The Downriver Linked Greenways initiative is reshaping Southeast Michigan with a bold and inspiring vision: to create healthier, more connected communities through an expansive network of trails that prioritize people-powered transportation, environmental conservation, and outdoor recreation. Stretching across more than 100 miles, this trail system reflects a grassroots commitment to sustainability, wellness, and accessibility.
What began as a local initiative has grown into one of Michigan’s most comprehensive greenway systems, linking neighborhoods, parks, schools, and commercial districts while encouraging residents to explore their environment—on foot, by bike, or even by kayak.
Making Nature Accessible for All
At the heart of the Downriver Linked Greenways mission is the belief that access to nature is a basic need, not a luxury. Thanks to careful urban planning and community collaboration, the system places trails within a half mile of nearly every home in the Downriver region. This unparalleled proximity encourages regular trail use, turning outdoor recreation into an everyday activity rather than an occasional getaway.
Whether you’re walking to school, commuting to work, or taking an evening stroll, the trail system offers a safe, convenient, and scenic alternative to motorized travel—while promoting active lifestyles and reducing emissions.
A Journey Through Diverse Landscapes
What sets this trail network apart is its ability to blend seamlessly into the diverse geography of Southeast Michigan. Users pass through a variety of natural environments, from urban corridors and residential neighborhoods to rural fields and forested parks. The trails also cross over 7,000 acres of protected parkland, providing an immersive nature experience for hikers, cyclists, and families alike.
The Detroit Heritage River Water Trail, part of the system’s multi-modal design, allows paddlers to experience the region from a different angle—by water. Canoeists and kayakers can explore both urban shorelines and the pristine sections of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.
Signature Trails and Local Loops
The system includes several standout routes that showcase the depth and versatility of the network:
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North-South Trail: Serves as the central spine, stretching from northern urban areas to southern rural communities
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East-West Trail: Offers vital cross-region access to key destinations
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Downriver Delta Trail: A highlight for nature lovers, offering exceptional views of the Detroit River’s convergence with Lake Erie
In addition, many community-specific loops—such as Taylor’s Hennepin Loop and the Conservation Crescent—enhance the user experience with environmental education and historical storytelling, making each journey as informative as it is scenic.
Connected to the State—and Beyond
Far from existing in isolation, the Downriver Greenways system plugs directly into Michigan’s larger recreation network. It connects with the Iron Belle Trail, a signature cross-state route stretching from Detroit’s Belle Isle to Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula. Roughly 25 miles of the Downriver system form part of this iconic route.
Similarly, its water trails integrate with the Great Lakes Water Trail Network, creating opportunities for long-distance paddling adventures while attracting ecotourism and conservation efforts from across the region.
A Model for Future Green Infrastructure
Through strategic partnerships, public-private collaboration, and visionary planning, Downriver Linked Greenways has become much more than a trail system—it’s a regional asset. It promotes economic development, improves public health, supports environmental education, and enhances quality of life for thousands.
As Southeast Michigan continues to grow, the Downriver Linked Greenways stand as a model for how green infrastructure can transform communities—providing not just trails, but opportunities to connect, conserve, and thrive.
