The Rail Trail   

The Huron Valley Trail System in Southwest Oakland County is the newest addition to the marvelous outdoor trail system in Southeast Michigan.  The Huron Valley Trail (HVT) is part of the “Discover Michigan Trail", a statewide concept of trails for biking, hiking, cross country skiing and other outdoor activities, developed by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

The Huron Valley Trail System offers an extensive network of paved trails utilizing the former railroad corridor connecting the cities of Wixom and South Lyon.  The HVT System includes direct connections to numerous area parks including Lyon Oaks County Park, Lyon Township Community Park, Kensington Metro-Park, Island Lake State Recreation Area.  Vehicle parking and access to the network is available at all the above parks.  The network provides over 25 miles of paved trail with access for bikers, skaters, and pedestrians can also be had at major road crossing; Pontiac Trail, Grand River Ave., Milford Rd., Ten Mile Rd., etc.

The Huron Valley Trail System provides multiple benefits for the surrounding communities, area residents and trail users.

·   Offers a convenient, safe off-road recreational corridor for multiple non-motorized users including bicyclists, walkers, runners, in-line skaters, and cross country skiers of all age groups.

·   Preserves wildlife habitat and native plant life.

·   Preserves a historic railway corridor and also keeps right-of-way for future transportation needs.

·   Enhances real estate values along the trail.

·   Produces economic benefits for nearby businesses that sell equipment, refreshments & lodging for trail users.

·   Adds a important link within the statewide “Discover Michigan Trail" system and the Southeast Michigan Greenways Project.   

The HVT was developed and is operated by the Western Oakland County

Trailway Management Council, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson, MI  48065

 

This is a multi-community council consisting of  the City of South Lyon, Lyon Township, Milford Township and Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority.

 
To view a detailed map of the Rail Tail, click here.
 

Welcome to the Huron Valley Trail System.  The trail map and guide will help you locate necessities while enjoying your adventure in the splendid Michigan outdoors of southwest Oakland County.  The HVT System traverses some of the most beautiful, diverse and untouched landscape in southeast Michigan.  It begins at the newly developed Lyon Oaks County Park, accessible from Pontiac Trail, follows the former “Airline Railroad” corridor westward through Milford Twp.  The Trailway turns southwest into Lyon Twp. and offers the opportunity to continue on the former railway corridor to the City of South Lyon, or turn westward in the I-96 corridor and head toward Kensington Park and Island Lake.  The Trailway to South Lyon is relatively flat with only very gentle grades, while the Trailway to Kensington/Island Lake offers some challenging hills. From Island Lake a unique boardwalk under I-96 & Grand River provides access to Kensington.