Picture Perfect – pet photoshoots at Stony Creek Metropark
Stony Creek Metropark is one of my favorite spots to take pet photos. There are several trails in the park that allow dogs on leashes (the leashes have been edited out of these images).
The trails are perfect for photography, as they have many different angles and views of the waterway. But my favorite spots are the old ruins and by the allee of pine trees. You can see why, all of the images on this post were taken in those areas.
Stony Creek Metropark is a beautiful place to spend time with your dog(s) and take photos. The park has plenty of trails, including one that winds through the woods and makes great use of the creek. There are many picnic areas and benches around the edges of Stony Creek Lake so you can stop for a break. Or get comfortable while you watch boats go by on their way to Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, which is just across the water from the park itself.
Stay for a day or for a while
Visit Stony Creek Metropark and you’ll find yourself in a lush, green oasis with picnic areas, hiking trails and even a lakefront beach. You can also bring your own fishing rod if you’d like to try fishing at Stony Creek Lake. You may also want to bring some snacks, drinks, or lunch items so you can enjoy picnicking while you’re there.
Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the beach but there are a few spots off the trails where there is access to the water for the pups (always be aware that cyanobacteria, also called blue green algae, is a possibility and is very deadly for pets).
FYI – you’ll definitely need a pass to get into Stony Creek. While other Metroparks don’t always have a gate agent at the booth this one always does.
The entry fee of $10 includes parking and admission to the park. This pass is good for one day of use of the facilities within the park including hiking trails, swimming pools or boat launches. Camping overnight is a different fee. It does not include vehicle admission fees for vehicles over 7 passengers unless you are part of an organized tour group or educational institution.
If you’d like to stay longer than one day at Stony Creek Metropark, check out their annual pass option, which also gives you access to all Metroparks.
They are open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., 365 days a year. The campground area (including its water and sewer hookups) is open 24 hours.
This makes it a great stop if you’re traveling through the area and need a super dog friendly stay that will allow you to not only rest but play, too!
Off-leash dog park
Does your dog need to burn off some energy and make some friends? The dog park is located in the Oakgrove Picnic Area. It’s fenced in, and has water stations, too! The dog park is open seven days a week from 7am-10pm. It’s open year round, so you can bring your four-legged friend to play no matter what the weather looks like outside.
Areas where dogs are not allowed
Remember that dogs are not allowed to be on the beaches at Stony Creek. The other spots where dogs are not allowed are on the paths around the Nature Center. Luckily there are plenty of other areas to explore with your pup, but be aware of these limitations. And dogs do need to be on a 6′ leash in all areas except the dog park.
Check out Stony Creek Metropark
We highly recommend visiting Stony Creek Metropark if you’re ever in southeast Michigan. It’s an easy drive, and there’s really no other place like it in the area. With over 4400 acres there is plenty of places to explore and take photos, so we hope this article helps inspire some new adventures!
