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Located at the headwaters of the ClintonRiver, IndependenceOaksCountyPark
contains the full spectrum of habitat types; from dry, upland forest, to
fallow farm fields, to river floodplains, to a 68-acre lake. Nearly 10
miles of trails wander about through these diverse habitats.
Wildlife
Viewing
An extensive bluebird trail that runs through the fallow farm
fields and open acres of the park offers a good probability of viewing
bluebirds and tree swallows from March through August. Overall, more than
150 species of birds have been sighted here. Stop at the nature center to
pick up a bird checklist and other materials. A feeding station at the
nature center attracts many of the small mammals and songbirds that do
not migrate to warmer climates for the winter. On the lake, turtles and
water snakes are plentiful, and the river floodplain area is a good
location to look for the small, reclusive massasauga
rattlesnake. Massasaugas are venomous but
non-aggressive. If you find one, observe it from a healthy distance and
count yourself as one of the lucky few who ever see Michigan’s only rattlesnake.
Directions
Take I-75 north out of Detroit.
Exit at Sashabaw
Road near Clarkston. Turn right (north) and
travel 2 miles past Pine Knob Music Theater. Park entrance is on the left
side of the road.
Ownership:
OaklandCountyParks
and Recreation Commission (248) 625-6473 or 625-0877
Restrooms
– Restrooms with flush toilets are located throughout the park.
Port-a-johns are also found at the Beach Cove Shelter and at the beginning
of the trails. Trails – Find easy,
moderate and difficult trails. Nearly 10 miles of marked nature and ski
trails. The All-Visitors Trail is designed for individuals with
disabilities. Hawk’s View Trail is a 2.5 mile paved hike, bike and blade
pathway. Maps available. Picnic – Seven
areas throughout the park. VisitorCenter
– Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Open Labor Day to Memorial Day, Tuesday through
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m. and Holidays. Cross-country Skiing
– Four trails of differing lengths and difficulty. Rental equipment available
on site. Boat Ramp – Located
at the Twin Chimneys Shelter. Drinking water –
Available throughout the park. Fishing – 68 acre CrookedLake. Entry fee - $8.00
per day or $5 per day for OaklandCounty residents.
Annual vehicle permit $46 or $25 for Oakland County Residents. Barrier free – The
All-Visitors Trail is a 1/3 mile paved trail, located adjacent to the
boathouse and features an outdoor observation deck overlooking CrookedLake.
Other local features:
The park is located at the headwaters of the ClintonRiver.
There are many glacial landscape features, such as moraines and outwash
plains. Some of the highest elevations in OaklandCounty
are found in this area.
Conservation efforts: Volunteers help conserve
natural resources at the site through maintenance of a bluebird trail and
participation in a state-wide frog survey. Call the NatureCenter
to volunteer.
Wildlife
Viewing 
