The Best Brighton Howell Area Summer Hikes with Water Views

July 8, 2025

During the summer season, the Brighton Howell Area is a haven for outdoor lovers with over 50,000 acres of parks and 123 miles of trails to explore. Spend your summer days experiencing what makes this southeast Michigan destination the ultimate summer getaway. Grab your walking shoes, pack the sunscreen, and hit these best hikes and walks with water views in the Brighton Howell Area.

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Hickory Ridge Trail & Trout Lake Loop

📍: Island Lake Recreation Area

Island Lake Recreation Area is home to some of southeast Michigan’s most peaceful and tranquil trails. Two trails offer scenic water views within this recreation area. The Hickory Ridge Trail is a 5.1-mile loop that winds through shaded woodlands and circles Trout Lake. The Trout Lake Loop spans 2.2 miles of scenic walkways around the lake’s sparkling waters. This loop is also a great opportunity to scope out your perfect beach location.

Tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy at Trout Lake beach afterward—it’s smaller and quieter than Kent Lake, making it perfect for a relaxing post-hike break.

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Kent Lake Loop & Wildwing Trail

📍: Kensington Metropark

A summer staple in the Brighton Howell Area, Kensington Metropark is a one-stop shop for outdoor adventures. The Kent Lake Loop is an 8.5-mile paved trail that circles the lake and takes you past many of the park’s amenities like beaches, picnic areas, playgrounds, and more. For a shorter option, the Wildwing Trail is a 1.9-mile trail that takes hikers through a nature-immersed experience through wetlands and woodlands with several overlooks.

Tip: Watch out—the Wildwing Trail is especially popular for birdwatching and early-morning wildlife sightings.

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Brighton-Bishop Lake Trail

📍: Brighton Recreation Area

On the Brighton-Bishop Lake Trail, fully immerse yourself in nature. This one-mile out-and-back trail runs directly along the Bishop Lake shoreline, offering optimal views of the waters at all times. This recreation area is a quieter alternative to the other parks, which is ideal for those wanting to unplug and get off the beaten path.

Tip: Bring your beach bag and have a post-hike dip at Bishop Lake, located nearby and great for cooling off on hot days.

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Scofield Park

📍: Downtown Howell

Located just outside of downtown Howell, Thompson Lake is a hidden gem offering the perfect lakeside stroll. Scofield Park offers short walking paths that give you water views, beach access, and shady picnic areas all in one stop. It’s quiet, close to town, and a great way to take a break from shopping or dining in downtown Howell.

Tip: Grab takeout from a local restaurant to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas in this park.

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Mill Pond Trail

📍: Downtown Brighton

Downtown Brighton’s Mill Pond Trail is a perfect option for an easy stroll with bonus access to shops and dining. This short one-mile out-and-back trail takes you along the scenic Mill Pond where you can experience wildlife like swans, ducks, and turtles along with flowering trees, fountains, and blossoming flowers. It’s an ideal location for families as it’s located right by restaurants, shops, and other attractions!

Tip: Make it a sunset walk—Mill Pond’s golden-hour reflections are some of the best photo ops in town.

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With peaceful lakeside loops and scenic woodland hikes, the Brighton Howell Area offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Just a short drive from Detroit or Lansing, this hidden gem in southeast Michigan is waiting to be discovered on your next getaway.

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Outside Activities Spring Summer