I will probably greet the spring equinox sunrise on March 20 at Rose Oaks County Park, one of the lesser- visited Oakland County Parks. It’s been two years since I visited Rose Oaks, but I recently returned to Rose and hiked for three hours. I paused often to listen to bird songs and sit on fallen logs to relax.     

Here’s how Oakland County Parks describes Rose Oaks. “Several glacial lakes within Rose Oaks County Park provide contrast to the gently rolling open meadows and wooded uplands. This 649-acre undeveloped park is a favorite of equestrians who explore its five miles of trails including accessible boardwalks and floating docks, which are also shared by hikers, cyclists, geocachers and cross-country skiers. Fishing is permitted and non-motorized boats and electric motorboats are allowed; carry-in only.”

I started my trek at the Buckhorn Lake Road entrance. One of my favorite quotes of Thoreau came to mind as soon as I started walking on the trail. “I wonder what the world is doing today.” I was greeted almost instantly by the sight of a Pileated Woodpecker in flight just yards from the parking lot.  

As I trekked across the first boardwalk a large flock of geese startled me as they took flight from the wetland just yards away.

Although they were hard to spot in the thickness of cattails male Red-Winged Blackbirds were defining their territory with song.

I was also greeted by a deep booming sound from Mallet Lake, the first lake I encountered. That eerie sound is created by the rising and falling of temperatures that causes the ice to expand and contract. Almost a third of Rose Oak is comprised of marshes and vast cattail swamps that surround two creeks and ten or more small ponds and lakes.

After hiking for almost an hour, I sat on a fallen log to embrace the solitude and suddenly heard faint rustling behind me. I turned just in time to see a chipmunk just yards away staring at me. 

Taking the clue, I moved on and settled down on one of the benches overlooking the lake.

About ten years ago when I worked for Oakland County Parks I created the text for interpretive signs destined for Rose Oaks. I was delighted to see they are still in use. I photographed two of them with catching titles. Best Dam Builders in the County and Cold-Blooded Killers. The title was meant to draw attention and refers to cold blooded predatory animals, such as snapping turtles, dragonflies and northern pike that thrive at the park.

One of the unsolved mysteries of my trek was living in the hollow of a small dead oak tree. I saw a flash of movement and found a few small feathers at the base of the tree. My best guess is it may be the home of screech owl since they nest in tree cavities. 

If you plan a visit to Rose Oaks keep in mind there are no facilities at this park except for a primitive privy at the trailhead. If you are an equestrian, I have good news for you. The west side of the park has an equestrian entrance designed for horse trailers off of Fish Lake Road and there are strategically placed manure buckets and rakes along the trail for riders. If you encounter a horse while hiking you should stop, step aside and let the horse pass and talk to prevent startling it. Bottom line, at Rose Oaks, riders have the right of way. Respect that fact for safeties sake.

Several years ago, I found a good-sized patch of morel mushrooms at Rose Oaks, but I won’t share the exact location. What I will let you know is the mixed habitat and fallen logs create a great habitat for fungi of all colors, shapes and sizes.

The views from the bluffs around the glacially-created lake are stunning and make one almost forget they are in Oakland County. The next time I go to Rose Oaks I’ll pack a lunch and take a break at one of the rustic picnic tables overlooking Richardson Lake, the largest lake at Rose Oaks. Beavers and muskrats live in the park and once ice-out arrives you will most likely see fresh activity. I also took note of new work on a beaver dam near the outflow of the lake.

As for the trail conditions at Rose Oaks, be prepared for anything. Some sections are very wide and hard packed gravel, other areas can be very muddy and the docks and bridges might be slippery. Just remember, you are hiking on the wilder side of Oakland County and be ready for anything. You will enjoy this gem of nature created by the last retreating glacier. Happy hiking and stay safe!

Jonathan Schechter is the Nature Education Writer for Oakland County Government and blogs about nature’s way, trails and wildlife on the Wilder Side of Oakland County.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.