The best walks and hikes around Highland Park
4.9
(13)
325
hikers
21
hikes
Hiking trails around Highland Park offer a variety of urban and parkland routes. The area features paths suitable for walking and exploring local attractions. The terrain is generally gentle, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for many hikers.
Best hiking trails around Highland Park
- The most popular hiking route is Detroit Riverwalk to William G. Milliken State Park, a 5.5 miles (8.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. This route features views along the…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
9
hikers
17.2km
04:22
40m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
8.82km
02:15
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
38
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
21
hikers
11.9km
03:01
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
51
hikers
5.02km
01:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Highland Park
Tips from the Community
The Renaissance Center, also known as "RenCen" for short, is Detroit's tallest building at 221 m (721 ft). Designed by John C. Portman, Jr., the group consists of five separate towers, with the central one being the most prominent. The four flanking towers are each 159.2 m (521 ft) tall. (Wikipedia)
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William Cotter Maybury was Detroit's city attorney, a congressman and mayor of Detroit. He was born in Detroit on Nov. 20, 1848. He was a product of Detroit public schools, graduating from the old Capitol High School in 1866. He received a bachelor's degree from the literary department of the University of Michigan in 1870, and the following year he had a bachelor of laws degree from U-M. Maybury returned to Detroit and began a law career that would leave him well-cushioned financially - and physically. He was a trial lawyer and worked for corporations and other movers and shakers. Maybury would serve as Detroit's city attorney from 1875 to 1880, and was then elected to Congress in 1882 and again in 1884. The Democrat served Michigan's 1st Congressional District, which was then in Detroit. It was the same seat that Alpheus Starkey Williams held a few years earlier. Maybury served on the House Judiciary and Ways and Means committees and introduced the bill in Congress allowing the construction of the first Belle Isle bridge. https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/william-cotter-maybury-monument
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A very impressive war memorial
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Campus Martius Park is a restored park in downtown Detroit, Michigan. After the Great Fire of 1805, Campus Martius was central to Judge Augustus Woodward's plans to rebuild the city. (Wikipedia)
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Historic fountain at Cadillac Square
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A very impressive stadium even from the outside.
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You can find some great butterflies here, but unfortunately they are usually too fast to photograph.
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This riverfront park draws more than three million walkers, bikers and picnickers every year. It's filled with green spaces and makes a great link for visiting businesses along Detroit's waterfront, or a relaxed, traffic-free ride to access Belle Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of hiking trails can I expect around Highland Park?
Hiking around Highland Park primarily features urban park paths, riverfront walks, and routes connecting local points of interest. The terrain is generally gentle with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various ability levels.
How many hiking routes are available in the Highland Park area?
There are over 15 hiking routes available around Highland Park, offering a range of options for exploring the area. The komoot community has contributed to a network of 18 tours in total.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or a relaxed walk?
Yes, the area offers many easy trails. For example, the View from Detroit Riverwalk – William G. Milliken State Park loop from Financial District is an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to complete, leading through park areas.
What are some moderate hiking options for a longer outing?
For a moderate challenge, consider the Woodward Avenue – Comerica Park loop from Huntington Place. This route is 7.4 miles (11.9 km) long and explores urban landmarks, typically taking around 3 hours to finish.
Are there any circular hiking routes in Highland Park?
Yes, several routes are circular. An example is the Detroit Zoo loop from Pleasant Ridge, which is an easy 3-mile (4.8 km) hike.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Highland Park?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 6 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, which includes urban park paths and riverfront walks, and the accessibility of the trails for different ability levels.
Are there any attractions or landmarks to see along the hiking trails?
Yes, you can explore several points of interest. The William G. Milliken State Park and the Detroit Riverwalk Viewpoint offer scenic views. Other notable attractions include Belle Isle Park and the Gateway to Freedom Monument.
Are the trails around Highland Park suitable for families?
Many trails around Highland Park are considered easy and have minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for families. Routes like the View from Detroit Riverwalk – William G. Milliken State Park loop from Financial District are good options for a family outing.
Are there any trails that pass by the Detroit Zoo?
Yes, the Detroit Zoo loop from Pleasant Ridge is an easy 3-mile (4.8 km) hike that takes you around the zoo area. Another option is the Butterfly House – Penguin House loop from Pleasant Ridge, a moderate 5.5-mile (8.8 km) route within the zoo's vicinity.
What is the typical duration for hikes in Highland Park?
Hiking durations vary depending on the route. Easy trails can take around 1 hour 15 minutes, such as the View from Detroit Riverwalk – William G. Milliken State Park loop from Financial District. Longer, moderate routes like the Woodward Avenue – Comerica Park loop from Huntington Place can take approximately 3 hours.
Are there any trails along the riverfront?
Yes, the area is known for its riverfront walks. The Detroit Riverwalk to William G. Milliken State Park is a popular 5.5-mile (8.8 km) trail that features views along the riverfront.
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