Brighton Recreation Area and Downtown Brighton Mill Pond, Brighton, MI
Photo Gallery 1 (Brighton Recreation Park)
Photo Gallery 2 (Downtown Brighton Mill Pond)
Brighton Recreation Area is a nearly 5,000 acre park and contains 39 miles of trails for mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. The park also includes 3 campgrounds providing over 200 campsites.
The recreation area consists of rolling woods and meadows interspersed with lakes, streams and marshes. There are several campgrounds, beaches and hiking and mountain bike trails. The majority of the area is open to hunting, fishing and most winter activities including snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. The park also features complete equestrian facilities, including a riding stable with rental horses, campground, staging area and 18 miles of bridle trails. Metal detecting area. The park also offers canoe and kayak rentals. New "Green" Cabin available is equipped with a solar powered compact fluorescent light and ceiling fan. Both the fan and light are powered from a battery that is charged with a single, photo-voltaic panel mounted on the roof of the cabin. The cabin has a beautiful setting, overlooking Caroga Lake, sleeps up to eight and is equipped with bunk beds, a dining table, a propane wall heater, cleaning supplies, fire ring, picnic table, grill and Adirondack chairs
Brighton Recreation Area Features
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Bridle (horse/equestrian) trails - 18 miles of trails, a riding stable, rustic camping and a staging area
- Picnic Area - with firepits, grills, and vending machines near the restroom facilities
- Picnic Shelters - which can be reserved by calling (810) 229-6566
- Playground
- Boating Access Site/Launch
- Beach house
- Swimming - for example, one location is Bishop Lake, which has been totally remodeled and is now universally accessible. Opening in the spring of 2006, new features include a beach house, beach area, picnic areas, vending machines, and a sand volleyball court. .
- Canoe/Kayak/Rowboat Rental - (810) 229-6566
- Fishing ponds/lakes
- Cross Country Skiing
- Hunting
- Metal Detecting Area
- Geocahing
- Bird watching
- Michigan State Park Explorer Program - Learn more about the natural features and resources located in this park with the State Park Explorer Program
Brighton Recreation Park Trails
- Brighton-Penosha Trail- 5 miles (Hiking/Skiing)
- Brighton-Kahchin Trail - 2 miles (Hiking/Skiing)
- Brighton Torn Shirt Mountain Bike Trail - 5.5 miles (Mountain Biking - Advanced)
- Murray Lake System - 3 miles (Mountain Biking - Novice)
- Murray Lake System - 6.5 miles (Mountain Biking - Intermediate)
- Murray Lake System - 8.5 miles (Mountain Biking - Intermediate/Advanced)
- Brighton Bridle Trail - 18 miles (Horseback Riding/Cross Country Skiing)
Park Contact Information
6360 Chilson Road
Holly, MI 48843
Phone Number: (810) 447-2757
Approximate Size: approx. 4,947 (Acres)
Vehicle Permit Required: Yes
Related Web Sites
Brighton Recreation Area - Official DNR web site
Brighton Recreation Riding Stables
Brighton Rec. Area from Michigan Trails
Brighton Recreation Area Map (PDF)