June 18, 2024
The Brighton Howell Area has enough trails to tire out even the most dynamite hiker. Hike the area’s 123 trails or explore 50,000+ acres of parks. With so many trails to choose from, it can be hard to figure out where to begin! So lace up your boots and take a Hike in the Brighton Howell Area on these trails.
Hiking for Beginners:
Huron Meadows Metropark
📍: Brighton

Huron Meadows Metropark houses four trails ranging from one to five miles long, making it perfect for beginners. After your hike, cool off by jumping into Maltby Lake or dropping your kayak in the Huron River. This 1,560-acre park offers visitors a wide variety of activities if hiking is not on their agenda.
Trails:
Maltby Vista Trail: 1.7 miles (easy)
Beech Alley & Maltby Vista Loop: 5 miles (easy)
Beech Alley & Moraine Fen Loop: 3.7 miles (easy)
Huron Meadows Cedar Trace: 1.9 miles (easy)
Hiking for Kiddos:
Howell Nature Center
📍: Howell

The Howell Nature Center is the perfect place to enjoy a nature hike with little ones. With 230 acres of trails, lush gardens, and hills, children have all the space they need to burn excess energy. The kiddos will love the natural playscapes and the numerous wildlife animals that call the Nature Center home.
ADA Accessible Trails

The Brighton Howell Area offers many ADA Accessible Trails. These trails meet federal rules made with the American Disabilities Act and are made so people with disabilities can use the trails.
People with the following disabilities can get to these trails safely on their own:
- Has limited sight or is blind
- Uses a wheelchair
- Has a hearing impairment or is deaf
- Uses a walking aid
- Has a mental impairment
Settlers Park , Hartland | Lutz County Park, Linden | Brighton Recreation Area, Brighton | Scofield Park, Howell | Island Lake Recreation Area, Brighton | Huron Meadows Metropark , Brighton | Kensington Metropark, Milford | Deerfield Hills Nature Area, Fenton | Brighton Mill Pond, Brighton |
Hiking for Pros:
Pinckney Recreation Area
📍: Pinckney
Hiking pros will find the biggest range of trails in the Pinckney Recreation Area which covers 11,000 acres. This rec area is known for its extensive trail system and chain of excellent fishing lakes. One of the most popular trails in this park is the Potawatomi Trail – ranked as one of the top trails in Michigan by fellow hikers.
As this Recreation Area is quite large, it’s very easy to get lost during your adventure. Follow these trails to map out your hiking excursion ahead of time.
All Places to Hike:
Here is the full list of park and recreation areas that house hiking trails:
Brighton Recreation Area
Island Lake Recreation Area
Pinckney Recreation Area
Kensington Metropark
Huron Meadows Metropark
Deerfield Hills Nature Area
Lutz County Park
Settler’s Park
Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park
Howell Nature Center
Stay Social with the Explore Brighton Howell Area
Your Guide to Biking Trails in The Brighton Howell Area
September 10, 2025
Advanced mountain bikers, cycling enthusiasts, beginners, and downhill biking thrill-seekers will find their perfect trail in the scenic landscape of the Brighton Howell Area – and in every season! The area is home to 123 miles of…
Continue Reading
How to Experience Brighton Howell Area Fall Colors
September 2, 2025
As the autumn season approaches, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the breathtaking fall foliage of the Brighton Howell Area draws near. Nestled at the…
Continue Reading
Fall Driving Routes In the Brighton Howell Area
August 26, 2025
When the colors reach their peak, its time to get in the car and chase them. In the Brighton Howell Area, home to 50,000 acres of parks, there are plenty of places for you to take the…
Continue Reading
Best Hiking Challenges by Difficulty Level
August 19, 2025
With 50,000 acres of parks and 123 miles of trails, the Brighton Howell Area is perfect for your next outdoor adventure. Explore the area for a leisurely, casual stroll under the colorful canopies of trees, or…
Continue Reading
6 Spots for Fall Photos in the Brighton Howell Area
August 12, 2025
When autumn colors paint the Brighton Howell Area in beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to grab your camera and capture the beauty. You’ll find 50,000 acres of parks, 123 miles…
Continue Reading