Ortonville State Recreation Area is a recreation area spanning 5,400 acres across northern Oakland and southern Lapeer counties in Michigan. The area is characterized by its wooded, hilly terrain, often referred to as "Hadley Hills," which provides diverse landscapes and elevation changes suitable for outdoor activities. Dense forests, along with several lakes including Big Fish Lake, Algoe Lake, and Davidson Lake, contribute to the natural features of the area, offering opportunities for several sports like hiking and jogging.
12
Routes
5
(6)
Average rating
85
People visited

5.0
(1)
18
hikers
4.76km
01:14
20m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
17
hikers
11.6km
03:04
100m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

8.25km
02:08
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

2.77km
00:44
20m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
runners
4.04km
00:25
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
runners
7.30km
00:45
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
runners
8.53km
00:58
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Ortonville State Recreation Area is a recreation area spanning approximately 5,400 acres across northern Oakland and southern Lapeer counties in Michigan. It features wooded, hilly terrain, often called "Hadley Hills," and includes several lakes. The area offers diverse landscapes for various outdoor activities.
Ortonville State Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, jogging, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boating. Biking, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and hunting are also available seasonally. The area's varied terrain supports a wide range of outdoor pursuits.
Yes, Ortonville State Recreation Area features numerous trails suitable for hiking. Popular routes include a 3.5-mile (5.6 km) Nature Trail and the moderately difficult Pinnacle Point Trail. For more information, consult the Hiking in Ortonville State Recreation Area guide.
Yes, the recreation area offers trails suitable for beginners and those seeking less strenuous options. These trails wind through wooded areas, providing an accessible outdoor experience. Information on these routes can be found in the Easy hikes in Ortonville State Recreation Area guide.
Ortonville State Recreation Area provides options for family-friendly hikes, allowing visitors of all ages to enjoy the natural surroundings. These trails are generally less challenging and suitable for group outings. Specific routes are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes in Ortonville State Recreation Area guide.
Yes, Ortonville State Recreation Area is a suitable location for jogging and running. The area features dedicated paths, including a 2.5-mile (4 km) Ortonville-Hiking/Mountain Bike Trail. For detailed routes and information, refer to the Running Trails in Ortonville State Recreation Area guide.
The recreation area is characterized by its wooded, hilly terrain, known as "Hadley Hills," which provides significant elevation changes. Dense forests dominate much of the area, and several lakes, including Big Fish Lake, Algoe Lake, and Davidson Lake, are prominent features. These elements contribute to the scenic beauty and diverse ecosystems.
Ortonville State Recreation Area offers opportunities to observe various wildlife species. Common sightings include deer, wild turkeys, and hawks. The dense forests and diverse habitats support a range of animals within the recreation area.
Ortonville State Recreation Area is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 200 visitors having shared their experiences. The routes in the area have an average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 16 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for Ortonville State Recreation Area, including Hiking in Ortonville State Recreation Area, Easy hikes in Ortonville State Recreation Area, and Family-friendly hikes in Ortonville State Recreation Area. There is also a guide for Running Trails in Ortonville State Recreation Area.
For general inquiries and campground availability, the park can be contacted at (810) 797-4439. For reservations, the statewide number is (800) 447-2757. Additional information is available on the official Michigan DNR website.
Yes, the recreation area includes trails suitable for mountain biking. An example is the 2.5-mile (4 km) Ortonville-Hiking/Mountain Bike Trail. The varied terrain, including wooded hills, provides an engaging environment for mountain biking.

