Friends of Island Lake cover photo

Friends of Island Lake

4.9•69 ratings

Brighton, MI, US

Share

About us

Getting together to enjoy the best park in SE Michigan!

Upcoming events

9

Lantern Hike at Island Lake
Sat, Nov 21 · 6:00 PM EST
Island Lake Picnic Grounds, Kent Lake Beach Road, Brighton, MI, US
***this is not a group hike, just spreading the word about the lantern hikes to those that do not follow us on Facebook***

This will be the final lantern hike of the season. This hike hosted by the Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area goes along part of the Hickory Ridge hiking trail, beginning in the first parking lot of the Kent Lake unit. Hike as you follow the lanterns for 1.5 miles, with a campfire warming station at the beginning, halfway point, and end.

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will sell hot chocolate and coffee.

Please do not bring your own headlamps or other lights to this hike. Let the lanterns and the moon provide the light.

You do not need to register for this self-guided hike.

You may hike anytime from 6-9pm, and we will begin taking down the lights at 9pm.

As always, dogs are encouraged and need to be leashed at all times.

A Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.
2 attendees
Black Friday "OptOutside Hike" at Island Lake Recreation Area
Fri, Nov 27 · 1:00 PM EST
Island Lake Recreation Area, 6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI, US
Avoid the malls and #OptOutside on Black Friday with the Friends of Island Lake, Crossroads Sierra Club, and other groups.

This is a 5-mile hike on the hikers-only Hickory Ridge trail, with lots of options to drop off if you prefer a shorter distance.

As this tends to be a huge event, plan on a "hike your own hike" experience and take a picture of the trail map when we start. The group may be too large to try to keep together, but we will try.

The hike will begin in the Kent Lake parking lot (go straight past toll booth, first lot on left) near the boat launch area (west side). If that lot fills up, proceed to the second lot and follow the paved path back to the trailhead.
Dress for the weather and wear bright clothing if possible due to hunting season.

Cost: free, but entry to the park may require a state park pass (often waived on Black Friday).
4 attendees
Lantern Hike at Island Lake
Sat, Dec 19 · 6:00 PM EST
Island Lake Picnic Grounds, Kent Lake Beach Road, Brighton, MI, US
***this is not a group hike, just spreading the word about the lantern hikes to those that do not follow us on Facebook***

This will be the final lantern hike of the season. This hike hosted by the Friends of Island Lake Recreation Area goes along part of the Hickory Ridge hiking trail, beginning in the first parking lot of the Kent Lake unit. Hike as you follow the lanterns for 1.5 miles, with a campfire warming station at the beginning, halfway point, and end.

Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck will sell hot chocolate and coffee.

Please do not bring your own headlamps or other lights to this hike. Let the lanterns and the moon provide the light.

You do not need to register for this self-guided hike.

You may hike anytime from 6-9pm, and we will begin taking down the lights at 9pm.

As always, dogs are encouraged and need to be leashed at all times.

A Recreation Passport is required for entry into the park.
2 attendees
First Day Hike at Island Lake
Fri, Jan 1, 2027 · 1:00 PM EST
Island Lake Picnic Grounds, Kent Lake Beach Road, Brighton, MI, US
Join us as we ring in the New Year with a hike on our Hickory Ridge hiking trail. First Day Hikes are a great way to get your year started the right way, after all, life is better outside!

We hope this hike will be led by those with snow shoes, but snow or not hiking boots will do just fine. Meet at the Kent Lake beach parking lot (first lot on the left as you head straight back into the park). Please arrive 15 minutes early. This hike is presented in partnership with the Crossroads Group Sierra Club, who helped us build this trail. #optoutside

If the weather is warm, we will hike five miles, with an easy exit at 2.5 miles. If it is snowy, the main group may take that 2.5 mile exit while the hardcore among us complete the whole trail.

This tends to be a very large hike so please plan on the group getting very strung out. Take a picture of the trail map if you have not hiked it before. It is easy to follow.

The hike leaders may be hike followers for this event, and sweep the hike to help any misplaced hikers. We know many of you know the trail and can lead the way.

We hope to see you there!
2 attendees

Past events

44

Organizers

Tony and 3 others

Members

667

Related topics

Mountain Biking

Freshwater Fishing

Outdoor Adventures