Best Places to Run in West Bloomfield

Michigan is one of the most beautiful states in the country and the running routes in West Bloomfield show off “Pure Michigan” beauty all year round.

From paved routes to log your long runs to trails that are perfect for getting off the beaten path and exploring, West Bloomfield has great running routes for any distance and any pace. 

You will see winter warriors powering through the cold winters, yet happy to give a high five or nod to other runners. Everyone wants to be outside during the summer months, yet the heat and humidity make people search for shade and a breeze.

If you’re looking for friends to run with, check out one of the running groups at Fleet Feet West Bloomfield.

So, if you’re looking for the best to run in West Bloomfield, we’ve got you covered.

West Bloomfield Nature Preserve Trail

The West Bloomfield Nature Preserve Trail is a lovely trail through the loops, mostly categorized as gentle (less than 5% grade). This is a beautiful trail that is closed to bikes, so you can immerse yourself during your run without worrying about a bike coming up behind you.

Park at the paved parking lot off of Arrowhead road (just south of Pontiac Trail) and head East along the West Bloomfield Trail to the entrance to the Nature Preserve Trail. A couple of pointers include that this trail is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and bathrooms are seasonal. 

• Starting point: 4655 Arrowhead Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323
• Surface: Trail
• Parking: Yes
• Distance: 2 miles

West Bloomfield Trail/ Michigan Airport Trail

The West Bloomfield trail is a beautiful crushed limestone trail that connects to the Michigan Airline Trail to the West. 

This is a flat trail, popular with walkers, runners and bikers with some sections of pavement. The trail is open year round, however some sections are not plowed in winter. There are some seasonal bathrooms available along the route.

Parking is available at the paved parking lot off of Arrowhead Rd, (just south of Pontiac Trail) and an out and back is available in either direction to suit the distance that you would like to walk or run. 

• Starting point: 4655 Arrowhead Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48323
• Surface: Crushed limestone/ paved
• Parking: Yes
• Distance: 7+ miles

Proud Lake

More than 20 miles of interconnected trails can be found at Proud Lake. These single track trails give you a variety of terrain, from marshes to huge pine trees. Each season gives this area a whole new reason to come out, from the winter beauty of the snow to the beautiful fall foliage to the spring and summer blooms.

• Starting point: 3500 N. Wixom Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382
• Surface: trails
• Parking: Yes
• Distance: 20 miles

Bloomer Park

Another great spot for trail runners, Bloomer Park features a shorter trail, but more importantly a great set of stairs for getting in some stair runs. Whether you have a hilly marathon or are training for a mountainous trail run, this set of 200 stairs is perfect to help you get some vert.

Plus, there are mountain bike trails, workout stations, a sledding hill and heated restrooms in the winter. Overall, it is a great park and short drive from West Bloomfield.

• Starting point: 345 John R. Rd. Rochester Hills, MI 48323
• Surface: trails and stairs
• Parking: Yes
• Distance: 2.4 miles

Pontiac Lake Recreation

If you are looking for a challenging trail run, check out Pontiac Lake Recreation Park. There are plenty of rocks, turns and hills on this 11 mile route. This is considered one of the top mountain bike trails in Michigan, so the mountain bike traffic is something that you need to pay attention to with this trail.

• Starting point: 7800 Gale Rd., Waterford Twp., MI 48327
• Surface: trails
• Parking: Yes
• Distance: 11 miles