Trails

A Step In The Right Direction

Genesee County Parks offers over 11,000 acres of adventure. From the shores of Mott Lake to the wooded mudflats near Kearsley Creek at For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, we have miles of trails that will lead you to new discoveries. Whether you’re looking to walk, run, hike, bike, paddle or enjoy the trails in some other way, Genesee County Parks has a terrain worth finding and the scenery worth exploring.

Lace up a pair of comfy shoes, apply the sunscreen or dress in layers for the weather and grab some bug spray or your kayak if you want to. Then escape your everyday routine with some quality time in nature. Our trailways are within walking distance of great local restaurants and attractions and even link to other major trail systems. Be sure to check out the paved, universally accessible trail from Lions Park to Bluebell Beach that is part of the Michigan Iron-Belle trail system and take the connection point to the Flint River Trail system to head downtown. Launch your kayak, paddle board or boat and enjoy miles of scenic water trail on the Flint River. Whether you choose an easy going paved path, a leisure paddle or a challenging hiking trail through the hills, you’re sure to find the one that’s right for you.

Our Trails

We’ve compiled a list of our visitor’s favorite trails to make getting started even easier. Take advantage of the measured trails marked on the maps, but don’t hesitate to wander off the beaten path and enjoy the endless miles of more secluded hiking trails and un-measured trails in all of our parks.

Click here to find a complete list of park locations and amenities or for our Trail Guide, click here.

Bluebell Beach

5500 Bray Rd. in Flint

Enjoy close to a mile of paved trail area along the shores of Mott Lake. Bicyclists and walkers enjoy the beautiful views on the east side of the loop, while the west side provides a more peaceful experience. From start to finish, walkers should be able to complete the loop in a quick 12 minutes.

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Buell Lake County Park

14098 Genesee Rd. in Clio

This one-mile trail begins steps away from the Buell Lake Boat Ramp. It’s the perfect trail for bike riding or just walking and enjoying the day.
The trail takes about 25 minutes to complete and ends close to a play area for children and a restroom

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Linden County Park

15349 S. Linden Rd. in Linden

Two trails can be found at Linden County Park. One is a 1.5-mile loop through beautiful terrain that takes around 35 minutes to complete and the other cuts through the center and is perfect for biking.

The trails are open all season long.

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Stepping Stone Falls

5161 Branch Rd. in Flint

Take a walk on 1.25 miles of repaved terrain around the western side of Mott Lake and around the Flint River to Stepping Stone Falls. Enjoy the birch, maple and oak trees scattered throughout the area. Be sure to come back on a summer night and experience the falls as they’re illuminated by multi-colored lights.

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Richfield County Park

6322 N Irish Rd. in Davison

With the Flint River meandering through two miles of trails, you’ll find a 1930s suspension bridge connecting the north and south side of this Genesee County Park.

Take a stroll and take in the views of the sugar maple and oak trees spread throughout the park.

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Flint River Trail

1100 Block of Stewart off Dupont

If you’re looking for the community’s main trail system – the Flint River Trail is where you want to be. The Flint River Trail runs through downtown Flint and connect all the way out to Bluegill Boat Launch with connections to other trail systems like the Genesee Valley Trail and local restaurants and attractions. Click here for more info.

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Flushing County Park

4417 N. McKinley Rd. in Flushing

This one-mile loop that runs along Carpenter Road and swings close to the Flint River is a nice and easy walk that shouldn’t take more than 25 minutes to complete. The terrain is great for bicycles, too.

In the spring and summer, green trees and green grass line the trail.

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Bluegill Boat Launch

Entrances on Coldwater Rd. and Genesee Rd. south of Stanley Rd.

Enjoy 1.5 miles of winding terrain along the rustic shores of Mott Lake. If you’re walking, from start to finish this short trek should take around 35 minutes. Bicycle enthusiasts are always welcome and can often be found enjoying the sights and scenery along the main trail.

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For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum

2142 N. Genesee Rd. in Burton

With numerous miles of trails, including a 5k route, which can be accessed at the north and main entrance, the beauty of For-Mar can be seen by walking, running or biking. With over 60 signposts pointing you in the right direction, you can easily find a trail that will lead to new adventures and discoveries.

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Flint River Water Trail

The Flint River Water Trail is a great place to paddle and boat. There are many access points along the 73 miles of the river, which makes it easy to find a spot to launch your boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The Flint River provides great opportunities for wildlife viewing and fishing, and there are many restaurants near the river that you can visit when you need a break. For more information click here.

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Exercise In Our Outdoor Playground

Running on a treadmill may be good for the body, but it doesn’t do much for the spirit. Instead, breathe in the fresh air and feel the sunshine as you explore our parks in a whole new way. There are so many reasons to choose your Genesee County Parks.

Safety – Park Rangers patrol all park locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Our trails are well maintained and no motorized vehicles are allowed on any trails.
Variety – With multiple trail types, lengths and locations, you are sure to find the terrain and unique views you can enjoy for all levels of adventure and abilities.
Location – There are Genesee County Parks in every corner of the county, and with numerous locations your start is just around the corner and close to home or work.
Four Seasons of Fun – Your fitness goals don’t have to end when the temperatures decline. Our parks are open year-round and provide areas for your favorite outdoor winter activities as well.
Accessible – Many of our trails have been updated to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards.