We've had our first taste of autumn weather this week, but fall is still a great time to get out and explore Metro Detroit.
In our Thursday's Top 7, we spotlight the best place, events and activities across Metro Detroit and this week we're counting down the best hiking trails in the area voted on by you, our 7 Action News viewers.
1. Kensington Metropark
Kensington Metropark in Milford comes out on top in our online viewer poll. The eight-and-a-half-mile paved hiking and biking trail circles Milford's Kent Lake.
We caught up with Sue Dapprich walking along the trails at Kensington Metro Park.
"The solitude. Quietness, relaxation, the beauty, especially around the lakes. It's just gorgeous."
Another 7 miles of trails in the nature study area provided gives hikers an opportunity to see animals and plants in their natural environment.
2. Stony Creek Metropark
Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township comes in second. You could lose yourself in the more than 27 miles of trails through woods, field and wetlands there. Want a bigger challenge? Stony Creek has more than 14 miles of heavy wooded dirt trails if you really want to get away from it all. And the fall colors are lovely.
3. Maybury State Park
The one thousand acres of Maybury State Park in Northville earned the third spot. It offers 6 miles of trails in gently rolling hills and meadows and through mature Michigan forest.
"The trails are just wonderful," said Gail Bordt. "Especially like the off-road trails, the biking trails and stuff to walk through that. It's just like you're up north walking through the woods."
4. Paint Creek Trail
Next, we're hiking up to Paint Creek Trail in Rochester for number 4. Starting to the south next to Rochester Municipal Park, Paint Creek Trail travels north and ends at children's park in Lake Orion. This all used to be railroad tracks but now offers nearly 9 miles of straight trail for hikers.
5. Belle Isle State Park
Fifth on our list goes to Detroit's Belle Isle State Park. It's a natural space, steps away from the heart of the city. You can explore on your own but the Detroit Zoo hosts monthly tours, offering a guided way to explore the natural beauty of Detroit's island gem.
6. Dequindre Cut
Sixth on our list keeps us in Detroit with the Dequindre Cut. Located on the city's east side, the Dequindre Cut is a two-mile green space with dedicated paved pathways for both those on foot and bikes. Be sure to check out colorful street art along the cut.
7. Clinton River Trail
Rounding out our top 7 is the Clinton River Trail. This is another trail to trail green space, taking hikers along 16 miles five through urban suburban and rural communities. The Clinton River Trail is great for families and offers scenic overlooks of the Clinton River
Now the Clinton River Trail is free, but the state parks, Maybury and Belle Isle, and the Metro Parks all charge a fee.
A state recreation passport costs as little as $11 at the Secretary of State's office
If you visit Stony Creek Metropark, the black trail takes you along the highest point in Macomb County and offers views of downtown Detroit on clear days.
