Close to the urban hustle, Proud Lake offers a quick escape for residents and visitors alike. The trail system at Proud Lake Recreation Area covers an amazing 21 miles interwoven among marshes, bogs, meadows, lakes, waterways, and forests making the park a favorite birding site. Originally established in the 1940s, the park remains one of Michigan's most scenic recreation areas along with having the proud distinction as a blue-ribbon trout fishery.

All trails branch out from the park headquarters parking lot allowing hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers an opportunity to explore nearly every inch of the 4,000-acre park. The trails are easy to travel and easy to navigate. Short loops follow the waterways linking to lengthier park boundary loops. Proud Lake Trails in the eastern area of the park are reachable via Proud Lake campgrounds. Horseback riding is permitted at the park in the western region. Mountain bikers and hikers are permitted to use the equestrian paths. Cross-country skiing is permitted on several trails; contact the park office for details. Trailblazers who enjoy fishing can drop a line in a number of locations including Huron River, Proud Lake and Moss Lake.

Directions: From Milford, MI, Travel east on Commerce Road turning right onto Duck Lake Road and proceeding 2 miles to Proud Lake Headquarters. From the park headquarter's parking lot, the trails fan out.

Distance: 21 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Visitor Information