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Pinckney Recreation Area

4.5 (25 reviews)

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My dog at Pinckney Recreation Area!
Amanda L.

Pinckney Recreation Area is absolutely SPECTACULAR! Crooked Lake Trail is one of the best trails I've ever hiked, I absolutely love it! It's definitely moderately challenging, so it's not all skill types friendly, but if you're looking for a slight challenge while enjoying beautiful views all around you as well, this is the one for you. It's a little over 4 miles in length with elevation gain of over 300 feet. It is truly one of my favorites ever, I just wish it wasn't located so far from me! Looooove Pinckney so much though and I love that it's part of the greater recreation area of Pinckney-Waterloo as well. There are endless opportunities to recreate in all various forms when you're here and it's definitely worth the trip during all seasons!

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Rodrigo T.

Slowly but surely were trying to get our feet wet on this whole backpacking/hiking thing. If you're like me who's totally a noob on all this hiking thing, then this is probably one of the better places to start. 2 miles is too easy, so we decided to give the 5 mile trail a go. It goes through 3 of the main chain of lakes and the terrain is for intermediate hikers. There are some sizeable steep climbs and descents, but it's all in good fun. What's a good hike without a good steep hill to walk up to. It's that burning sensation on your calves and thighs that make you feel alive in a good hike. There's a cute stream you cross about 1/4 of the way and there's also a cool looking wood bridge that crosses over a channel that connect two of the main lakes. All the hikers we came across are really nice, some part of the hike is part bike trail,,, the bikers we encountered are very nice. No, you don't need to be a super athlete to be a hiker. And yes, it becomes hella addicting. There's an abundance of nature out there. It's beautiful and it doesn't cost a thing to experience it. Weeeeeeeeee!

Caught a fish
Tiffany R.

Halfmoon lake area: Our company comes here every year for our annual department picnic. We always have a greet time. There is a picnic area to have food and the lake is very nice. You can bring your boat to do water sports like tubing , jet skis, fishing or just go for a swim. There's also a volleyball net you just have to bring a ball. We always look forward to this event. Also phones normally don't have service out here.

Mtn bike trail bridge
Daniel S.

Pickney Rec has the Potawatomi trail. It has to be the best mtn biking trail in Michigan. It's my favorite trail I've ever ridden. On the right day, with a tuned up bike... this may be one of my favorite things. (period) I just rode it today and can't stop thinking about it.

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Great for hiking, and pet friendly! Our pups love it here, and so do we! Beautiful cedar trees and tons of trails!

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Review Highlights - Pinckney Recreation Area

Love this park - beautiful and has great trails, beach, etc I have walked the crooked lake trail- 5 miles- good for hikers and bikers alike.

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Independence Lake County Park

Independence Lake County Park

4.2(21 reviews)
8.6 mi

Check the county website or facebook page before you go!! Recently, the beach at Independence Lake…read morehas had to be shut down several times for high e coli levels. One of the posts said that this is because of the amount of geese that have been frequenting the lake this year or because of runoff from rain. We went once before we knew about the e coli issues and actually had a great time. The beach (we thought) appeared clean and the water was the perfect cool temperature on a hot summer day. The swimming area went deep enough that we could float away from the littles on the shoreline. There were two life guards on duty. They have really amazing facilities where a get together was being held under the pavilion. They have a snack station, but we brought our own chips and sodas. They also have a splash pad with water slides. This area was closed when we went, and you have to pay a little more to access this area. They also have some cool trails and a frisbee golf course. You can bring dogs, but not to the designated swimming area. I hope they figure out the e coli issues because we would love to go back.

Very nice park. Clean water , beach , trails. Not too…read morecrowded. It's hidden in backroad. Definitely will be back again. My daughter enjoyed this park.

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Independence Lake County Park - Nice gills here...amongst all the small ones.

Nice gills here...amongst all the small ones.

Independence Lake County Park - Rented a row boat & caught some great fish.  Row boats w/anchor, and floatation devices-$10/day. ($20 cash dep).

Rented a row boat & caught some great fish. Row boats w/anchor, and floatation devices-$10/day. ($20 cash dep).

Independence Lake County Park - Slide at waterpark...  No food allowed at tables.

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Slide at waterpark... No food allowed at tables.

Martindale Beach

Martindale Beach

4.0(1 review)
18.4 mi

There are bathrooms, showers, and changing stalls. Keep in mind the changing stalls are not large…read more There's a lot of beach/sand. Water has a sandy bottom, not rocky. Water isn't clear, plenty of seaweed/algae both in the water and floating on top. That didn't stop us but definitely have enjoyed better beaches. The main attraction is the splash pad with water slides. It's fenced in but if you have wristband you can come and go. You must be 42" to ride the slides. When we went they had green wristbands for 42"+ and white bands for those under 42". It was $7 for 42" and $6 for under. Super reasonable. There were signs with rules but nobody followed them. There were 1-2 slide attendants at a time and the rules stated no jewelry or goggles but I saw so many people (adults and kids) with both. People went down the slides with sunglasses and cell phones too so nobody really cared, but they did do a great job of making sure people at the top of the slides didn't go down until the people at the bottom were done. At one point we saw a bunch of the teenage employees standing by 2 preteen boys and then a serious looking manager guy walked over and the boys confessed they were cussing. Not sure the before/after of that, but I'm glad it was dealt with. I didn't witness it but saw so many young kids standing in the slide line without an adult that I wouldn't want them hearing inappropriate stuff. **The tube slide goes way faster than the other one. There's one line on the staircase and then at the top splits off for which slide you want to go down and sometimes there wasn't a line at all for the non-tube slide. It would ideal for first-timers, or those that don't want to go fast. Coolers/food is allowed at the splash pad as long as you're sitting at a table while eating, which was so helpful for us. There's also a concession stand for beach goers with a lot of typical convenience options and I thought the prices were reasonable for beach food. $3.25 for soft service ice cream, for example.

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Martindale Beach
Martindale Beach
Martindale Beach

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GetAway Bay

GetAway Bay

5.0(2 reviews)
30.1 mi

This beach was Heath Beach back in the day-and the spring fed water is very clean! They had tested…read morethe water and was said to be the cleanest fresh water lake (quarry) in 13 states! We moved quite a distance away, but we'll travel for a day at Get Away Bay, aka Heath Beach!! Always a great time!

Not so hidden GEM just south of Milan. Right off 23. You can see it from freeway! Slice of heaven…read more What was previously known as heath beach/ milan beach is the same natural spring fed lake with a new owner who is breathing a fresh life into the place. You can tell by the new chairs and picnic tables! Natural spring fed lake with just about everything you can think of for a fun day in the sun (summer... fall... and winter...) Let's start with summer... pontoon sun deck with diving board, dock with diving board, water slide... Plenty of room to lay out. Just about anything under the sun can be rented for maximum enjoyment.. paddle boards, boats, paddle boats, floats, rafts etc etc. all reasonable prices. Here with family? A roped off sandy beach area with a couple floats for the kids to enjoy. Also- ADA water toys to help those that need help getting into the water. A nice touch! Did I mention an ice cream cart that drives around?! Or if you don't want to wait... a snack bar with all the options... water/pop/gaterade and snacks... including ice-cream. Want to host a party? There is a barn. Or a pavilion and plenty of upgrades to make the day fun including grills to rent or comfortable lounge chairs. Rentals are endless.... Anything and everything to make the day great. Wouldn't be surprised if you could purchase a bathing suit at this place. Not into water? Plenty of fun activities on land. Volleyball nets, orbeez gun obstacle to go all tactical with your buddies, horse shoe, disc golf. Sounds like camping is now included. And plenty of fire pits to rent for a fall gathering. More to come with the follow up fall and winter reviews... hay rides. Bon fires... possible haunted hay ride? Ice rink in the winter? Really a year round haven of activity. Fishing is just on the weekdays. Plenty to get after!

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GetAway Bay
GetAway Bay
GetAway Bay

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Brighton State Recreation Area - Caroga Lake

Brighton State Recreation Area

3.5(25 reviews)
8.6 mi

There are lots of lakes nearby for swimming and hiking. Brighton State Rec is not one I would go…read moreback to. The beach at Bishop Lake was too small for the amount of people and the water quality wasn't great. The water was shallow, murky, and slimy. The trail around the lake was also crowded and not peaceful. Many people were riding their bikes or walking in between the camp grounds and the beach. Some signs or trail activities were falling apart and in need of repair. If you want to be around a ton of people while enjoying the outdoors, you'd have fun. It wasn't for me.

I visited on Saturday, October 4th driving a rental vehicle registered through my insurance…read morecompany. We purchased a grey rec sticker attached to the windshield. My family purchases rec passes for all of our vehicles. When the booth worker, Connie, asked if I have a rec pass on my vehicle, I replied yes, and she waved me in. She did not stand up to view the sticker. I parked in the Bishop parking lot and soon after noticed a white vehicle speeding through the parking lot. Connie the booth worker blocked the back of my car into the parking space with her personal vehicle and jumped out screaming, so angry she was nearly foaming at the mouth. Connie jumped out of her car, and ran to my driver's side window screaming at me as I sat bewildered in the driver's seat of my car. "What do you mean you have a rec pass, you don't even have a Michigan plate?!! Go back to the booth!!" I asked Connie to remove her personal vehicle from blocking my vehicle and obstructing my movement. I told her I don't feel comfortable with her behavior and that I wanted to leave the park. Connie said, "Good, leave!" I stopped at the booth and asked for Connie's name and the contact information for a park's supervisor. Connie replied- you don't need my name. They know who I am in the park's office. She then walked into her booth and slammed the door. I had Deb with DNR drive to the booth to speak with Connie and address her bizarre and over the top behavior. When I asked Deb whether booth workers are deputized or authorized to pursue and block parks goers with their personal vehicles, she smartly replied, "What do you think?" MI Legislature allows DNR officers to write civil tickets only to visitors without a rec pass. Under no circumstances should a civilian booth worker impersonate an officer, chase, pursue or physically block a person who they believe is not carrying a rec pass.

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Brighton State Recreation Area - Brighton State Recreation Area

Brighton State Recreation Area

Brighton State Recreation Area - The shore at bishop lake

The shore at bishop lake

Brighton State Recreation Area - Campground

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Campground

Waterloo Recreation Area - Hiking trail

Waterloo Recreation Area

3.1(16 reviews)
9.0 mi

So, after daytripping Waterloo for years I finally camped there. Met some family for a…read moremini-reunion at the Sugarloaf Lake campground. I didn't have high expectations, but came away with a very favorable impression. What I liked most? Probably the quiet. Yes, there are times of the day that got a little noisy due to kids playing and dogs barking, but you're going to get that in any state park campground, and I gotten it much worse. Little to no road noise and generally pleasant neighbors. Bathrooms are fairly clean though in need of an update. Hot water never ran short in the showers. What I didn't like? My site. I picked what had to be the spot least shaded in the hottest parts of the day. Fortunately the rest of my family had shadier spaces and we hung out with them. Avoid site 92 unless you're camping early or late in the season. Generally, the camping area is fairly open, though a lot of it has at least fair shade most of the time. Our sites were on the far edge of the campground loop--it seemed like things were generally busier and louder close to the driveway into the camping area. Ice and firewood are available at the check in station and both are reasonably priced. Great for a chill weekend getaway without driving too far from urban southeast Michigan.

Waterloo Recreation Area is AWESOME! The trail system here is incredible and you just feel like…read moreyou're surrounded by an endless sea of nature that we are privileged to recreate on. The paths are so wide and there's just so much room to PLAY. My mind and heart feel open when I'm at Waterloo. My friend and her dog and I and my dog did the Waterloo Pinckney to Lakeview Trail, which is just so much fun. It's almost 5 miles long, but is pretty doable, with a lot of interesting things to see and check out along the way. There was a little natural playground we stopped at, we checked out those on the water ice fishing for a bit, and more. Tons to do here and I absolutely loved it! Looooove Waterloo so much though and I love that it's part of the greater recreation area of Pinckney-Waterloo as well. There are endless opportunities to recreate in all various forms when you're here and it's definitely worth the trip during all seasons!

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Waterloo Recreation Area - Big Portage Lake. Water is clear and shallow. A lot of big trees around for shade

Big Portage Lake. Water is clear and shallow. A lot of big trees around for shade

Waterloo Recreation Area - My dog & our furiend at Waterloo Recreation Area!

My dog & our furiend at Waterloo Recreation Area!

Waterloo Recreation Area - My dog & our furiend at Waterloo Recreation Area!

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My dog & our furiend at Waterloo Recreation Area!

Milan Beach - REGISTER NOW AT:WWW.WATERLANTERNFESTIVAL.COM

Milan Beach

3.6(20 reviews)
30.1 mi

I had to laugh when someone left a review-stating "the currents here drown many people." There's no…read morecurrent, it's a self contained body of water! It is a self contained spring fed quarry (if you need to put a name to it.) I have been coming here since I was 15..a long time. I actually loved the place so much-I moved to the area in 1999 to be closer to the beach-but shortly after we got into the area, the red tape politics closed down the beach for years. We were so bummed, but it was eventually taken over a couple of times by different people, but they just never ran it as well as the Heath Family-the 1st family to own "Heath Beach," as it was called most of the time. The problem came when one of the Huron parks named "Heather Heath Beach" was constantly shut down for their nasty water, and dangerous bacteria counts. (I believe it was a Huron Metro Park.) The news updated which parks were closed on the radio, daily. They'd say "Heather Heath Beach is closed again." The public heard "Heath Beach," and didn't go to the beach in Milan. It really hurt their attendance, so the owner filed a lawsuit bcuz they were losing their livelihood-as many of the reporters got lazy and would sometimes just say "Heath Beach is closed again." They wanted to force the news crews to clarify that it's a totally different beach that was being closed. The attorney fees ate up the last money they had; so they lost the family beach. The water was tested daily, and was sent to the health dept on the regular-and they claim with proof of testing that it was the cleanest, freshest water in the 13 surrounding states! The beach has never had any bacteria issues-unlike so many fresh water sources around. We moved away now, but it looks really nice since the new owners came in! Good luck to them-it was a great place for kids and adults to hang out, and enjoy the spring water that just makes your skin so soft and it always soaks the bones of any aches and pains in that warm mineral water. It's as warm as bath water, but every once in a while you will feel the refreshing spring releasing a little cold water on your toes! This beach gets raked daily, kept clean-and is definitely worth the trip!! Enjoy a fun time with the kiddo's in their roped off shallow end!

Visited my first time last year and it was amazing! It was very well kept and a good price for the…read moreday!

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Milan Beach
Milan Beach - This pile of trash is just off the beach.

This pile of trash is just off the beach.

Milan Beach

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Pinckney Recreation Area - beaches - Updated May 2026

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