Stony Creek Metropark
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Stony Creek Metropark is a Huron-Clinton Metropark located predominantly in Washington Township, MI and Oakland Charter Township, MI, with a small portion in Shelby Township, MI. The park covers 4,461 acres (1,805 hectares) with a large lake at it's center.
Contents |
[edit] Geography
Stony Creek Metropark completely surrounds a man-made lake built by damming Stony Creek, a tributary of the Clinton River. Stoney Creek drains 72 square miles (116 square kilometers) of northern Oakland County and the lake formed from the dams covers 500 acres (202 hectares).
Stony Creek Metropark is situated on a moraine which makes for varied landscape. The park has forests, hills, prairies, as well as swamps. The park is also relatively high above sea level, 875 feet (267 meters) at the park office, and the highest point in Macomb County is located within the park.
[edit] Activities
Stony Creek has a vast amount of trails in four different locations around the park. There are 14 miles of mountain biking/hiking trails located on the grounds of a former estate, of which the foundations are still visible. There are another 8.5 miles of hiking trails near the nature center, and over 6 miles of foot trails near Inwood lake. Additionally, there is a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) paved trail that circles Stony Creek lake which is popular with joggers, inline-skaters, and bicyclists.
Stony Creek Metropark also has:
- A 6,981-yard, 18-hole golf course
- Snowboarding, sledding and tobogganning hills
- Two beaches on Stony Creek lake, one of which (Eastwood) features life guards
- Picnic areas with basketball courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, and beach volleyball courts
- Nature center
- Ice skating rink
- 18-hole disc golf course
- Boat launch
- Rowboats, paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks available for rent
- Cross country skiing trails and ski rentals
[edit] Wildlife
The park is reestablishing an osprey population in south-eastern Michigan. There are also wild turkeys, deer, and other animals one can expect in south-east Michigan in the park. Birding is encouraged with the nature center maintaining a species list.
[edit] External Links
Clinton River Watershed Council
| Huron-Clinton Metroparks |  |
|---|---|
| Dehli • Dextor-Huron • Hudson Mills • Huron Meadows • Indian Springs • Kensington • Lake Erie • Lower Huron • Metro Beach • Oakwoods • Stony Creek • Wolcott Mill • Willow |
 |
This Michigan state location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
