I-275 Metro Trail

The I-275 Metro Trail is a 40-mile connector highway around the west side of Metro Detroit. When the road was built amid the mid-1970s energy crisis, The Michigan Department of Transportation included a bike lane throughout the highway’s length. It was a great idea whose time had not yet come. Without promotion, the I-275 Bikeway was little used. And, without the construction standards and maintenance schedules of today’s trails, they fell into disrepair.

Fast forward 30 years, and robust trail systems have developed in many communities along I-275. In addition, Hines Parkway, which crosses the middle of I-275, is a well-used attraction for walkers and cyclists. An improved I-275 Metro Trail will help connect communities in Wayne, Oakland, and Monroe counties and enhance the regional trails network in Southeast Michigan.

The Friends of I-275 Metro Trail is a large and active group of volunteers focused on improving access, trail conditions, and connections to bring the I-275 Metro Trail back to its original, groundbreaking vision. Michigan’s multi-use trails stretch more than 2,100 miles across the state. Icons indicate trail surfaces for paved trails, crushed stone, unimproved, boardwalk, or road sections, as represented in the trail chart. State parks are other places to bike, hike, and camp. Listings include icons when trails are shared with horses, snowmobiles, and/or ORVs.

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