Hines Drive
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WARNING: Biking and Inline Skating are Potentially Dangerous!

Introduction:
Hines Drive is an excellent place for walkers, runners, families, cyclist. The park stretches 18 miles from Dearborn all the way to Northville. The drive and bike path follow along side the rouge river. Occasionally when during the spring and summer the parkway is closed to motor vehicle due to flooding. This isn't a surprise since Hines was essentially designed as a flood control plane. The park offers dozens of pull off, and picnic areas for families, company picnics, softball games, Frisbee, walking, and more. The park also shares access withthe 275 bike path which conects to the Lower Huron Metropark. Once known as a party hangout in the 70's, Hines has developed into a great activities center. The biggest advantage hines has for cyclist is the large, smooth shoulder along road. The shoulder is about 4-6 feet wide, allowing riders to feel an be safer while on the road. Also the 18 mile route has few interruptions, and minimal stop lights.

Summer
there is the "Saturday in the Park", in which a six mile section of Hines Drive is closed to automobiles from Outer Drive Rd. to Ann Arbor Trail. Every Saturday from May to September between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. This creates a safe environment for walking, cycling, or inline skating. Parking is available at the Helm’s Haven Recreation Area (West of Outer Drive), Warrendale Picnic Area (Warren Ave. east of Telegraph), Merriman Hollow (Merriman Rd. south of Ann Arbor Trail) and Nankin Mills Picnic Area (Hines Drive and Ann Arbor Trail).

Winter
Wayne County LightFest: November -December every year. For more info please go thte Wayne Co. website (http://www.waynecounty.com/events). Midwest’s largest holiday light show. Enter at Hines Drive and Merriman, 2 ½ miles south of I-96 in Westland. A minimal fee is charged per car to help keep the light fest operating. For more info call (734) 261-9087.

Sledding: The Cass Benton Area of Hines Park offers the best hills for sledding. These rolling hills start at Sheldon Road in the City of Northville following the Rouge River Valley to Six Mile Road in Northville Township.

NOTE: Please be aware of your surroundings, the paved trail crosses roads at several places.

Click HERE For current weather conditions and the five day weather forecast.

Season
All year long, The road only closes due to flooding or special events. However; Bathrooms and facilites may close in the winter. The summer temps are usually in the high 70's & 80's. Wear bright breathable clothing, bring water, and any food or supplies you might need. As Dr. Lisa always says "Wear Sunscreen".


Amenities:
The park offers several bathrooms and facilites along the 18 mile stretch. Some of these may be under construction or closed for the season, so be prepared. Since the parkway runs through several cities, you are never too far civilization. Party stores, and other facilites can be found easily by getting of the parkway onto a major street (i.e. Merriman south).

Directions

Considerations:
There are a large number of enthusiast using these paved paths, from joggers, walker, bikers, inline skaters. All these groups need to be considerate to the other, these paths are designed with "Multi-use" in mind. Remember to keep you speed in check, don't spook other trail users or wildlife, and pay attention to your surroundings. As enthusiasts we should all share the burden and use the paths sensibly. Stay in control, and on the beaten path (avoid short cuts), do not to destroy any vegetation, and always throw trash in the garbage cans.


Other Southeast Michigan Pathways
Island Lake | Kensington Metropark | Paint Creek Trail | Stony Creek Metropark

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