Metropark: Indian Springs (Biking)

Place: Indian Springs *Metropark

*A quick note on Michigan metroparks: they aren't the same as state parks, so you need to buy a pass for them, which costs $25 for an annual pass of usually around $5 for a day pass. It gives you access to the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks (click here for more info). 

Today's Activity: biking 8 miles with Donna!

Duration: ~45 minutes, leisurely pace 

Time: June 9th, 2012 - Saturday afternoon

Cost: depends - apart from the one-time bike and park pass investment, it's just gas money (unless you bike to the park, like I used to do, and you also don't have to pay anything in that case!)

The Experience: I love the smooth and nearly flat 8 miles at Indian Springs - it's a very well-maintained path and great for walking, running, rollerblading (though I've never tried...yet!) as well as biking. You can even bring your dog as long as he's on a leash, or tie your kid to the back of your bike (you know what I mean... those little bike buggy things...)

Let's take a quick tour:

Donna became the camerawoman today - photo by Donna!

Right off the parking lot is a lot of space for picnics and a couple sheltered
areas like you see here. 

It was great to have Donna around because she took pictures of my
German-Scottish teddy bear. Here we go!

After biking down the one and only giant hill that is more out in the open
and near the road, the rest of the path takes you through woods and fields.

A biker coming from the opposite direction.

Donna taking the lead! I love how the trail takes you
in and out of the woods and fields so you get some shade.

There are a good number of benches scattered alongside the trail.

A typical view to the right or left when you're not in the woods.

Donna took this spur-of-the-moment totally not dangerous idea video - it has inspired me to learn more about editing so I can go back and make it less noisy and work on adding subtitles (coming soon).

For the moment though, here you are, annoying wind and all:

I guess these must be getting repetitive...

After... 5 miles or so? You stumble along the restrooms and where you
make the loop back.

I just think it's so pleasant. 

Don't forget your water!

The woods are my favorite. 

You might not be able to tell, but that's some murky green bog/marsh(?) water.

And finally, the HILL, which looks like nothing here, but gets me every time.

One last shot for those who may have kids - they have a little water park/
play area, a maze and some other... toy things.

Over the past 6 years I have come here on and off to bike but have never experienced any of their hiking trails... so that will be next.

Let's try a new order: Go outside, have fun, stay safe :)

More information: click here for more information on Indian Spring Metro Park