Downriver Michigan parks are shifting into prime conditions this fall season. From light showers to parading sunshine, these parks allow you to have an enjoyable run. 

For avid runners like those on the Woodhaven Cross Country team, it may be difficult to find a path that isn’t repetitive. However, these five local parks provide numerous trails to follow and will allow you to take advantage of the conditions brought by the fall season. 

Willow Metropark: This New Boston metropark offers a myriad of cement trails through fields and thick trees. At the cost of a daily or yearly Metropark pass, the park is conveniently only 10 minutes away from Woodhaven High School. The trails stay within the park but also offer longer routes outside of it.

Distance runner Payton Scheffler recommends Willow Metropark, saying, “I like that there are different paths for us to run, and grass areas such as our course to practice and do workouts on. It can also be pretty with all the trees, especially in the fall.”

Oakwoods Metropark: Also nearby in New Boston, when arriving at Oakwoods, you have the option to journey through dirt trails or stream along a paved path through grassy fields. Either way, you will feel isolated from a busy world and instead focused on cool weather and changing colors. 

Runner Carter Michling enjoys the openness of Oakwoods Metropark. “I like running at Oakwoods because it’s so big it feels like I’m running somewhere else every time,” says Michling.

Lake Erie Metropark: Although a slightly further drive to the southernmost point of Brownstown along the shoreline, Lake Erie Metropark offers all types of terrain, yet no limit to any type. It provides bridges through a combination of the lake and vegetation, interconnected paved trails, and open grass plains. 

Senior Tyler Black likes the options Lake Erie Metropark offers for all kinds of runners. “There’s something for everyone at Lake Erie. If you want to do a short run, go on the main trail. You want to do a long run? There’s plenty of trails with different types of terrain that you can switch on and off of,” he says.

Heritage Park: Heritage Park in Taylor brings a more public feel while still decorated with trees and historic buildings. It has more concise loops, so this park is better for shorter runs. To run here, you do not have to pay any fees. For runners who like to explore, there are also trails through the woods.

Distance runner Ahmed Abdul-Latif appreciates the atmosphere of the park, stating, “There’s something for every kind of runner, also it’s nice seeing all the historic buildings scattered around the park.”

Crosswinds Marsh: Also located in New Boston, Crosswinds is also free to enter, but slightly further than other parks. Here, there is a long dirt trail that traces the park’s perimeter and bridges that trail over the water. While running through these trails, you meet a mix of shade and sun.

Calen Alexander appreciates the freedom the park offers him as he trains. “It has a lot of different paths you can take on the course. The scenery is great, you feel like you are flying while running there,” he says. 

When going to any of these parks, you will fully experience the scenery of autumn nature. No matter what kind of runner you are, being new or experienced, you can enjoy this time of the year while also taking care of your health.