The best running trails in Clinton County
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90
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Jogging in Clinton County offers a variety of well-maintained paths through lush greenery and diverse parklands. The region features numerous state and local parks, providing accessible routes for runners. Many trails wind through natural areas, including arboretums and state park landscapes. These areas offer a mix of paved and natural surfaces, suitable for different running preferences.
Best jogging routes in Clinton County
- The most popular jogging route is Lake Lansing North Blue Trail, a 3.4 miles (5.4 km) trail…
Last updated: April 30, 2026
12
runners
5.41km
00:39
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
7.67km
00:56
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.92km
00:27
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
runners
22.4km
02:41
80m
80m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
17
runners
8.53km
00:54
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
runners
9.15km
01:06
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
11.9km
01:16
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
15.2km
01:35
40m
40m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
6.35km
00:39
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
7.29km
00:45
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From this spot in East Lansing you get a really nice view of the Red Cedar River. This is a great spot to admire the water, catch your breath, and eat a snack before continuing on your ride around East Lansing.
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You can take a break at Lake Lansing Public Beach in Michigan for a moment of relaxation. Positioned by the tranquil Lake Lansing, it provides a calm setting to unwind. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings before continuing your journey.
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Sleepy Hollow State Park in Michigan weaves a tapestry of natural beauty and intriguing history, offering something for everyone who seeks solace and adventure. Over 16 miles of hiking and biking trails wind through diverse landscapes. Explore sun-dappled woodlands, traverse rolling hills, and encounter hidden meadows bursting with wildflowers.
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Unlike most natural lakes in Michigan, Lake Ovid was born in the 1970s with the construction of a dam on the Little Maple River. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake on a serene pontoon ride or challenge yourself with waterskiing or wakeboarding. Electric trolling motors ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
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The bike path follows the Red Cedar River for many miles and offers pretty continuous views of the water. This particular section breaks away from the car traffic for a bit and offers some solitude along the water. If you want to run some dirt trails, the paths in the Sanford Natural Area are a great addition.
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Lake Lansing Park is split into two parts; the South Park is next to the lake and the North Park is through the woods on dirt, gravel, and boardwalk trails. There are a few different trails in Lake Lansing Park North that are marked decently well and help to create a trail network of a few different trail loops.
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The Rose Lake State Wildlife Area provides a real nature experience just outside the city. If you run here, be prepared for boardwalks, mud, and twisty trails. This is a great place for some rolling hills and varied terrain.
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Grand Woods Park is home to a bunch of local cross country meets in the summer and fall months. The path around the park is paved and makes for great road running, but you can also just run grassy loops in the open space if you like soft-surfaces better. The part has some forested areas, lots of open fields, and some sections that get right up next to the Grand River.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available in Clinton County?
Clinton County offers a wide selection of over 80 running routes, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. These routes traverse diverse landscapes, from well-maintained park paths to more challenging trails within state parks.
Are there easy jogging routes suitable for beginners or casual runners?
Yes, Clinton County has several easy jogging routes. For instance, the Grand Woods Park loop is an easy 2.4-mile (3.9 km) trail that winds through wooded parkland, perfect for a relaxed run. Many local parks, like those in Clinton Township, also feature well-maintained paths ideal for casual jogging.
What are some popular moderate running trails in the area?
Many runners enjoy the moderate trails in Clinton County. The Lake Lansing North Blue Trail is a popular 3.4-mile (5.4 km) route offering scenic views around Lake Lansing. Another favorite is the Outer Loop, a 4.8-mile (7.7 km) path providing a longer running experience through varied park terrain.
Are there any challenging routes for experienced trail runners?
Absolutely. For those seeking a more demanding run, Clinton County offers several difficult routes. The Lake Ovid loop from Sleepy Hollow State Park is a challenging 13.9-mile (22.4 km) trail with significant elevation changes. Another option is the Running loop from Rose Lake State Wildlife Area, which spans 10.8 miles (17.3 km) and also features a difficult rating.
What kind of scenery can I expect on the running trails in Clinton County?
Jogging in Clinton County offers diverse scenery. You'll find routes winding through lush green spaces, wooded parklands, and arboretums. Trails around Lake Lansing provide scenic water views, while routes within Sleepy Hollow State Park offer a more natural, state park landscape. The Tomlinson Arboretum, for example, features a meandering path through native trees and wildflowers.
Are there any loop trails for running in Clinton County?
Yes, many of the running routes in Clinton County are loops, which are convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the Grand Woods Park loop, the Sleepy Hollow State Park loop, and the Lake Lansing Public Beach loop.
What do other runners say about the trails in Clinton County?
The running routes in Clinton County are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an impressive average score of 5.0 stars from numerous reviews. Runners often praise the well-maintained park paths, the lush green spaces, and the variety of options available for different ability levels.
Are there any parks in Clinton County that are particularly good for running?
Several parks in Clinton County, Michigan, are excellent for running. Sleepy Hollow State Park offers extensive trails, including the Sleepy Hollow State Park loop. Grand Woods Park is home to the popular Grand Woods Park loop. Additionally, Clinton Township features parks like George George Memorial Park, Neil E. Reid Park, and Prince Drewry Park, all with well-maintained paths through lush greenery.
Can I find trails with varied surfaces, like paved and natural paths?
Yes, Clinton County offers a mix of paved and natural surfaces. Many park trails, especially in Clinton Township, feature well-maintained paved paths. For a more natural running experience, trails within Sleepy Hollow State Park and other state land areas provide unpaved, rugged terrain. The Tomlinson Arboretum also has a meandering bicycle/footpath that winds through natural settings.
Are there any long-distance running trails in Clinton County?
For runners looking for longer distances, Clinton County has several options. The Lake Ovid loop from Sleepy Hollow State Park is a substantial 13.9-mile (22.4 km) route. Another long-distance option is the Running loop from Rose Lake State Wildlife Area, covering 10.8 miles (17.3 km).
What kind of natural features can I expect to see while running in Clinton County?
Clinton County's running routes showcase diverse natural beauty. You can expect to see lush woodlands, native trees, and wildflowers, particularly in areas like the Tomlinson Arboretum. Trails around Lake Lansing offer pleasant lake views, while routes in state parks provide a more immersive experience in natural landscapes.
Most popular routes in Clinton County
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