Mike Levine Lakelands Trail

Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park is a linear trail park stretching approximately 36 miles through Ingham, Livingston, and Jackson Counties in south-central Michigan. Built on a former railroad corridor, the trail connects the communities of Pinckney, Stockbridge, and Jackson, passing through scenic rural landscapes of lakes, wetlands, and rolling farmland that characterize Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

The trail corridor passes through diverse habitats supporting white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various small mammals. The wetlands along the trail attract waterfowl and wading birds. The corridor provides important habitat connectivity for wildlife moving through the agricultural landscape. Hawks hunt over the adjacent fields and meadows.

The trail passes through a variety of landscapes including hardwood forests, wetlands, and agricultural areas. Trees along the corridor include oak, maple, hickory, and various pioneer species. Wildflowers bloom along the trail margins in spring and summer. The wetlands support sedges, cattails, and various marsh plants.

The trail follows a glacial landscape of moraines, outwash plains, and scattered lakes. The former railroad route generally follows the gentlest grades through the rolling terrain. The numerous lakes visible from the trail occupy glacial kettles.

South-central Michigan has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The trail is usable year-round, with different seasonal attractions.

The trail follows the former Michigan Air Line Railway corridor, built in the 1880s. The railroad served the communities and farms along the route until declining traffic led to abandonment. The rail-to-trail conversion preserved the corridor for public use.

The Lakelands Trail was converted from a railroad corridor to a recreational trail and designated as a state park. It was renamed for Mike Levine, a prominent Michigander who supported trail development and outdoor recreation.

The 36-mile trail is the main attraction, serving hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are popular. The trail passes through scenic lake country and quaint small towns. The relatively flat, well-graded surface makes it accessible to a wide range of users.

Trailheads with parking are located in Pinckney, Stockbridge, and other communities along the route. The trail surface varies from paved to crushed gravel. The communities along the route provide basic services.

The trail corridor provides important habitat connectivity and green space through the agricultural landscape. Maintenance of the trail surface and corridor vegetation is ongoing.