Is there some super secret website where I can find good trail runs in my area? I can't find anything but the nearest state park that has a trail run. It's solid, but I like some variety.
Every high school in the area has a cross-country team. Where do these dudes run?
You can ask me. Where are you in Michigan? Also, grab the AllTrails App on your phone.
ETA, AllTrails has a function where it will show the closest trails to your current location and give you trail rating and info. You can even hit up a forum on any specific trail if you have questions.
Plymouth - Mayberry is close but I don't see much else.
You are in a
PERFECT location, less than an hour from incredible trails.
Pinckney Rec offers up the best trails around with multiple options to start and finish at:
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=484
In order of priority I would start at Silver Lake (better bath and showers), Half Moon (porta-johns, no showers, but a nice beach) and Bruin Lake (full campground and more remote trails). Any of these will have trail maps and signage to keep you on track. The granddaddy of the trails here is Potto (check it out on all trails).
Waterloo Rec is a bit further away and their trails are a bit more spread out and remote:
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=506
Island Lake Rec would be my first choice for you based on closer to home and trails:
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=462 I park at Springmill pond and access the trail just above the pond. The blue mountain bike trail is about 9 miles long and very well marked. Springmill has a full bath, showers and a great beach.
Kensington MetroPark is just across 96 from Island Lake Rec and can be accessed from both via an underpass by Kent Lake. Smaller series of MTB and hiking trails.
http://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark
Stony Creek MetroPark is my favorite. The MTB trail has a 5+ mile easier outer loop with intersecting blue and black trails where you can run about 12 miles without retracing your steps.
http://www.metroparks.com/stony-creek-metropark
Hudson Mills MetroPark I have only been there for XC meets (Gabriel Richard Invite) and have not run the other trails. Very nice park.
If you want to travel a bit from home and possibly camp, I have camped and ran the trails at the parks below:
Sleep Hollow State Park GREAT trail race here in august.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=495
Yankee Springs State Park Kick ### park with awesome trails in a campground on a killer lake. AND, a casino right down the road.
http://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=511
Michigan is also FLUSH with opportunities to trail race
http://www.runningintheusa.com/Race/List.aspx?Rank=Upcoming&Special=trail&State=MI&Page=1
Let me know if you need more info. There are probably a dozen other locations I can share.
eta, If you want to come race with me (and have a Bloody Mary after) The Highland Rugged Man is on my annual trail race rotation (Nov 8th Highland Rec):
http://www.stayintheshade.org/home.php?layout=355106