One of the things Delhi Township is best known for is its trail systems for bikers, hikers, runners, and more! The Delhi Trails rank around second or third in the best trails in the surrounding communities, behind the trails of the much larger community of Lansing. And while residents and visitors alike are enjoying Delhi’s excellent trails, the Delhi Township Parks and Recreation Department is constantly researching and planning for ways to make it even better.
“The trail system in our beautiful parks really leads to…making Delhi Township a place people want to live, they want to work, and they want to raise a family,” says Troy Stowell, Delhi Township Parks and Recreation Director. Stowell and his team recognize the importance of the Delhi trails in the community, both as a form of entertainment for township residents but also visitors from neighboring communities and others passing through.
This is all part of a regional connectivity plan Delhi Township is part of. Influential leaders from surrounding communities gather together as part of the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission to brainstorm and plan for the regional trail system, among other things. “The township is at the head of the table right now with the regional trail connect system,” Stowell says.
And some of those plans are already in motion. Over the summer, construction on Holt Road actually enabled the Parks and Recreation Department to expand the Hayhoe Trail from the southern end of the township all the way to College Road in Mason. This made the trail a total of six miles long once complete. The City of Mason has more plans to expand this trail into Eaton County in the future.
There are other plans in place to expand some of the other trails as well. The Parks and Recreation Department is currently working on expanding the Ram Trail south to Burchfield Park in Ingham County. This trail will go along Grovenburg Road. The township is also in discussion with Windsor Charter Township about expanding the Ram Trail all the way to Dimondale, which is 15 minutes west of Delhi Township.
The existing Delhi Trails include:
Esker Landing Park – trail leading from Cedar Street through Esker Park all the way south towards Mason and connects to the Hayhoe Trail. This is a great trail to start exploring the Delhi Trails!
Holt Rd Trailhead Park – trail from Holt Road to Cedar Street. This is a great trail to stop off and enjoy a picnic at the park, which is equipped with everything from grills, picnic tables and portable restrooms.
Ram Trail – trail connects the downtown area to the western part of Delhi Township, ending at Holt High School with access to sporting facilities.
Sycamore Trail – trail starts near Jolly Road and connects to the Lansing River Trail, ending where the Valhalla Trail picks up. This trail is located near food establishment stops and includes a nicely wooded portion.
Valhalla Trail – trail winds around the lake at Valhalla Park and ends at Holt Road with access to the Holt Rd Trailhead Park. This trail has swimming access at the lake, as well as a sandy beach, restrooms and picnic area complete with grills.
“Our goal with this regional connectivity plan is really to give folks an opportunity to get out and explore on the trail system,” Stowell says. “One of the things that runners and walkers and bikers like is variety. We don’t want to go back the same way every time…” Delhi Township residents can watch for more improvements and expansions to the Delhi trails coming soon!
Visit delhitrails.com