The summer is over, and the first snow fall is just around the next bend, so what can you do at one of the Oakland County parks when the warm summer sun is not overhead?
Many of the Oakland County parks are open in the fall and winter for hiking, biking, skating, fishing and cross-country skiing.
Please note: Most of the parks require a Oakland County Parks daily pass or annual vehicle permit - passes/permits are not available at all of the parks.
Here is a incomplete list of cold weather activities at Oakland County Parks.
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Addison Oaks -West Romeo Road, 9 miles north of Rochester Hours: 8 a.m.- sunset or as posted, daily (closed Christmas Day)
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Miles of marked trails for Hiking and cross-country skiing Ice fishing (conditions permitting) Restroom available (portable toilets) 24-hole Disc Golf Course open in winter (bring your own discs!)
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Catalpa Oaks - 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset, daily
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A flat, open area (soccer fields) ideal for teaching someone on snowshoes or skies. No restroom or warming areas available
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Independence Oaks - 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston (2 1/2 miles north of I-75, exit 89) Hours: 8 a.m.- sunset or as posted, daily (park closed Christmas Day)
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Nearly 10 miles of groomed trails
Hawk's View and All Visitors paved trails for hiking (not cleared)
Cross-country skiing on all trails except Habitat trail
Hikers and snowshoers may use Habitat, Hawk's View and All-Visitors trails
Dogs (on 6-foot leash) are welcome on Habitat and All-Visitors trails
Ice skating and fishing (conditions permitting) can be done on Crooked Lake
Warming area with vending machines and restrooms.
Skiers can also warm up at the Nature Center (closed Mondays)
Ski equipment rental from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekends
Volunteer Nordic Ski Patrol on duty as available and on weekends to assist skiers
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Glen Oaks Golf Course - 13 Mile Road between Orchard Lake and Middlebelt roads in Farmington Hills Hours: Gates open when conditions are favorable.
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Open cross-country skiing for those with own equipment (no grooming or designated trails). No warming area or restroom available
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Highland Oaks - 6555 North Milford Road Highland Township Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset or as posted, daily
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1.5 mile mowed trail Mountain biking, hiking, equestrian Open cross-country skiing for those with own equipment (no grooming) Portable toilets available
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Lyon Oaks - 52251 Pontiac Trail, Wixom Hours: Open 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset (Closed Christmas Day)
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Dog Park - off-leash recreation for dogs Hiking on 3.5 miles of crushed stone path (not cleared) Restroom available (portable toilets) No warming area available
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Orion Oaks - Clarkston Road, bet. Baldwin & Joslyn roads, Orion Township Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset or as posted, daily (closed Christmas day)
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Dog Park - off-leash recreation for dogs Open cross-country skiing for those with own equipment (no grooming) Hiking, ice skating, ice fishing and snowshoeing Restroom available (portable toilets) No warming area available
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Rose Oaks - Fish Lake Road, north of Rose Center Road, Rose Township Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset, daily
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Open cross-country skiing for those with own equipment (no grooming) Ice fishing, hiking No warming areas available Portable toilets available
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Waterford Oaks - 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford (between Dixie Highway & Pontiac Lake Road) Hours: 8 a.m. - sunset, daily
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Hiking on cleared asphalt trails are ideal for a good walking workout. Restrooms and warming area available. A lighted sledding hill is located near The Fridge toboggan run. Bring your own sled. Platform Tennis - outdoors on two lighted, heated courts.
Please note: The Fridge is closed for the 2009-2010 season.
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White Lake Oaks Golf Course - Williams Lake Road, just south of M-59, near Pontiac Hours: Gates open when conditions are favorable.
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Open cross-country skiing for those with own equipment (no grooming or designated trails) No restroom or warming areas available
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Please check ahead that the conditions are right for the activity you plan on doing at one of the Oakland County Parks.
For more information visit the Oakland County Parks website at destinationoakland.com
Posted
10-16-2009 11:16 AM
by
Chris Stinson