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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.

Run Like the Wind in Oakland County This Fall

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A group of runners jog down a paved path on a sunny fall day. The leaves on the trees at the edge of the trail are mostly green, just starting to change to fall colors.

Many say autumn is the best season to be a runner. Between cooler temperatures and leaves changing color, jogging outdoors during fall is a great experience! In fact, many folks fall in love with running and walking outside during this special time of year.

Take a look at our list of fall running events before you take a step outdoors. Signing up for a race today can help you stay motivated and engaged for the rest of the season. On our list, you’ll discover events for every skill level, including full marathons, mile walks, fun runs, and more.

List of Fall Running Events in Oakland County

Events include the Tender Turtle 5k in Lake Orion, Outrun Hunger in Commerce Township, and the Frightful 5K in Troy. Participating in these or any of the other happenings on our list is great for your entire body. To stay in tip-top shape while attending, be sure to follow these simple tips for safe running during the fall:

  • Dress appropriately. Wear layers, invest in proper footwear, and be sure to check the weather before heading out.
  • Stay hydrated. Water is the most important thing to bring with you on a walk, jog, or run; it keeps you energized and working hard.
  • Prepare for the end of daylight saving time. The clocks fall an hour back on November 4th, 2018.

Do you know of any other fall running 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.

Oakland County Twisters: A Historical Guide

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A large two-story home with large, moving clouds above it. The sky is darkening and it appears that bad weather is on its way.

If you’re fascinated by weather, you’ll love our Tornadoes Map, created with data from local weather geek Matt Malone by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team. It shows a limited history of the tornado paths and touchdown points, and their EF scale ratings, from 1953 – 2015. Go back to July of 1957, and view the path of an EF4 tornado that traveled 29.9 miles, almost all the way across the southern portion of Oakland County. In 1998, a funnel was spotted after having touched down near Otter Road and Sylvan Lake. It lifted without causing any damage – what a relief! Click on the map to learn more and get details on twisters that touched down here in the past.

A screenshot of a GIS Map of tornado paths and starting/touchdown points in Oakland County, Michigan ca. 1953-2015. Data provided by NOAA, OCIT, and Matt Malone of Farmington Hills GIS. Continue reading →

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.

Saddle Up Your Horse with Oakland County’s Equestrian Map

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
A woman smiles at the camera while she snuggles up against a white horse's neck. In the background, leaves are beginning to turn fall colors.

Oakland County equestrian enthusiasts of all abilities, from beginners to professionals, can find a number of local resources to support their love of horses. Oakland County is just the place with more than 40 locations for boarding, training, lessons, equine therapy, or group outings. Several stables and ranches are located in and around the county; see the list below to learn more.

List of Equestrian Locations in Oakland County

This interactive map, created by Oakland County’s award-winning GIS team, also provides locations such as equestrian trails, feed and supply stores, saddlery locations, and veterinary care. Click on the map below to find a location near you, or discover a new equestrian destination to visit.

Equestrian Map

Looking for a trail to take a horseback ride? Check out an equestrian trail at one of the horse-friendly Oakland County Parks locations: Addison Oaks, Highland Oaks, and Rose Oaks. Or plan a trip along the popular Paint Creek Trail or Polly Ann Trail. Click on the map below to find even more trails and zoom in to find an equestrian trail near you.

Equestrian Map in Oakland County zoomed in to show horse-friendly trails.

Do you know of any other equestrian locations 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.