I thoroughly enjoyed my wanderings at River Bends Park, lots of options for your activities while visiting. I was on a limited time crunch today, so I stuck mostly to the main, paved trails (happily many sections of this path still ran through the woods); but there are hiking and/or biking trails branching off in many directions all throughout the property. Make sure to watch the trail signs, as some are for bikers only. River Bends is also a dog friendly park, note that they must remain on a maximum of a 6ft leash at all times. While I visited today with only my pupperoni, River Bends park is great for kids of all ages. There are a multitude of play areas for children, great to help wear out their energy. There is also a disc golf course that winds throughout the park, supplying players with beautiful nature views. You could also enjoy a BBQ on one of their charcoal grills, relax at a picnic table, or pavilions if you have a large group; nature watch on a nearby bench, our even try out a game of horseshoe. The park appeared well maintained, for the most part; although a few signs could use some repair. They have restroom facilities, and port-a-pottys available for use (although I did not enter them to speak of their cleanliness). You can find trash receptacles around every bend, so there's no excuse for lazy littering, and there is a main sign available showing you all of the trails and their difficulties. You can find this sign posted off to the side of the parking lot; which itself, had plenty of available spots. Definitely a favorite park to stop and enjoy, highly recommend. read more

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When the weather gets nicer out river bends is the place to go for a good walk. There are trails and spots for good pictures too. The main trail leads you to this tunnel w graffiti. It's another cool spot for pictures and i go often. On top of the tunnel there are train tracks, I'm not sure where they lead to though. read more

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I recently got into the whole #MTBProject thing. Bought myself a bicycle the price of a slightly used Ford vehicle. Hit the trails and joined a few Facebook groups. I've always seen the mountain bike trail on a Facebook post and so since my husband was driving up the area to group study with his cousin. I set up the bike rack and brung it along. Dropped him off at the starbuck and I came straight here. So the trail was rather pretty easy and laid back. None of the super high uphill climbs that'll destroy your quads, but it does have its moments. The drops were good and the course was rather nicely laid out. Theres even nice ramps and dips to make the trail lean over to the fun side. It's a bit short for the intermediate mountain bikers, but it's a ton of fun. I would run the trail again if given the chance. Thank you so much for reading my review. I hope this helps with your decision making experience. Enjoy your awesome yelptastic day! read more

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If someone told me last year that I'd be mountain biking in 2020, I would've said no way. My bro kept asking me to try it, but I had zero interest. Since my gym delayed its opening, I thought I'd go once to humor him. That was a month ago and now I'm the one bugging him to ride. I like weaving between the trees on winding dirt trails (contemplative) interspersed with technical trail features (slight challenge). Bro will call out that it's getting "tetch-nical" and I laugh. I think one day we'll just shorten it to "tetch." He knows a bunch of different locations to ride in our area, so he picks the places and I follow, but River Bends Park was my idea. It has 3 levels of trails - green (easy), yellow/blue (medium) and red (difficult). Take a picture of the map at the trail head so you can find your way out if you get lost. I like it slightly better than Bloomer Park because it is a bit simpler to navigate but has more trail features like mini dirt moguls, an undulating wood ramp, and log bridges to name a few (yellow trail). The twisties from yellow 12-14 are what I look forward to on the ride. There are two entrances to the park. The western entrance is at the intersection of Hamlin and Ryan Road. I saw a skate park and tennis courts off to the right along with some baseball diamonds and a tot lot. For biking you can drive down to Patriot Field and it's a 3 minute bike to the trail head. You'll get to go on the bridge over the Clinton River. The eastern entrance is on 22 Mile and is directly across from the trail. The park has other recreational offerings like disc golf, trap/archery range and sledding, but I haven't seen the sled hill yet. I'm still too busy taking in the trails. read more

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As someone who loves to hike and bike, I really enjoy going to River Bends Park. Recently, new technical trails have been added for avid mountain bikers to enjoy. Personally, though I love speeding through the woods on the numerous biking loops. With the mix of beautiful scenery and challenging trails, it's a great way for me to burn extra energy and enjoy nature. To top it off, the park is home to a large nature center featuring a variety of small Michigan animals, as well as guided tours, and group activities. read more

I come here for the archery range. Only $6 to shoot for as long as you want. Their hay bales are pretty beat up, so I bring my own block target. No big deal. Open Thurs thru Sunday. read more

River Bends Park - Parks Near Me - Shelby Township, Michigan

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A safe place to run, bike, or hike and it's free? What's not to love? It's sort of a hidden gem that everyone will now know about. Beautiful trails. We will sometimes run from Riverbends to downtown Utica, eat and grab a drink then run back. Super fun! There aren't a lot of rest rooms, and only a few playscapes for the kids. But we always have a great time when we go. read more

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I fell in love with this park. My 4 yo son and I went here around 8 am. My son was riding his bicycle and I was walking (very fast! ). There is a beautiful trail for biking and roller blading. However, there are so many hiking trails which go into the forest. There is a beautiful creek and multiple cute bridges. We saw a deer, chipmunks, and turkeys. So many beautiful birds, flowers, and trees! In the beginning, there are playgrounds and bbq things. Many families with the kids, dogs, elderly couples, joggers, bikers, etc. Were enjoying their morning. Kids would live it: to explore and follow the creek, crossing small bridges, touching water. My little one loved it! Grab some water with you and enjoy your day off with your family read more

This park has really changed over the last 15 years- for the good! They've put lots of money and time into making it a place for families to enjoy. The mountain bike/fat bike trails are challenging but fun. Excellent walking and running trails. Love it that you can get to downtown Utica from the trails in the park. Give it a try! read more

This is usually my favorite park, however I don't understand why the park is open this time of year (November) but the bathrooms are not and they also got rid of the port-a-potty. I wanted to enjoy an evening at the park but wasn't able to because I had to pee so bad and had nowhere to go. I guess come November, people don't have to use the bathroom anymore. read more

Hard to relax with the constant sound of gunshots. I assume there is a shooting range nearby. Trails are poorly marked. Might be an okay spot for a picnic if you live nearby, but not worth the drive if you don't. read more

I can't believe this park got 4 stars it's my favorite park and the best ever never clean and quiet nice

I'm truly blessed to live in an area with so many parks and nature centers, and River Bends Park is definitely a favorite of mine. It's one of those quiet, unspoiled places that really reminds me of being up north; a green oasis in the middle of urban sprawl where I feel revived again. One thing that draws me to this park is it's superb biking/hiking trails through the woods. There are signs posted on these trails which state the difficulty of the terrain, ranging from easy to very difficult. The more difficult trails can be exhilarating on the bike with their sharp turns, steep hills, narrow bridges, uneven terrain, and abundance of tree roots. There is an asphalt pathway that twists and turns throughout the park, and ends in Utica near the new baseball stadium. This pathway can be just as challenging as the wooded trails; sometimes you can coast smoothly down spirals and curves, while other times you have to pace yourself on a steep incline. It's a great workout. I really love the serenity of this park. Not many people seem to come here, or even know about this park, so it's very quiet and clean. If you want to get in touch with nature or burn a few calories, River Bends Park is just the place! read more

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The trails were nice, however I don't like their orientation and no maps. BUT the biggest downside is the men that just sit and lurk in their vehicles, makes any woman or man feel uncomfortable. Every few parking spots I just made eye contact with a man just sitting in his vehicle to let them know I see them. One man left a puddle of fluid behind from letting his vehicle run for so long. Next time I go to this park I will make sure I have some protection. AND there was broken glass at a bench today which would be very unfortunate if my dog stepped in that and injured her paw. read more

One beautiful Monday around noon my work had a employee appreciation BBQ at River Bends Park. The picnic area was really nice. Solid cement slabs with a gang of nice picnic tables. We devoured our weenies, chocolate chip cookies and Rays BBQ chips under the cover of a towering pavilion. The gang took turns exchanging superstitions at the horseshoe pits making sure not to hit any kids in the head with a horse shoe. We all enjoyed kicking off our shoes and throwing some bows in the sand playing volleyball like we were Misty May Treanor & Kerri Walsh's partners on the volleyball courts. Many employees brought there extensive bags full of top dollar and fun to collect Frisbees for the disc golf course. The kids had a blast climbing up & down the 3 different playgrounds. They also have some nice trails, I would have to say this is a really nice park and I will be back. read more

I have been going to this park the last 4 yrs and have always loved the the beauty and wild life I would see. It was always an enjoyable ride, walk or run through the park. This summer has changed and it has not been as enjoyable and peaceful as it has been. In the past In the previous years I had possibly seen the workers trucks 1 or 2 times a season on the path. This year it is everyday. I have even come an hour earlier to try and avoid the truck traffic on the paths but they still continue driving back and forth along the walking path. It really just frustrated me the other day when I was passed 6 times in less than an hour. I might as well been walking down 22 mile. The enjoyment of going to this park has greatly diminished because of the truck traffic. What has changed that after 3yrs the path is now a constant flow of trucks? Such a shame. read more

Nice park for a stroll, run or bike ride. Tennis courts, baseball fields, shooting range and a lovely little nature garden /info spot. Well kept and dog friendly. Even has workout stations as you traverse the pathways. read more