Macomb Orchard Trail

A Ford factory, the Underground Railroad, and farm-fresh apples all find a common thread along the Macomb Orchard Trail. The trail first served as a railway line in 1871 and then fell into the hands of various railroad companies. Along its route is one of the final stops on the Underground Railroad that helped slaves find their way to freedom before and during the Civil War. A Ford engine factory lines another portion of the trail, which then leads into farmland boasting some of the nation’s best apples and peaches.

When the rail line’s owner put the corridor on the market in 1998, steadfast Macomb County residents gathered and developed a plan of action. They formed the Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail and pushed for transforming the railway into a trail system.

Trust for Public Land’s finance expertise helped citizens revamp the railway into the recreation gem and community hub it is today. Just as railroads revolutionized America, Macomb Orchard Trail revolutionized the outdoor experience for Macomb County’s 875,000+ residents.

The trail increased walkability, expanded outdoor exploration, boosted the local economy, and connected far-flung parts of the community.

Walkability: The ADA-accessible paved path is open to walkers, runners, bikers, in-line skaters, and even cross-country skiers.

Outdoor Exploration: Trail users enjoy views of farms and forests while stocking up on apples, peaches, cherries, and strawberries. In the fall, visitors enjoy fresh cider from the cider mill.

Restored Economy: New businesses like ice cream shops, bike stores, and restaurants have opened along the path for trail users.

Connecting the Community: The trail is part of a larger trail loop spanning 70 miles. This larger loop connects the popular Stony Creek Metropark north of Detroit with Lake St. Clair beaches and other parks.

In concert with the Southeast Michigan Millennium Greenways Trail program, TPL assisted community officials in Oakland and Macomb Counties by acquiring the land and holding it until funding allowed for public ownership. TPL has acquired more than 33 miles of trail in the area, including the 23.5-mile Macomb Orchard Trail.

“There were early concerns when the property was for sale that the rail line could sell the right-of-way to individual landowners in pieces,” says Don Brown, a Macomb County commissioner involved with the project since those early days. “We wanted to avoid that and buy it in one piece. It was an incentive for us to act quickly.”