Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Some much-needed trail improvements are starting up this week over at Island Lake Recreation Area in the Brighton/Green Oak Township area.

Beginning this Thursday, April 2nd, professional trail builders will begin improvements and essential maintenance to problem areas along the Blue Trail.

Work involves rerouting two heavily eroded hills, enhancing a downhill section for better drainage and emergency access, and boosting overall sustainability and rider experience.

For safety, a section of the Blue Trail will be closed to hikers and bikers between Mile 2.5 and 3.5 during construction. Trail visitors can bypass the closure by exiting at Mile 2 and follow the park road from Spring Mill Pond to the road crossing before Placeway.

Park Manager Andrew Haapala told WHMI “The DNR has contracted professional trail builders to enhance three hill sections along the Blue Trail at Island Lake. These heavily eroded areas pose both safety concerns for visitors and natural resource challenges due to continued trail widening and the creation of informal bypasses. The project includes rerouting two sections of trail and improving drainage along another to ensure long-term stability and safety. Once the work is complete, trail visitors will be able to navigate these areas more safely and enjoy a better overall trail experience.”


Work begins this Thursday, April 2nd and is expected to take 2-3 weeks to complete - depending on weather.

Alternate routes around the closed section are available and will be posted with signage within the park.

The Yellow and Purple Trails will remain open throughout the project.


Separately for visitors – a quick update on when the modern restrooms open at the park.

The following was posted on Facebook:

“We get a lot of questions this time of year about why our modern restrooms aren’t open yet, so here’s the scoop!

Our public restroom buildings are winterized from late October through early April to protect the plumbing from freezing temperatures and prevent costly repairs. Winterizing means the water is shut off and the pipes are safely drained until the weather warms up.

With the cold (hopefully!) behind us, our team is busy getting the restrooms turned on, prepped, and ready for the season. We’re working hard and hope to share an opening update with you soon.

Thanks for your patience—we can’t wait to have everything open and ready for you to enjoy!”