Settlers Park paved trails and Section 21 Trails.

With its wide sweeping views and variety of terrain, Hartland’s Settlers Park features one of Livingston County’s newest destination trail systems. Located conveniently close to the M-59/US-23 corridor, trails can be accessed from the parking area on Clark Road as well as the northwest corner of the Meijer parking lot. The original 1.4 miles of paved trails have recently been accompanied by the addition of 6.5 miles of natural surface trail, perfect for those seeking a more challenging hike or bike while taking in a diverse natural vista.

The Settlers Park natural surface trails, officially known as the Section 21 Trails, are made up of three loops. Loop 1 is 2 miles in length and runs through older forests and meadows. It is beginner-friendly for cyclists, with many optional features for more experienced riders. Loop 2 is 3 miles in length. It has a greater variety of terrain with hills, fields, and areas of deep tree cover. It also contains several optional skill sections with rock gardens, log piles, dirt jumps, and wooden features to challenge both beginner and more experienced riders. It also has several beautiful views of meadows and wetlands. Loop 3 is a 1.5-mile forest loop, with tight twisty singletrack, hills, and berms. It also contains a very large optional rock feature. It too is a beginner-friendly loop. All loops are to be ridden clockwise by cyclists and it is recommended that trail runners and walkers travel counter-clockwise. Each loop is interconnected and has multiple access points from the paved trail. These loops were built and are maintained with volunteers from the Motor City Mountain Biking Association in cooperation with Hartland Township.

The park also features a pavilion, a play structure, bathrooms, and a butterfly garden. Winter activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding (on a dedicated sledding hill), and fat biking.

The trail can be accessed by parking in the Hartland Meijer or the park’s main parking lot.

Photos courtesy of Tom Hermann