Home › Michigan › New Haven › Wetzel State Recreation Area
Wetzel State Recreation Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 177 Google reviews · Running trail in New Haven, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wetzel State 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.
Nature-filled path system and park, plus ponds for wildlife.
What runners say about Wetzel State Recreation Area
“The trails however were not well maintained and difficult to hike.”
“It's really quite beautiful and a great place to meditate and commune with nature.”
“These trails are very peaceful and quiet.”
It's a rather large area but I like to go to "The Radio Control Club of Detroit" it's a designated area where the club members fly remote control planes and drones and such. It's a good 300 yards long and maybe a 100 yards wide and they keep it mowed. It is an absolutely brilliant place to let your dog run.
A very nice place for a walk! The waters that surround the trail are beautiful to look at!
Absolutely beautiful and tranquil. I went on a Wednesday afternoon. I saw one other hiker on all the trails and one runner from maybe 50 yards away. A little used gem in Macomb County.
These trails are very peaceful and quiet. Not a lot of people. It doesn’t loop around. It also is full sun so keep that in mind for hot days. Nasty outhouse right before you start the trail. The last loop is definitely the prettiest. Most trails were trimmed down.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of bugs (bring deet) My dog had a great time working doing what he's meant to do.”
“It's really quite beautiful and a great place to meditate and commune with nature.”
“Also, if you look north you can walk on paths all the way up to the next parking area.”
“Great trails (might be muddy in places when it's been rainy) and people are always friendly and courteous”
Plan your run at Wetzel State Recreation Area
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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemichigandnr.com
- Phone(810) 765-5605
- 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 |
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