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Bay Area River Walk / Rail Trail

Explore over 21 miles of paved trails in the beautiful Bay City area. The trail system consists of two sections: a northern rail trail that connects with Bay City State Recreation Area and Topico Marsh Nature Preserve, and "the loop" which encircles Bay City on an abandoned railway and series of boardwalks along the Saginaw River.

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Tobacco Marsh, one of the largest remaining coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes, includes 3.5 miles of nature trails open to bicycles.  To explore the 9.5 mile Bay City Loop, start at Veterans Memorial Park where you'll see the remnants of Bay City's shipbuilding era and the skeletons of two sunken ships. 

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PARKING: Bay Area River Walk parking is available off of W Youngs Ditch Rd between N Scheurmann Rd and N Pine Rd near the Meijer.

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AMENITIES: Restrooms, Water, Handicap Accessible, Pets Allowed, Playground, Picnic Area, Boat Launch,

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POINTS OF INTEREST: Saginaw River Walk, Bay City State Recreation Area, DeFoe Park, Veterans Memorial Park, Bigelow Park, Tuscola Road Staging Area, and Carroll Park. 

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ACTIVITIES: Walking, Running, Biking, In-Line Skating, Fishing

Bay County

Bay Area River Walk / Rail Trail
Bay City State Recreation Area
Bay City State Recreation Area

The beautiful Bay City State Recreation Area offers everything from trails to beautiful observation tower views!  Enjoy camping along the Saginaw Bay in the group campgrounds or take a day trip along the paved trails.

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*Trail use fee does apply

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PARKING: Parking is available within the Bay City State Recreation Area.  Follow the road past the Park Office and Visitors Center and parking will be on your left. 

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AMENITIES: Restrooms, Water, Handicap Accessible, Pets Allowed, Playground, Picnic Areas, Campsites, Boat Launch and Observation Towers

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POINTS OF INTEREST: Saginaw Bay Observation Towers, Group Campgrounds, Tobico March Lake

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ACTIVITIES: Walking, Running, Biking, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Skiing, In Line Skating, Swimming, Fishing

Bangor Township Rail Trail
Bangor Township Rail Trail

The Bangor Township Rail Trail connects the Bay City State Recreational Area with the northern portion of the Bay Area Rail Trail Loop.  See the greatest sites Bangor Township has to offer!

PARKING: Parking is available with Bay City State Recreational Area for a fee or for free at Patterson Road and Wilder Road, Defoe Park, or Veterans Memorial Park

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AMENITIES: Restrooms, Water, Handicap Accessible, Pets Allowed, Boat Launch

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POINTS OF INTEREST: Bay City State Recreational Area, Defoe Park, Liberty Bridge, Veterans Memorial Park, Saginaw Bay View, Saginaw River Views

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ACTIVITIES: Walking, Running, Biking, Fishing

Hampton Rail Trail
Hampton Rail Trail

The Riverwalk and Railtrail provides 9.5 miles of non-motorized pathways that run along the riverfront in Veteran's Memorial Park through urban areas of Bay City, and through rural and residential areas of Portsmouth and Hampton Townships.

 

The trails are used by thousands annually and are handicapped accessible. There are no trail fees and everyone is welcome to enjoy the fresh air and striking scenery along the trail.

PARKING: Parking is available at Defoe Park and in several locations along the river and rail trail course.  

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AMENITIES: Restrooms, Water, Handicap Accessible, Pets Allowed, Playground, Boat Launch, Skate Park

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POINTS OF INTEREST: Fairgrounds, Carroll Park, Planetarium, Friendship Shell, Marina, Pier, City Hall, 

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ACTIVITIES: Walking, Running, Biking, Fishing

Hampton Township Nature Trail
Hampton Township Nature Trail

The last section of the Nature Trail has been completed.  Dedication cermonies took place on July 30, 2013 (click M-live link to view article). The trail runs from Finn Rd Park and Campground and winds through the woods, to the end at Jones Rd. Come enjoy nature at its best.

PARKING: Parking is available off of Jones Road near the DNR offices and off of Knight Road and Finn Road. Trail entrances are at these points as well. 

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AMENITIES: Restrooms, Water, Pets Allowed

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POINTS OF INTEREST: Saginaw Bay Views, DNR State Lands, Bird Watching

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ACTIVITIES: Walking, Running, Biking, Mountain Biking

Fraser Township Rail Trail

This 4 mile stretch of rail trail is a part of the Belle Trail extending from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.  Jump on the trail at Kitchen Road and ride North to Old State Road.  Enjoy the sites of the Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area by riding just East of the trail!

PARKING: Parking is available off of Kitchen Road.

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AMENITIES: Restrooms, Water, Pets Allowed

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POINTS OF INTEREST: Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area

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ACTIVTIES: Walking, Running, Biking, Mountain Biking

Fraser Township Rail Trail
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