Flint & Genesee is the Home of Outdoor Excitement

For the more adventurous, the warmer months are full of activity and the great thing about Flint & Genesee is you don’t have to leave our area for the things you love to do. If you are looking for adventure, look no further.  

The Flint & Genesee region sports many waterways, lakes, rivers, and streams, and has become a great kayaking destination. Whether you have a kayak or not, there are options. Bluegill Boat Launch, run by the Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission, offers kayak rentals called Kayak Share, which can be rented using an app. It’s an easy process that can get you on the water in no time. All around the county, there are options for kayak use and rental. The parks also offer several other options for local waterways, like the Canoe & Kayak launch in Davison. Kayak Flint provides rentals and guided trips along the Flint River and is part of the Flint River Watershed Coalition and its chapter Corridor Alliance. There are many places to dip your boat into the water, like Linden, Flushing, Fenton, and Davison. If you are a novice, then there are people who can help you. If you are experienced, then there are opportunities for more challenging trips. There is something for all levels of expertise and comfort.  

Genesee County is home to a very hearty trail system, and it is perfect for biking. The Genesee Valley Trail stretches from Flint Township to the Richfield County Park area and taking the trail will give you an amazing view of the county taking you past waterways and parks, with parking at each of the many stops along the way. The Flint River Trail boasts almost 30 miles of paved paths and begins at the University of Michigan-Flint. The trail heads from the city to the country as well as several parks in the Mott Lake area, where you’ll see Stepping Stone Falls. Further north you’ll find the extensive George Atkin Jr. Recreational Trail in Clio Park. The trail winds through the park and along the Pine Run River. Flushing boasts the Riverview Trail just outside of the downtown district. In Davison, Richfield County Park is a great place to bike around with the added benefit of offering space to picnic as well. One of the newest additions to the many options is Mundy Miracle Commons Trail, which offers beautiful landscapes and paved areas for walking and biking and features special events like nights where food trucks are there for an after-ride snack or meal. No matter your skill level, there are trails for experienced riders that offer more challenges or trails that will just let you meander along and enjoy the ride.  

The Flint & Genesee area has a very passionate running and walking community and those same trails that can be used for bikes can also be used to walk, run, or even head to your next hike. With the Crim Fitness Foundation sponsoring running and walking groups, you can find a pack to head out with or head out alone. There are plenty of local businesses that cater to runners and walkers and who can help make sure you have the right gear before you hit the trails. You can head out onto the Flint River Trail, the Genesee Valley Trail, the trail around Ascension Genesys, or the trails at any of the many parks in our county. You have Atlas County Park, Black Creek Nature Trail, the Dauner-Martin Nature Sanctuary (which is better suited for walking), Creasey Bicentennial Park - Grand Blanc Parks & Recreation, For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, Linden County Park, Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center, and so many more.  

With the skies clearing and the weather warming now is the time to get out and get some fresh air and Flint & Genesee has plenty of space to do just that.