Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! Snaking through the western rim of Novi, Michigan, this edition explores the panoramic boardwalks, vast wildflower fields, and unmatched accessibility of the ITC Corridor Trail! Join us as we rediscover this hidden gem of a paved trail that has quickly become a fan favorite for Detroit's recreationists.
"Alright, today's the day."
The truth is, I had finally run out of excuses. Since the grand opening of the ITC Corridor Trail nearly five years ago to the date, I had driven past its northern terminus along Beck Road on nearly a daily basis. The launch of Expedition Detroit a few years later brought me consistently past the trail's main 8 Mile Road trailhead, just west of Maybury State Park's main entrance. With each passing, I found myself growing more and more curious about this particular trail. One that seemed to have magically appeared one day in the heart of my old Northville-area stomping grounds between Beck and Napier Roads.
Despite countless miles driving or running those main corridors, I had never once ventured into - or even thought of exploring - the marshland wilderness comprising of its interior. Training runs, leading guided hikes, or exploring seemingly "more adventurous" natural trails seized up most of my recreational capacity. Oh, and I didn't own a road or gravel bike - just a mountain bike that I preferred to ride on, wait for it, mountain biking trails.
Fast forward a few years, countless trail expeditions, and one Canyon Grizl gravel bike purchase later, I had properly exhausted all of those excuses. Finally feeling equipped to venture out into this "familiar unknown," I plotted a scenic route through the heart of Maybury, pumped up my tires, filled up my REI Co-op Cycle water bottle, and hit the trail.
What followed next? Bliss - with a pinch of frustration. How had it taken me nearly 5 years to discover the beauty of the ITC Corridor Trail... Regardless, it has since become a staple in my trail cycling destinations.
Dear reader, please - don't be like me. Treat yourself to discovering the "hidden gem" that is the ITC Corridor Trail.
We guarantee that you won't regret it.
MEET THE ITC CORRIDOR TRAIL
If you build a trail, more will come. That appears to be the prophesy that's actively redefining Michigan's recreational ecosystem as it aims to solidify its place as the "Great Trails State." In the Northville-Novi area, the 2010s saw the initiation and completion of several interconnected trail systems, including "The Link" in 2017 bridging Hines Park and Maybury State Park.
The City of Novi, in collaboration with ITC Holdings Corp, decided to carry The Link's momentum beyond the boundary of Maybury. Scratch that, beyond the border of Wayne County.
Enter the ITC Corridor Trail: a 4.66 mile trail that traverses all of the City of Novi and connects Ascension Providence Hospital to ITC Community Park. The trail also constitutes an essential pedestrian gateway to several recreational destinations, including Maybury State Park Park, the I-275 Corridor Trail, and Hines Park - as well as several Novi parks.
Most importantly, the ITC Corridor Trail enables outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, and run between different parks and communities without the risk of sharing traffic lanes with larger motor vehicles. The trail has further evolved into a go-to destination where local communities can improve their personal health while cutting back on motorized vehicle emissions. Last, as the powers-that-be in Lansing continue to connect disparate trails throughout Michigan, the ITC Corridor Trail remains a critical link in connecting western Wayne County to Oakland County's vast trail network.
Alright, you're all caught up - now let's get to the trail.
HIT THE TRAIL
Total Distance: 8.8 miles (roundtrip from ITC Community Sports Park)
Elevation Gain: 127 feet
Trail Rating: Easy
Route Orientation: Out-and-Back
Parking Specifics: Free parking available at the ITC Community Sports Park trailhead
As mentioned above, my go-to form of recreating on the ITC Corridor Trail has been a la gravel bike. While cycling this trail however, I've come across every genre of recreationist. Road runners, stroller walkers, birdwatchers, roller bladers. Basically, every form of non-motorized form of recreation is welcomed on the trail. Just be sure to keep right and pass on the left.
Heading north from the ITC Community Sports Park, you'll quickly leave behind the bustling basketball courts and baseball diamonds as you head into the heart of "wildflower alley." This segment lasts for roughly 0.4 miles until turning northeast to ride one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted paved trail. When approaching Garfield Road at 1.4 miles in, keep left to stay on the trail towards 9 Mile Road. Turn right to stay on the ITC Corridor Trail.
Get your camera ready - the famous ITC Corridor Trail Boardwalk is coming. The 0.9 mile segment between 9 Mile and 10 Mile Roads is hands-down the most memorable of the route, especially while crossing the 0.3 mile-long Boardwalk. Truly, the panoramic views from the Boardwalk of the marshland below are spectacular. Birdwatchers will especially savor this segment of the trail.
After the Boardwalk, 10 Mile Road brings your first of six road crossings that you will make during your adventure. Please note that vehicles ARE NOT REQUIRED TO STOP when you are making this crossings. Stated differently, you should always, only cross once traffic has cleared.
North of Ten Mile, the ITC Corridor Trail continues due north towards its Wildlife Woods Park split. At this point, the trail adopts a "choose your own adventure" approach to reaching a turnaround point. Continuing north/west will lead you to a proper terminus trailhead at Wildlife Woods, including restroom facilities. The western route, which our AllTrails map follows, adds more mileage and basically dead-ends at Beck Road. Don't worry - there's a sign that marks the end of the route.
Once you've reached one of the northern termini of the ITC Corridor Trail, you shouldn't have any trouble finding your way back to the car. Simply retrace your path south, although hopefully taking a little extra time to enjoy any sights that you may have missed on the way north. Ah, the joys of an out-and-back route.
If you have any extra time, then we strongly recommend extending your experience on the ITC Corridor Trail by venturing over to Maybury State Park! Seriously, the 8 Mile Road trailhead could not be more ideally situated to Maybury's primary entrance. It's a 0.8 mile commute, due east along 8 Mile.
EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!
Excited to explore this trail soon!