Pinckney Recreation Area

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8555 Silver Hill Road Pinckney, Michigan

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Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney, Michigan - Main Image

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Pinckney Recreation Area Dog Park: A Guide for Paw-some Adventures
The Pinckney Recreation Area’s dog park offers a unique outdoor experience for dogs and their owners, nestled within a stunning natural landscape. This dedicated area provides a space for dogs to socialize and exercise, surrounded by diverse wildlife and scenic beauty. Here’s what you need to know before your visit.
Dog Park Overview
The Pinckney Recreation Area dog park is located in Pinckney, Michigan, offering a designated space for dogs to enjoy themselves. It’s situated within a “special concern” area, recognizing the area's rich wildlife habitat and diverse bird populations.
Key Features & Amenities
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, opossums, and numerous bird species like blue-winged teals, snow geese, Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, egrets, great blue herons, and sandhill cranes. Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters.
• **Halfmoon Lake:** A large swimming area is available at Halfmoon Lake. The lake seasonally closes November 1st and reopens April 1st. A boat launch is also available.
• **Swimming:** Dogs can enjoy swimming in the designated area of Halfmoon Lake.
• **Boat Launch:** A boat launch is accessible at Halfmoon Lake.
• **Pickerel Lake:** Pickerel Lake offers a swimming area and prohibits motor watercraft. It no longer has a boat launch. Historically, it was used as an unofficial nude beach/swimming area until approximately 1990.
• **Terrain:** The park covers glacial moraines, kettle lakes, and swampy lowlands, featuring open grasslands, abandoned agricultural fields, and oak forests on hilly areas with shrub swamps.
• **Lake Size:** Approximately 200 acres (81 hectares).
• **Watersheds:** Located within the Grand River and Huron River watersheds.
• **Highest Elevation:** Stofer Hill – 1,150 feet (350 meters).
Trails
The dog park is part of a broader trail system:
• **3.3-mile Hiking Trail:** A dedicated hiking trail (5.3 km).
• **Potawatomi Trail:** 17-mile (27 km) – Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing & Mountain Biking.
• **Silver Lake Trail:** 2-mile-long (3.2 km) – Hiking, Mountain Biking & Cross-Country Skiing.
• **Waterloo–Pinckney Trail:** 35-mile (56 km) – Hiking Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
**What are the operating hours for the dog park?
** Operating hours are currently open. For specific schedules, please check the official Pinckney Recreation Area website or contact park authorities.
**Are there any specific regulations for the dog park?
** Regulations are not explicitly detailed in this information. Check the official Pinckney Recreation Area website or contact park authorities for the most up-to-date rules and guidelines.
**Is my dog required to be on a leash?
** Leash requirements are not specified. Refer to the official park regulations for details.
**What should I do if I encounter wildlife?
** Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Do not approach or feed the animals.
**Can my dog swim in Halfmoon Lake?
** Yes, there is a designated swimming area available in Halfmoon Lake.
**What type of watercraft is permitted on Halfmoon Lake?
** Only non-motorized watercraft are permitted.
**What is the terrain like?
** The terrain includes grasslands, abandoned fields, and oak forests on hilly areas with shrub swamps.
**What is the lake size?
** Approximately 200 acres (81 hectares).
**Where can I find more information?
** For the most current details regarding operating hours, regulations, and any specific conditions, please consult the official Pinckney Recreation Area website or contact park authorities.

About

Pinckney Recreation Area Offers a Natural Dog Park Experience The Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney, Michigan, provides a unique dog park experience nestled within a stunning natural landscape.

Designated as a “special concern” area, this expansive park boasts diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, raccoons, and various bird species, creating an engaging environment for both dogs and their owners.

Located at 8555 Silver Hill Road, Pinckney, MI 48169, the dog park area is situated within a 200-acre (81 hectares) space encompassing glacial moraines, kettle lakes, and swampy lowlands.

The terrain features open grasslands, abandoned agricultural fields, and oak forests on hilly areas with shrub swamps. **Dog Park Features:** The area is designed for dogs to enjoy open spaces alongside a large swimming area at Halfmoon Lake.

Owners can also utilize the boat launch available at Halfmoon Lake, which is seasonal, closing November 1st and reopening April 1st.

Halfmoon Lake itself offers a swimming area and prohibits motor watercraft.

Dogs can explore the surrounding landscape, encountering regional wildlife such as blue-winged teals, snow geese, Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks, egrets, great blue herons, and sandhill cranes. **Beyond the Dog Park:** Pinckney Recreation Area offers more than just the dog park.

It’s part of the Grand River and Huron River watersheds and includes a highest elevation of Stofer Hill – 1,150 feet (350 meters).

Hikers and bikers will appreciate the extensive trail system, including a 3.3-mile hiking trail, a 17-mile Potawatomi Trail (hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking), and a 2-mile Silver Lake Trail (hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing).

The Waterloo–Pinckney Trail provides a 35-mile hiking trail.

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