Walking Maybury

On a delightfully sunny April morning in southeastern Michigan the best way to explore is on foot. The Metro Detroit region has an abundance of walking spots to suit many families needs and one of the finest is Maybury State Park located in suburban Northville, Michigan. 

It is 900 plus acres situated on a former TB Sanitorium. Remnants of its former purpose are subtly interwoven into the the landscape. There are informational signs that describe the past purpose of certain sections of pavement and open spaces, which the curious minded and history fans will find delightful. 

These are non-obtrusive and one might walk for quite a while and become lost in the beauty of the trees, hills and meadows. 

This is a multi-purpose area and has challenging mountain bike trails, horse trails, a paved walk/run trail and several miles of well-marked dirt paths. 

A simple out and back walk on the paved path leading from the comfort station off the Eight Mile Road entrance could take one 15-20 minutes. One could walk the entire unpaved path over the course of several hours and quite easily forget one is in the midst of a well-populated suburban locale, the distant road noise is usually quite diminished, especially towards the center of the park. Although, it is faintly audible during various points of the day, the road noise generally is quite unobtrusive. 

Many families with younger children enjoy the paved paths which are easier for strollers or smaller legs. There are a few simple playground structures within the park so children can play and parents can picnic and let the beauty of nature perform its healing wonders. 

The cost of admission to any of Michigan's state parks is approximately less than a meal for two at a fast food restaurant and affords a family a year's worth of access. 

Please note there is no camping here and one likely would not travel to this area simply to see it. Still, it provides a wonderful respite to many locals and families seeking nature and exercise in the western suburbs of Detroit might find it quite pleasing. 

There is a small farm that is no longer affiliated with the state park that is located adjacent to the grounds off of the Eight Mile exit that some young children may enjoy. There is a separate fee for the farm. More information can be found at the Northville Community Foundation website at http://www.northvillecommunityfoundation.org/

For more information please see the Maybury State Park link at the Michigan DNR site, or the Friends of Maybury at http://www.friendsofmaybury.org/