mitchell State Park. We came on a Friday evening and stayed until the following Tuesday. The campsites are clean and well taken care of. There is a fire pit and a picnic table on each site. There are multiple freshwater stations throughout the campground.
Our short stay has proved to be a very pleasant experience. The park has quite a bit to offer in comparison to other State Parks - a small beach, volleyball, basketball, cornhole at the host site, and kayak rentals. The bathrooms are cleaned numerous times per day instead of once per day.
If you like water, go here! Situated between two huge lakes and right on a canal. Lakes are sporting lakes which are great for fishing, pleasure boating, pontooning, jet skis. Canal is nice to walk along or sit and watch boats cruise through.
We love this campground. Sadly, spring flooding had damaged a good portion of the campground, and hiking trails were still too wet and muddy. The fishing pier was damaged and unusable also. The rangers are super friendly, and they'll have it back in shape in no time. The newest bathhouse and showers are beautiful!
Trail conditions & character
“We didn't use the restroom but it is a main building so expect it is a standard facility as opposed to an outhouse set up.”
“Town of Cadillac is a short and scenic 4 minute drive and is just big enough to have nice restaurants, some big events through the year, and nice public spaces.”
“Entire campground is dog friendly w/lots of surrounding bike/walking trails.”
“Sadly, spring flooding had damaged a good portion of the campground, and hiking trails were still too wet and muddy.”
“There are multiple freshwater stations throughout the campground.”
Plan your run at Mitchell State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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, water — 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.
- Websitewww2.dnr.state.mi.us
- Phone+1 231-775-7911
- 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 |
Running trails near Cadillac
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Kenwood Heritage Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 523 reviews
Lakefront park with a beach for swimming, BBQ/picnic areas, play equipment & a disc golf course.
Friends Of The White Pine Trail
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This flat 92-mile rail trail for walking, biking & skiing features paved portions & diverse scenery.
Cadillac Sound Garden
4.6 ★★★★★ 178 reviews
Relaxing outdoor space featuring musical instruments for kids and families to play, plus a sundial.
Cadillac Lakefront Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 175 reviews
Lakefront spot featuring a playground and a fishing pier, along with a boat launch across the street.
