Absolutely wonderful state park! They have ALL the trails! Walking/running (paved) trails, hiking (dirt) trails, mountain bike trails (that you can hike in reverse and yield to bikes, but be careful!), and they even have horse trails (watch out for the poop). The old road system in the sanatorium was converted to the blue paved trail system. The hiking trails are green blazes, the mountain bike trails are yellow blazes, and the horse trails are red blazes. They have it all! All are well marked with numbered posts throughout the park to mark junctions and progress! In late June, I hiked all the green and all the yellow trails by foot, and a lot of the paved trail too! Logged 10 miles on day 1 and 8 miles on day 2. Excellent! Watch out for the bugs and ticks, I had them buzzing around constantly, but repel was effective as long as you covered all exposed skin with it. You’re definitely out in the woods so be careful with the bugs! Saw some deer (mother with her baby), they did their typical run away, then look right at you with their ears straight up routine. The section of the trails in the back (far right when looking at the map) was my favorite, lots of trees, but a little more open too. They even have outhouses scattered throughout and no joke, they are fully stocked with TP! But please put the seat down when you’re done! People are so inconsiderate when they don’t read the instructions, but it’s probably the kids. Lots of play areas for them, but don’t worry, there are plenty of quiet areas far away from them too if you’re looking for peace and quiet! The one thing they don’t really have is water fountains, but if you’re really nice to Tess at the front desk in the HQ building, you can definately use the water fountain there, it’s got a bottle filling station built-in, so that’s what saved me so I could get all the mileage in, but still stay hydrated throughout the day! Lots of people use this park for activities, seemed popular with the locals, but it definately was NOT crowded at all when I went and the light rains probably helped a lot with that, but it also cooled down everything too. There were some dummies hiking the mountain bike trails in the same direction as the bikes (so they CANNOT see the bikes coming), stupid is as stupid does. But that’s the dummest thing they do here, so you’re in good with everything else. Trails seemed well maintained, except for the mountain bike trail towards the end (which is the beginning for hikers because we go in reverse). Lots of fallen trees blocking the mountain bike trails. Maintenance staff will clear them if reported, so just let them know because they really do care and will maintain the park! Watch out for the widow makers, they are out there! Great staff all around! Great park all around! Enjoy it,...
Read moreMaybury State Park is undoubtedly one of Michigan's most popular state parks, renowned for its well-maintained trails and scenic beauty. Our family of four recently experienced our first hike here on the West Loop Trail, and it was an unforgettable outing. The weather was perfect, with temperatures in the 70s and a pleasant breeze, making the park feel incredibly peaceful.
The hike itself was not difficult, even for our 3-year-old, who ran joyfully throughout the trail. The abundance of shade along the trail created a happy, relaxed vibe. Parking was a breeze, and the park was not crowded, which added to the tranquility of our experience.
Maybury State Park features eight fantastic trails, each offering something unique:
Maybury Hiking Trail Loop - 3.1 miles Maybury Mountain Bike Trail - 6.7 miles Maybury State Park Paved Trail - 4.8 miles Maybury State Park West Loop - 1.3 miles Maybury Short Loop - 1.0 mile Equestrian Trail Loop - 6.3 miles Maybury Bluebird Meadows Trail - 0.9 miles Wayne Hill Peak Loop - 2.0 miles
For those seeking a more strenuous hike, there are trails with elevation gains ranging from 32 to 387 feet. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, Maybury has the perfect trail for you.
The park is rich with wildlife, wildflowers, and offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Accessibility is a key feature, with a track chair program providing off-road and electronic chairs for visitors with mobility challenges, allowing access to areas typically unreachable with traditional wheelchairs. Horseback riding enthusiasts will also find miles of equestrian trails to explore.
Additional amenities include ample parking, benches near the parking area, clean restrooms, and a welcoming environment for both kids and dogs. The park is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm.
Overall, Maybury State Park is a gem for nature lovers, offering a perfect blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Whether you are hiking, biking, or simply enjoying a peaceful day outdoors, Maybury State Park is a fantastic destination...
Read moreI was surprised with how nice of a facility the Maybury Riding Stables it is. There are two bathrooms, a pavilion where you can eat lunch at, and the actual stables.
The staff is amazing and things are very well organized; the managers have shirts that say managers on the back of their shirts so it's easy to tell who's in charge. On the ride they communicated effectively; there was a guide at the beginning of the group and one at the end of the group. At points when something needed to be communicated, the person at the front would say something and then once they finished the person in the back would parrot what was said. I found this especially helpful since Marshall and I were at the back of the pack.
They don't let you take your cameras or phones on the journey but they take lots of pictures before on your devices. It's a good thing because it takes both hands to steer the horse. The trip is about 45 minutes to an hour and it was a hands-on experience the entire way (quite literally I might add).
I had Marshall and he was a goofy horse. Before you go riding they give the horses water as you are on their back. After he had a drink he splashed his hoof in the bin and got the horses around him wet.
They take really good care of the horses here, which is a really big deal. My mom was thrown off of a horse when she was younger and would not let my sister and I go. The care that the horse receivea directly impacts their demeanor and comfort level around people. Horses pick up on fear from humans and the staff does an excellent job making the horses as well as the riders feel safe.
My first time going horse back riding was last year in the Great Smoky Mountains. Having the riding stables in Maybury State Park was a wise decision. In a lot of ways I felt like I was in Tennessee not in Michigan.
The girl that I babysit loves horses to no end. This was actually her first time riding a horse and she loved it so much. She said, "let's go back tomorrow." While it may not be tomorrow, one thing is certain: I am going back to Maybury...
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