Dexter-Chelsea Corridor

Distance:2.1 mi
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Trail Details

  • 2.1 miles of  paved, road-separated pathway for non-motorized use
  • ADA Accessible
  • Mostly flat topography, rural character, working agricultural fields
  • Major cross street references: Dexter-Chelsea Road at Freer Road and Dexter Chelsea Road at North Lima Center Road
  • Trail runs parallel to the Amtrak railroad tracks
  • Trail not maintained during the winter 
  • View Interactive Map Instructions

Suggested Activities

BikingBirdingCommutingInline skatingPets on 6-foot leash allowedRunning/Walking

Amenities

Benches

  • Visitors on the trail

  • Skater on bridge

  • Pyramid structures

  • Stretch of trail with school art project

  • Kids on the trail

  • Couple walking

  • Family exercising

Directions and Parking

Recommended parking for this trail segment can be found at the following location:

The City of Chelsea offers many public parking options.

**As we work toward making the final connections between Dexter and Chelsea, parking will be challenging along this segment. Once the corridor is complete, there will be parking and safe public access. Until then, if you do park in this area, please do not use Beacon Hill Drive as it is a private road.

Project construction/completion updates

Progress continues along Dexter-Chelsea Road! Landscaping is scheduled for this fall on the recently completed trail segment east of Wylie Road. In 2023, we will see the start of construction on a 0.7 mile trail segment that will complete the remaining distance from Wylie to Parker Road.

Looking ahead to 2024, the City of Dexter is exploring pathway options for the 0.8 mile trail segment that will make the final connection into downtown Dexter. One plan is to use the historical Bell Road Bridge to cross Mill Creek as it connects to the trail near Forest Lawn Cemetery. This bridge is a 105-foot wrought iron bridge that was constructed in 1891.

See all B2B Trail construction updates.

Additional Resources

View Interactive Map Instructions

Trail Access and Description

This scenic 2.1 mile segment of the B2B Trail runs parallel to the railroad and Dexter-Chelsea Road between Freer Road and North Lima Center Road. Trail users will enjoy a private, mostly flat segment with beautiful farmland views. This segment connects with the city of Chelsea where visitors can enjoy plenty of dining, entertainment, and shopping options.

This trail is owned and maintained by the Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission.

Did You Know?

  • This B2B Trail Corridor is built on an old inter-urban railroad grade that connected Dexter, Chelsea, and Grass Lake.
  • Concrete structures were found during trail construction on this segment of the B2B Trail. They are foundations for the water tower that powered local railroad engines. The water was taken from 4 Mile Lake and stored in the water tower, which was used to power steam engines. This section of the railroad was unique in that it featured a belly loading on the fly “track pan,” which allowed steam engines to load the water without having to stop. This was much more efficient than stopping to pick up water, allowing the train to carry less water and more payload.