Randy Wise Ford, Inc.



Sep 3, 2021

Father and son walking along a wood road.Ortonville, MI has some great places to go hiking, and miles of trails to explore. If you’re looking to get outdoors for a day, a weekend, or a week, then here is one of the best places to do it! To help you find your new favorite set of hiking trails, we’ve thrown together this list of some of the best in the area for you to check out.

1. Ortonville Recreation Area Trails

This large recreation area to the north of Ortonville consists of over 5,000 acres of steep, wooded hills, and is home to a larger range of recreational activities, including hiking. many of the trails here are looped trails that wind their way through the trees, perfect for exploring with kids, who’ll love being able to get close to nature.

One of the best paths to start with is the Pinnacle Point Trail, a moderately difficult trail that passes a lake on its way to the viewpoint of Pinnacle Point.  Another great trial to try is the bloomer Trails Loop, which is a little shorter and takes in some gorgeous woodland. Make sure to bring some insect repellent, as the trails can be quite buggy here, especially near water.

2. Holly Recreation Area Trails

A great alternative to the Ortonville Recreation area is the Holly Recreation area, near the town of Holly, MI, which boasts three large lakes and is only a 10-minute drive away. It’s very popular as a more developed recreation area, with camping, boating and fishing facilities as well as hiking. There are about 34 miles of trails in total throughout the park, all of which are open all year round.

The longest trail in the park is the Holdridge Trail, which stretches for around 25 miles. The trail is also used by mountain bikers and is singletrack throughout most of its length. The trail is one-way only; hikers are encouraged to walk in the opposite direction to mountain bikers. If you’re looking for something a bit shorter, try the 6.5 mile Wilderness Trail, or the 2.5-mile Lakeshore Trail.

3. Independence Oaks County Park Trails

As the largest park in Oaklands County, it should come as no surprise that Independence Oaks is a great destination for some hiking, and it’s less than 15 minutes drive from Ortonville. The park encompasses the headwaters of the Clinton River and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the white-tailed deer.

There is a wide variety of trails to explore here, ranging from the All Visitors Loop, which is less than half a mile and paved throughout its length, to the 3.1 mile Springlake Loop, which ventures deeper into the woods. For something that’s a bit in between, head to the 2.2 mile River Loop, a paved trail that ventures through the forested wetlands of the Clinton River.

These are just a few of the great places to go hiking that you can discover near Ortonville, but you’ll need a reliable car to get you there. Visit Randy Wise Ford today, and browse our incredible lineup of vehicles for every lifestyle.

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