The West Bloomfield trail stretches for nearly 7 miles and runs from Haggerty to Orchard Lake. The 162 acre preserve hosts a variety of different species.
The West Bloomfield Trail is a 63 acre linear park that meanders for nearly 7 miles through West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake. The trail extends from Sylvan Manor Park in the east to Haggerty Road in the west.
This former railroad corridor has been purchased and developed over the years with the assistance of grants from the Michigan DNR and the Michigan DOT. The West Bloomfield Trail is part of a larger network of trail systems that are planned to go from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron.
The trail includes:
Scenic overlooks
Benches
Bike racks
Mileage markers
Picnic area
Portable restroom
The West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve is located south of Pontiac Trail in the middle of the Township, along the West Bloomfield Trail. The Preserve was the first in Michigan to receive recognition as an Urban Wildlife Sanctuary from the National Institute for Urban Wildlife.
The 162 acre preserve is frequented by over 100 bird species as well as white-tail deer, ref fox, coyote, weasel, mink and salamanders. Great carpets of white trillium and yellow trout lilies thrive under mature oak and hickory trees. Large black walnuts and wild dogwoods can also be found within the preserve.
The Preserve includes:
Parking lot
Portable restrooms
Benches
Picnic areas
Wetlands with overlook
Unpaved trails
Interpretive signs
Designated nature program space
Tags: Park