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Hawk Island Lake – Lansing River Trail loop from Potter Park Zoo

Routes

Running trails & routes

Hawk Island Lake – Lansing River Trail loop from Potter Park Zoo

Moderate

4.9

(7655)

12,319

runners

Hawk Island Lake – Lansing River Trail loop from Potter Park Zoo

01:12

11.6km

30m

Running

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 18, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.19 km

Lansing River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

From Elm Street Park to Potter Park, the Lansing River Trail follows along the north bank of the Red Cedar River before crossing the river and heading south. You can …

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3.60 km

Lansing River Trail through Scott Woods Park

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

There are over 20 miles of paved paths that make up the Lansing River Trail, and each section feels a little different. This part of the trail passes through Scott …

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4.31 km

Hawk Island County Park Pond

Highlight • Lake

Hawk Island County Park Pond is the center of Hawk Island County Park. There is a small beach, trails around it, and a boat put in. This is a nice …

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4.88 km

Hawk Island County Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Hawk Island County Park in Lansing offers paved and natural trails perfect for walkers and hikers of all levels. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the paths cover varied …

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5.80 km

Hawk Island County Park is 100 acres of beautiful park land built over the remains of the former Sablain Gravel Pit. VIsitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, picnicking, and in winter sledding and tubing.

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10.1 km

Lansing River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Running between Waverly Road and Old Town, the Lansing River Trail offers 20 miles of paved trail access to many parks, natural areas, and the downtown area.

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11.6 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

11.4 km

142 m

Surfaces

9.70 km

712 m

412 m

258 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Monday 13 July

33°C

16°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for a genuinely enjoyable and accessible jogging route in Lansing, the Hawk Island Lake – Lansing River Trail loop from Potter Park Zoo is a fantastic choice. This moderate 7.2-mile (11.6 km) loop, with a gentle 87 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 11 minutes, making it perfect for a scenic, year-round outing that feels far removed from the city.

What to expect on Hawk Island Lake – Lansing River Trail loop from Potter Park Zoo

Expect a delightful mix of environments as you move along this route. The 1.5-mile path around Hawk Island Lake is mostly paved and offers picturesque views of the water, which was once a gravel pit. As you connect to the Lansing River Trail and head towards Potter Park Zoo, you'll find yourself under a canopy of lush trees, winding alongside rivers and creeks adorned with lily pads. If your loop extends into Scott Woods Park, you'll encounter more natural, unpaved trails within a serene forest. The overall experience is generally easy and well-maintained, making it ideal for joggers, families with strollers, or anyone looking for a pleasant escape into nature without leaving the city too far behind.

Planning your visit

One of the best things about this route is its accessibility and year-round usability. The paved sections, especially around Hawk Island Lake and connecting to Potter Park, are well-maintained and even cleared of snow in winter. Hawk Island Park itself is very family-friendly, with a playground, splash pad, and swimming area, making it a great destination before or after your run. The Lansing River Trail connects numerous parks and attractions, so you can easily extend your adventure or explore nearby spots like Crego Park.

Trail details