Polly Ann State Rail Trail
MI · Orion Township to Imlay City corridor
Joslyn Road south of Waldon Road trailhead, Orion Township, MI 48360
Polly Ann is wonderfully adaptable, which is part of its appeal. The rail-trail format gives riders options: short scenic sections, longer conditioning days, or full shuttle-style adventures for groups that like covering meaningful distance. It does not offer the drama of remote single-track country, but it absolutely delivers the pleasure of a long, smooth, well-paced ride.
Riding guide
Highlights
If you like your trail days long, social, and easy to customize, Polly Ann offers a polished rail-trail format with real equestrian mileage.
Riding
The experience is steady and social, moving through changing communities, wooded stretches, open edges, and classic Michigan rail-trail scenery. It is ideal for riders who enjoy rhythm, distance, and a route where horses can settle into an efficient pace. The long corridor also makes it easy to keep stronger riders satisfied without pushing less ambitious travelers too hard.
Rideable terrain
36 miles
Trailer parking
Equestrian staging areas are mapped along the corridor, making it easy to plan half-day, shuttle, or point-to-point rides.
Horse regulations
Use only the horse-allowed sections and staging areas identified on the equestrian map, follow all posted trail rules, and practice careful courtesy with cyclists and walkers. Rail-trail crossings and trailhead transitions require extra attention. As always, check local trail updates before riding and be prepared for conditions to vary along the full corridor.
Getting here
Access is one of Polly Ann’s strengths. With staging areas mapped along the route, riders can shape the day around trailer convenience, desired mileage, and group ability. That flexibility makes the trail especially useful for organized outings and travel itineraries where the riding needs to feel dependable and easy to scale up or down.
Planning your visit
Polly Ann shines when your group wants mileage without stress. Plan your entry point in advance, bring a map, and think intentionally about turnaround spots if you are not shuttling. For riders who love a rail-trail’s tidy logic and long-view simplicity, this is one of Michigan’s most useful and enjoyable equestrian corridors.
Where to stay
There is no dedicated horse camping here, so the best version of Polly Ann is usually a stylish day ride anchored by lodging elsewhere in Oakland or Lapeer County. That setup suits many travelers perfectly: clean mileage by day, then a more comfortable overnight off the trail. It is horse travel with a little less grit and a little more flexibility.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
Stay near this park
No horse-friendly stays listed near Polly Ann State Rail Trail yet. Know a great barn or property? Help fellow riders by listing it.
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