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Alpena Township Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 19 Google reviews · Running trail in Alpena, Michigan · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Alpena Township Nature Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Alpena Township Nature Preserve
“It was an absolutely perfect view and beautiful easy hike (just under a mile).”
“Most the paths are clearly marked.”
“It was an absolutely perfect view and beautiful easy hike (just under a mile).”
Easy trails and well marked. Nice benches throughout with nature inspiring quotes to take a break ans enjoy the aong birds.. Was lucky to see the dwarf lake iris in bloom. Took the green trail, to the bay trail to the central trail (yellow) out to the Bay and back on central trail to the parking lot just under 3 miles.
Nice walk through the woods. There is a small parking area, but with so few people walking here, I do not see it filling up. Most the paths are clearly marked. But a few seem to be missing.
For the end of my destination I was a little concerned about my safety because the roads were one lane there are a lot of hunters setting up for hunting season which started the next day. When I walk to the lake I got stuck in something it seemed like quicksand and my dog and I ran for higher ground.
Nice place to take a short hike. Not a lot of views until you get to the lake. But and easy stroll through nature.
Trail conditions & character
“It was an absolutely perfect view and beautiful easy hike (just under a mile).”
“Took the green trail, to the bay trail to the central trail (yellow) out to the Bay and back on central trail to the parking lot just under 3 miles.”
“The trails lead to beautiful rocky beaches.”
Plan your run at Alpena Township Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitealpenatownship.com
Running trails near Alpena
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
DNR State Forest - El Cajon Bay Trailhead
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Bay View Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 746 reviews
Lakeside park featuring a pier and a playground, plus a band shell and sports facilities.
Island Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 278 reviews
Surrounded by a nature reserve, this undeveloped island is reached by a footbridge.
Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 489 reviews
Picturesque nature preserve with many walking paths, plus kayaking & birdwatching opportunities.