Michigan Bucket List: Hike at Maybury State Park This Fall
Ryan Halberg
| 3 min read
Key Takeaways
- Maybury State Park, located about 25 miles northwest of Detroit, features 6 miles of hiking trails and a 4‑mile paved multi‑use path for families to enjoy fall colors.
- The park offers horseback riding, fishing, a playground, picnic areas and requires a Michigan Recreation Passport for entry.
- In winter, the trails accommodate cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing. Nearby downtown Northville provides shops, restaurants and the historic Mill Race Village.
Are you looking to keep your family moving outside before the harsh Michigan winter? Located about 25 miles northwest of Detroit in Northville Township, Maybury State Park can grant that opportunity.
Learn more about how you can stay active while experiencing Michigan’s fall colors at one of Metro Detroit’s beautiful state parks.
Hiking at Maybury State Park
Maybury State Park offers a 6-mile hiking path through the park’s scenic trails.
The trail network is comprised of interconnected loops, allowing visitors to explore a variety of routes through mature forests and open meadows and over rolling hills. Families with young children wanting to get on the trails can use these loops to shorten their trip. The park also offers a 4-mile paved mixed-use trail for hikers, bikers, dog walkers and other users. Equestrians can enjoy a ride on 8 miles of bridle paths through the park.
During the winter months, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on the sections of the trail.
What to do at Maybury State Park
When you’re done hiking, Maybury State Park offers a handful of family-friendly activities to enjoy throughout the fall.
Horseback riding: Opened in 2024, Maybury Stables offers experiences fit for every age level. Visitors aged 5 and older can book private riding lessons, where each lesson is tailored to the rider and their goals. Riders should wear closed-toed shoes, but all other equipment is provided.
Fishing: Maybury is home to an eight-acre, spring-fed fishing pond just a short walk from the Beck Road entrance. The pond has a bass and bluegill fish community.
Mountain biking: The park features a 7-mile-long forested mountain biking trail, open year-round. The trail is currently closed for renovations but is expected to reopen before the winter season.
Picnic area: Maybury has multiple picnic areas throughout the park, as well as a few charcoal grills, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Playground: If you’re looking for a place to take your kids, the park is home to an accessible playground, located near the Eight Mile Road park entrance.
A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for entrance.
What to do in Northville
Maybury State Park is just a few minute drive away from downtown Northville. Downtown Northville is home to more than 150 businesses, many of which are locally owned. Families can walk through the lively downtown area, stopping by unique shops and fan-favorite restaurants along their way.
If you’re interested in history, downtown Northville is also home to Mill Race Historical Village. Created in 1972 by the Northville Historical Society, Mill Race Village is a living museum. On its grounds are a church, school, blacksmith shop, general store and multiple homes originally built in the 19th century.
The village is open year-round and hosts various events in the fall. This year, Mill Race is hosting its inaugural Fall Lantern Festival, where families can visit the village and partake in pumpkin carving, Victorian-era crafts and seasonal treats.
Photo credit: Getty Images
