The best hikes from bus stations around Detroit
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Bus station hiking trails around Detroit traverse a landscape characterized by diverse woodlands, open meadows, and significant riverfront areas. The region features trails along the Detroit River and various lakes, alongside marshlands and areas shaped by glacial topography. Hikers can expect varied terrain, from urban pathways to more natural park settings.
Best bus station hiking trails around Detroit
- The most popular bus station hiking route is Detroit Riverwalk, a 1.9 miles (3.0 km) trail that takes 46 minutes to…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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hikers
3.00km
00:46
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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(2)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
4.53km
01:09
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Detroit
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Tips from the Community
As the first urban state park in Michigan, William G. Miliken State Park is a small park and harbor on the Detroit Riverfront offering wonderful views of the city and river.
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As an international memorial to the Underground Railroad, the Gateway to Freedom Monument is a touching piece of art dedicated to those who escaped slavery by the Underground Railroad to Canada.
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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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The Russell A. Alger Memorial Fountain stands on the east side of Grand Circus Park. The monument features a bronze statue of a woman about 7 feet tall wearing a headdress and a flowing gown and carrying a sword and a shield that bears the state seal. Her right hand is raised in greeting. She is the bronze personification of the state of Michigan. Alger is depicted on the memorial on a bas relief on the granite pedestal, surrounded by laurel. Lion heads on the pedestal spit out water. The base of the memorial is inscribed "Russell A. Alger -- Soldier -- Statesman Citizen -- 1836-1907." https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/russell-a-alger-memorial-fountain
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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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As an international memorial to the Underground Railroad, the Gateway to Freedom Monument is a touching piece of art dedicated to those who escaped slavery by the Underground Railroad to Canada.
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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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This little park is really fun for the family, with a schooner-themed playground that includes water cannons and some small cascades — maybe no big surprise, since the park is right next to the Coast Guard base? There are fishing piers, restrooms and a cafe, too, and the park also connected into the Riverwalk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are accessible from bus stations in Detroit?
This guide features 6 carefully selected hiking routes that are easily reachable via Detroit's public transport system. These trails offer a great way to explore the city's diverse outdoor spaces without needing a car.
What kind of public transport can I use to reach these hiking trails?
The trails highlighted in this guide are accessible using Detroit's public transport, primarily DDOT and SMART bus services. Many popular parks and trailheads are located along established bus routes, making it convenient to start your adventure.
Are there any easy hikes accessible by bus for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy options perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Detroit Riverwalk offers a flat, paved path with scenic views. The Dequindre Cut Greenway loop is another excellent easy choice, known for its urban art and gentle terrain. In total, 4 of the routes in this guide are rated as easy.
Which specific bus routes serve popular hiking areas like the Detroit Riverfront?
The Detroit Riverfront, including routes like the Detroit Riverwalk and the Detroit Riverwalk Viewpoint – William G. Milliken State Park loop, is well-served by DDOT and SMART bus routes that run along Jefferson Avenue and other major arteries downtown. It's always best to check the latest DDOT or SMART schedules for the most up-to-date route information to your specific starting point.
Are any of these bus-accessible trails wheelchair friendly?
Yes, several trails in Detroit are known for their accessibility. The Detroit Riverwalk and the Dequindre Cut Greenway are both paved and generally flat, making them suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. These urban pathways offer a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
Are these bus-accessible hiking trails dog-friendly?
Many parks and trails in Detroit are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. The Detroit Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut are popular spots for dog walkers. Always check specific park regulations before you go, but generally, leashed dogs are welcome on most public trails in the region.
What can I see along the bus station hiking trails?
You'll find a variety of sights along these trails. The Detroit Riverfront routes offer stunning views of the city skyline, the Detroit River, and Canada, with highlights like the William G. Milliken State Park and the Detroit Riverwalk Viewpoint. The Dequindre Cut is famous for its vibrant murals and urban art installations. You might also encounter historical landmarks like the Gateway to Freedom Monument.
Are there any circular routes available from bus stops?
Yes, several routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, which is convenient when relying on public transport. Examples include the Detroit Riverwalk Viewpoint – William G. Milliken State Park loop and the Dequindre Cut Greenway loop.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Detroit?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.78 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility of these trails via public transport, the unique blend of urban scenery with natural elements, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable experience. The views along the Detroit Riverwalk are frequently highlighted as a favorite.
Are there places to eat or drink near the bus-accessible trails?
Given the urban nature of many of these trails, especially those along the Detroit Riverfront and the Dequindre Cut, you'll find numerous cafes, restaurants, and eateries within walking distance of bus stops and trailheads. The downtown and riverfront areas offer a wide selection of dining options to refuel after your hike.
What is the best time of year to hike these bus-accessible trails in Detroit?
Spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to explore Detroit's bus-accessible trails. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while summer offers vibrant city life and lush greenery. Fall is particularly beautiful with changing foliage. Even in winter, many paved urban trails like the Riverwalk remain accessible for a brisk walk, though conditions can vary.
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