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Brighton State Recreation Area in Howell | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Wetland · Pond

4.8 (221 ratings)

Discover the natural beauty of Brighton State Recreation Area, located in Howell, United States. With its vast expanse of 4956.4 acres, this park offers a haven for walkers and runners ...

Discover the natural beauty of Brighton State Recreation Area, located in Howell, United States. With its vast expanse of 4956.4 acres, this park offers a haven for walkers and runners seeking outdoor adventure and exercise. The park features a variety of well-maintained trails, ranging from short and scenic routes to longer, more challenging paths, providing ample opportunities for visitors to engage in walking and running activities amidst the tranquil surroundings. Whether you're a casual walker or a seasoned runner, Brighton State Recreation Area has something to suit your fitness needs. The park boasts an array of routes that cater to different preferences and fitness levels. From the serene 0.5-mile Appleton Extension trail to the more demanding 5.9-mile Torn Shirt Trail, there's a route for every walker and runner to explore. The trails wind through diverse landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature while engaging in physical activity. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a challenging run, Brighton State Recreation Area provides an ideal setting for enjoying outdoor exercise and immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings. For walkers and runners looking to explore the park's routes and enhance their outdoor experience, the Pacer Pedometer app is an invaluable resource. This app offers detailed information about the various trails available, including route lengths, estimated times, and user reviews, allowing visitors to plan their walking or running activities with ease. With its scenic trails and diverse terrain, Brighton State Recreation Area in Howell is a welcoming destination for individuals seeking to engage in invigorating outdoor activities and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of the park.

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Reviews (6)
Photos (498)

Walking and Running in Brighton State Recreation Area

Brighton State Recreation Area in Howell, United States, offers a picturesque setting for walkers and runners to enjoy the great outdoors. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots and restrooms, visitors can conveniently access the park and take advantage of the various trails suitable for walking and running activities. ...

Brighton State Recreation Area in Howell, United States, offers a picturesque setting for walkers and runners to enjoy the great outdoors. With essential amenities such as multiple parking lots and restrooms, visitors can conveniently access the park and take advantage of the various trails suitable for walking and running activities. Additionally, the park provides leisure playgrounds, drinking water stations, and wheelchair-friendly facilities, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive experience for all. For those interested in horse riding, swimming, beach volleyball, archery, or other sports, the park offers a range of sports facilities to cater to diverse interests. Moreover, the accessibility and the rock bath attraction make Brighton State Recreation Area a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With its abundance of shelters and natural beauty, this park is the ideal location for walkers and runners seeking a fulfilling outdoor experience in Howell.

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Other Info about Brighton State Recreation Area

Essential Amenities in Brighton State Recreation Area

Playground
Drinking water
Wheelchair friendly
Restroom
Parking lot

Brighton State Recreation Area Sport Facilities

Baseball field
Beach volleyball court
Volleyball court
Swimming area
Horse riding
Archery area

Accessibility in Brighton State Recreation Area

Wheelchair friendly

Things to See in Brighton State Recreation Area

Attraction

Rock Bath

Other Amenities in Brighton State Recreation Area

Shelter

Best Walking Routes in Brighton State Recreation Area

#1 - Brighton State Recreation Area
3
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 25m

Nice place to hike or run. Beech is really close

#2 - Torn Shirt & Murray Lake Trails
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m

Torn Shirt & Murray Lake Trails is a 0.2 mile (364-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Appleton Extension
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 7m

Appleton Extension is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 13.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Reviews of Brighton State Recreation Area

4.8/5
221 ratings
RickJan 9, 2025
5

Nice well marked, fairly open trail. Lots of up and down makes it more challenging than nearby parks like Kensington or Island Lake. Not as busy as Potawatomi.

bziel46Aug 13, 2019
4

I don’t know why this is saying island lake it is Bishop Lake

culverrayAug 17, 2025
5
See All Reviews (6)
See All Reviews (6)

Brighton State Recreation Area Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
geebie71
51
culverray
40
PacerPal
27
4Night Hob
23
5Andi
16
6Rick
10
7R
8
8nature lover
7
9christyschafer925
5
10Danielle
3
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Chilson Pond Day Use Area
Livingston County Wildlife
Manly Bennett Memorial Park
Genoa Charter Township Park
Water Walk Park
Huron Meadows Metropark
Kissane Park
Lake Chemung Park
Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park

FAQs About Brighton State Recreation Area

Where is the best place to walk in Brighton State Recreation Area?

The best place to walk in Brighton State Recreation Area would be the Torn Shirt Trail, which offers a 5.9-mile route with a variety of scenic views. The Pacer community has rated this trail highly for its beauty and overall experience.

How many routes are in Brighton State Recreation Area?

Brighton State Recreation Area offers a total of 26 different routes for walking and running, providing a wide range of options for visitors to enjoy. The Pacer community has contributed valuable information and reviews for these routes.

Which is the longest route in Brighton State Recreation Area?

The longest route in Brighton State Recreation Area is the Penosha Trail, which spans 7.6 miles and offers a longer and more challenging walking or running experience. This route has been reviewed and rated by the Pacer community, providing valuable insights for visitors.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/runners in Brighton State Recreation Area?

Yes, Brighton State Recreation Area offers several amenities for walkers and runners, including parking lots, restrooms, drinking water stations, and wheelchair-friendly paths for accessibility.

How accessible is Brighton State Recreation Area?

Brighton State Recreation Area is wheelchair-friendly, ensuring accessibility for all visitors, including walkers and runners with mobility challenges.

What kind of sports can I do in Brighton State Recreation Area?

In addition to walking and running, visitors to Brighton State Recreation Area can enjoy horse riding, swimming, beach volleyball, archery, and even baseball and volleyball at the designated sports facilities.

What is the best season to walk in Brighton State Recreation Area?

The best season to walk in Brighton State Recreation Area is typically spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most vibrant.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Brighton State Recreation Area?

Brighton State Recreation Area experiences warm summers and cold winters. Visitors should prepare for hot temperatures in summer and cold temperatures in winter, with potential for snow and ice.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Brighton State Recreation Area?

Visitors to Brighton State Recreation Area may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, squirrels, rabbits, various bird species, and occasionally foxes and raccoons.

Last updated: Dec 14, 2025

Parks Near Brighton State Recreation Area

Chilson Pond Day Use Area
Livingston County Wildlife
Manly Bennett Memorial Park
Genoa Charter Township Park
Water Walk Park
Huron Meadows Metropark
Kissane Park
Lake Chemung Park
Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park

Latest Check-ins at Brighton State Recreation Area

PacerPalDec 14, 2025
Dec 14, 2025Hiking
RickDec 12, 2025
Dec 12, 2025Walking
RickNov 24, 2025
Nov 24, 2025Walking
RickNov 21, 2025
Nov 21, 2025Walking
PacerPalNov 23, 2025
Nov 23, 2025Walking
PacerPalOct 6, 2025
Oct 6, 2025Cycling
PacerPalOct 2, 2025
Oct 2, 2025Cycling
PacerPalSep 25, 2025
Sep 25, 2025Cycling
PacerPalSep 21, 2025
Sep 21, 2025Walking
PacerPalSep 18, 2025
Sep 18, 2025Cycling
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Brighton State Recreation Area

RankingCheck-ins
geebie71
51
culverray
40
PacerPal
27
4Night Hob
23
5Andi
16
6Rick
10
7R
8
8nature lover
7
9christyschafer925
5
10Danielle
3
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Brighton State Recreation Area
#1- Brighton State Recreation Area
3
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 25m

Nice place to hike or run. Beech is really close

#2- Torn Shirt & Murray Lake Trails
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 2m

Torn Shirt & Murray Lake Trails is a 0.2 mile (364-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Appleton Extension
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 7m

Appleton Extension is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 13.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Kahchin Hiking Trail
1
Length: 0.9 milesEst. Time: 15m

Kahchin Hiking Trail is a 0.9 mile (2,000-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 49.2 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Torn Shirt Trail
1
Length: 5.9 milesEst. Time: 1h30m

Torn Shirt Trail is a 5.9 mile (14,000-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 183.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Murray Lake (Ralph's Ride)
1
Length: 1.1 milesEst. Time: 18m

Murray Lake (Ralph's Ride) is a 1.1 mile (2,500-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 9.8 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Murray Lake (Found Loop)
1
Length: 1.2 milesEst. Time: 21m

Murray Lake (Found Loop) is a 1.2 mile (3,000-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 13.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Appleton North
1
Length: 1.5 milesEst. Time: 26m

Appleton North is a 1.5 mile (3,500-step) route located near Brighton, Michigan. This route has an elevation gain of about 95.1 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Brighton State Recreation Area

RickJan 9, 2025
5

Nice well marked, fairly open trail. Lots of up and down makes it more challenging than nearby parks like Kensington or Island Lake. Not as busy as Potawatomi.

bziel46Aug 13, 2019
4

I don’t know why this is saying island lake it is Bishop Lake

culverrayAug 17, 2025
5
Night HobSep 3, 2024
5
PacerPalMay 26, 2024
5
geebie71Jul 10, 2020
4
4.8/5
221 ratings

Photos of Brighton State Recreation Area

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