Addison Township

Bridging the Trails Gap: Van Tassel Pedestrian Bridge

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Steel bridge over wide creek in winter

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Michigan is the #1 Trail State in the nation with 2,623 miles of rail-trail conversions and thousands of miles of other linear multi-use pathways. The word “rail-trail” is coming into more common usage and is defined by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy this way:

“Rail-trails are multipurpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. These paths are flat or gently sloping, making them easily accessible and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Rail-trails are ideal for many types of activities–depending on the rules established by the local community–including walking, bicycling, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.”

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Gifts of the Glaciers

Oakland County, MI Government 4 Comments
glacial boulder on grass

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Oakland County is a landscape created by the incredible power of glaciers. Glacial erratics are perhaps the most intriguing of all our glacial landforms, but the name “erratic” often causes confusion for those unaware of our natural history and the science behind glacial geology. It should not be, for in reality, there is nothing mysterious about those two words: glacial erratic, when they are used in combination. Glacial erratics are rocks and boulders of any size that were scraped up from the earth, or fractured from bedrock by a glacier, and then carried by the glacier, and finally deposited in an erratic fashion as the glaciers melted and retreated. That event last occurred during the end of the Pleistocene Epoch about 13,000 years ago, a time we refer to as the Ice Age. It was the time glaciers covered much of our planet and created the landforms and lakes of present-day Oakland County.

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Pleasurable Summer Paddles

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Kayaking in Oakland County, Michigan

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

An early morning paddle as the sun climbs over the horizon is the perfect way to start a nature-embracing summer day in the wilder side of Oakland County. The morning mist is magical as water drips off paddles and Great Blue Herons stalk the shallows. For the night owls, paddle out into a magical time of day, a few hours before dusk to catch the moon’s shadow shimmering on the water and beavers slapping their broad tails against the water to warn of your stealthy approach. Regardless of your time preference, Oakland County waters await your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board adventures!

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Autumn Beauty on an Oakland County Trail

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A cement path winds down through a heavily wooded area. Foliage is turning from green to shades of yellow and orange. A deer stands near a tree and is almost hidden as its color blends in with the foliage around it.

As the leaves transition to shades of red, orange, and yellow, and the air gains a crisp autumn edge, there is no better time to venture along one of Oakland County’s many scenic trails. To find the best place to take a walk in nature, check out our list by clicking on the button below:

List of Nature Trails in Oakland County

You can also check out the Oakland County Trail Viewer, an interactive map developed by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team. Each trail is marked using brown lines, while green icons represent parks. When a trail is selected, the map allows you to reference both its length and elevation. When users click on a park icon, its name, size, website, and other helpful information will appear.

From the paved paths at Groveland Oaks in Holly to the expansive trails at Waterford Oaks, you are sure to find the perfect nature trail for you using our list and interactive map.

Do you have a favorite trail in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow along us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Little kids run around dressed up in Halloween costumes outside on a fall day.

This fall, participate in the magical, mysterious, and spooky excitement of Halloween by attending any one of the family-friendly events across Oakland County! From hayrides and pumpkin-picking, to trick-or-treating and solving corn mazes, there’s no shortage of great activities for residents of all ages to enjoy this holiday season. To see the full list of events near you, click the button below:

List of Family Friendly Oakland County Fun

Many of the events give a seasonal twist to iconic Oakland County locations. Examples include Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo, Halloween Science at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Halloween in Hollygrove in Holly. Others, such as Boo Bash in Addison Oaks, surround attendees with the beautiful fall landscape.

Wherever you go, you’re sure to have a Happy Halloween at any of these events in Oakland County.

Do you know of any other family-friendly Halloween events in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, contact us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leave a comment below.

Visit the Oakland County website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for more news and fun year round. Join the conversation using #OaklandCounty.