H

e T r a i

For a leisurely stroll
around a meandering
stream or a rugged
mountain-bike jaunt
through the woods, there's
a perfect spot close by.

60 • SUMMER I994 • STYLE

BY CARI WALDMAN

ump into this summer with
both feet! Whether iri hik-
ing boots or on two wheels,
discover and enjoy our
area's nature trails for walking,
hiking and biking. From an easy
half mile walk around a mean-
dering stream smelling Michigan
wildflowers, to a six-mile uphill
hike over bridges and streams, the
time has arrived to hit the trails.
"Catching the scenery while im-
proving your physique, is a great
way to establish a low impact aer-
obic workout," says Lenny Wald-
man, personal trainer at the

j

Sports Club of West Bloomfield.
The following guide will set you
in the right direction as you ven-
ture off into the scenic trails that
surround us.
The West Bloomfield Woods
Nature Preserve, only minutes
away from West Bloomfield is a
162 acre woodland and wetland
preserve off Arrowhead Road,
South of Pontiac Trail. This na-
ture preserve is home to more
than 100 bird species, white-tailed
deer, red fox, weasel, mink, and
the locally endangered blue spot-
ted salamander. The preserve fea-

tures spectacular mature oak and
hickory trees, running streams,
and a feeling of solitude that's un-
usual so close to the hustle and
bustle of daily life.
An easy place to begin the
trail is at the Arrowhead Road en-
trance. Park your car and watch
for trail markings and the Nature
Preserve entrance. Adjacent to the
preserve on its north side is the
abandoned Grand Trunk Rail-
road. Just beyond the entrance; a
wide eight-foot path begins you on
a trail around the meandering
Frank River. Berries and colorful