When it comes to running in metro Detroit, you can choose your own adventure.

Want to run near international waters? Try the Detroit Riverwalk. Need some greenery? Hit Maybury State Park. Want a quick architecture tour? Jog through historic Palmer Woods.

The region is rich with scenic spots — some lined with trees and others with artwork — for seasoned and beginner runners alike. There’s a rise in run clubs and more people are running marathons. But why run in the first place? For the mental and physical health benefits, local experts told the Free Press. It’s also a way to build community, they said.

“It’s like a form of meditation. When you start running and you get into the space, you begin to think more clearly, because you have the opportunity to put your phone down, put the social media down, and you really have to rely on yourself to get things done,” said Joe Robinson, co-founder of WeRun313, a Detroit run club which got its start in 2019 and now has thousands of members. The group runs two miles on Tuesdays, a 5k and 10k on Thursdays and occasional longer runs on Sundays throughout the month. On a single Tuesday, the social run club could see as many as 300 people, he said.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or just want to enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, here are places to run in and around Detroit:

The Detroit Riverwalk

In downtown Detroit, 3.5 miles span the east riverfront. The main attraction is a view of the Detroit River itself, with Canada right across, but runners can also enjoy parks, plazas and tons of green space. Want to run a mile? The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy recommends starting at Cullen Plaza (1340 E. Atwater Street), toward the RenCen and the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority building, and then back around to the Cullen Family Carousel. Find more routes for a mile, 5k and 5 miles: bit.ly/detroitriverwalkroutes.

FREE PRESS MARATHON: Sign up for the half marathon or the 5K

The Riverwalk has ample parking, great lighting and bathrooms along the way, Robinson said.

“You get to commune with nature. I would say the Riverwalk is the best place to run in the City of Detroit,” he said.

Dequindre Cut

A two-mile greenway, Dequindre Cut connects the east riverfront, Eastern Market and residential neighborhoods, with a paved pathway — including pedestrian and bicycle lanes — artwork and graffiti, according to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Entrances are located at: Atwater Street, Franklin Street, Woodbridge Street, E. Lafayette Street, Gratiot Avenue, Wilkins Street and Mack Avenue. Here’s a map: bit.ly/DequindreCutMap

Belle Isle

The 982-acre park located in the Detroit River is home to Detroit landmarks, like the James Scott Memorial Fountain, which is closed for renovation but still beautiful. Come for the greenery and river view; stay for the Belle Isle Aquarium, Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and Belle Isle Nature Center, among other treasures on the island. A loop around Belle Isle is a little more than 5 miles, according to Map My Run.

Detroit neighborhoods

Robinson, who lives in northwest Detroit, likes to simply leave his front door for a run — down West Outer Drive, Sherwood Forest, Palmer Woods, for instance — instead of driving out to a spot.

“Detroit is an amazing city, and I love architecture and art, so running through the streets of Indian Village … that’s such a fantastic run. Same thing with Palmer Park or Boston Edison,” said Justin Craig, owner of RUNdetroit, an athletic shoe and clothing store in Eastern Market. The North End and southwest Detroit, around Clark Park, are hidden gems, he said.

More: Detroit Free Press Marathon named No. 1 marathon in America by USA Today

Metro Detroit parks and trails

Metro Detroit has miles upon miles of trails and plenty of parks for outdoor activities. Here’s how to find some of them:

• For Oakland County, go to bit.ly/OaklandCountyTrails; for Macomb County, go to https://bit.ly/MacombCountyTrails, for Wayne County, go to https://www.waynecounty.com/parkfinder/.
• Check out the 13 regional metroparks: www.metroparks.com/park-maps/.
• Find state parks and trails at: www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/.

Here are some specific spots to check out:

• Paint Creek Trail: Located in northeast Oakland County, Paint Creek Trail is 8.9 miles and was once a railroad.
• Hines Park and the Rouge River Gateway Trail: Hines Park spans Northville to Dearborn Heights and has paved trails. Hines Park transitions into the Rouge River Gateway Trail at Ford Road.
• Kensington Metropark: Surrounding Kent Lake in Milford, Kensington Metropark features more than 4,400 acres of terrain and nature trails. The daily vehicle fee is $10.
• Maybury State Park: In Northville, find nearly 1,000 acres of terrain and trees, ideal for strollers, runners and bikers.

Running tips

New to running? Here are tips from Robinson and Craig:

• Get fitted for a pair of running shoes. Here are some spots to get fitted: RUNdetroit and Gazelle Sports.
• Don’t overthink it and just get out there. Find a safe route, run at a slow, conversational pace and do it often.
• Play a podcast or listen to music. Invite a friend, family member or co-worker to keep you on track and consistent.