Holly Recreation Area

Holly Recreation Area, located within the northern portion of Oakland County between Pontiac and Flint, is less than an hour drive from the Detroit metropolitan area.

The park's more than 8,000 acres of rolling woodlands and open fields provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. The park boasts three lakes, two campgrounds, cabins, a boat launch and the Holly Woods Disc Golf Course.

Activities:

Boat Rental:

Boat, stand-up paddle board, kayak and canoe rentals are available Memorial Day through Labor Day (good weather may extend season). The rates are $8 per hour or $50 for the day.

Rentals are located at the concession stand on Heron Beach. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 248-634-8931 or 248-634-8811 (park office) for more information.

Cross-Country Skiing: Approximately 10 miles are available for cross-country skiing, including 6.5 miles of the Wilderness Trail and approximately 3.5 miles of campground roads. These trails are not groomed.

Disc Golf:
Rolling woodlands and prairies dominate the landscape of the Holly Woods Disc Golf Course. The course offers 9, 18 and 24-hole routes, as well as a variety of challenges and fun for all skill levels.

Fishing:
Fishing piers are available on Valley and Heron lakes, while shoreline fishing is available on Heron, Valley and Wildwood lakes.

Hiking:
There are approximately 34 miles of trails available for hiking throughout the park.All trails in the park (25 miles Holdridge, 6.5 miles Wilderness, 2.5 miles Lakeshorel) are all open for hiking all year-long.

In Holbridge, trails are one-direction, single-tracks. Hikers are encouraged to hike in the opposite direction as bikers and may want to avoide hiking these trails during high mountain bike use time.

Hunting: Most areas of the park are open to hunting. Species include deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. Several thousand acres are maintained by the DNR Wildlife Division for wildlife habitat development and restoration. For more information about hunting opportunities, deer check station hours and more, call the Holly Wildlife Office at 248-634-0240. Accessible blind available by reservation.

Mountain Biking:
The Holdridge Mountain Bike Trail Network encompasses 25 miles of trails and has been broken up into various loops accommodating all age and skill levels.

Pet-Friendly Area: A section of pet-friendly shoreline is available at Heron Beach, just to the left of the beach as you face the water. This large, grassy area has a sandbar along the shoreline that is great for getting your pet in the water to cool off on those hot summer days. Remember, state law prohibits pets on the sandy beach and requires they must be on a six-foot leash and under an owner's immediate control at all times. There are pet waste bags next to the sidewalk near the parking lot immediately behind the dog friendly area, so owners can clean up after their pets with ease. For any additional information, please call the park at 248-634-8811.

Snowmobiling: 1Snowmobiling is only allowed in the day-use area of the park, which is the land surrounding Heron, Valley and Wildwood lakes bordered by McGinnis Road, Wildwood Road and Dixie Highway. Snowmobiling is prohibited in all other areas of the park. including all lands west of I75.

Swimming: Heron Lake provides 800 feet of sandy beach and is a great swimming destination.

Winter Camping

Campgrounds

Holly-Deluxe Camper Cabins
Holly-Group Use Area
Holly-McGinnis Lake-Modern Campground
Holly-McGinnis Lake-Semi-Modern Campground
Holly-Mini-Cabins

Trails

Holly-Holdridge Mountain Bike Trail Network
Trail Length: 25.00 (Miles)

Holly-Lakeshore Trail
Trail Length: 2.40 (Miles)

Holly-McGinnis Lake Nature Trail
Trail Length: 0.25 (Miles)

Holly-Whispering Pines Nature Trail
Trail Length: 1.00 (Miles)

Holly-Wilderness Trail
Trail Length: 6.40 (Miles)

Facilities:

Beach

Boat Launch: The park maintains boat launches on Heron, Valley and Crotched lakes. Heron Lake only allows boats with electric motors. Wildwood and Valley lakes allow both electric and gas motors, but a NO WAKE restriction applieso on both lakes.

Picnic Area: The Lakeview picnic area provides a scenic overlook, multiple picnic tables, grills and access to the Lakeshore Trail.

Playground