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Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary
4.7 ★★★★★ 489 Google reviews · Running trail in Alpena, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary'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.
Picturesque nature preserve with many walking paths, plus kayaking & birdwatching opportunities.
What runners say about Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary
“Some paved and some dirt, but all are well maintained.”
“Its is absolutely beautiful walking the trails thought out the different seasons.”
Beautiful well maintained patk. Offers kayak rentals. Nice maintained trails. A few fishing spots. Kids enjoyed it. Not wheelchair accessible for trails. Some stairs. Easy trail good for kids. Lots of little wildlife to see
Great park with an island hike that takes about 20 minutes to loop. Can be buggy on humid days. Turtle eggs can be seen on the east side of the island. Beautiful bridge and kayaks and canoes to rent in spring and summer.
Beautiful area. Some walk-only trails all around the island plus lookouts here and there. A paved path goes up to the main lookout for stroller or wheelchair access. Many enjoy the river for fishing or kayaking/canoeing in the summer.
This is a fantastic place to spend the afternoon. The trails are amazing. Some paved and some dirt, but all are well maintained. The bridge provides a wonderful viewing spot for all of the wading birds and other water creatures. Nice and peaceful with plenty of parking.
Trail conditions & character
“Its is absolutely beautiful walking the trails thought out the different seasons.”
“A paved path goes up to the main lookout for stroller or wheelchair access.”
“A paved path goes up to the main lookout for stroller or wheelchair access.”
Plan your run at Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefacebook.com
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–11 pm |
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.
Island Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 278 reviews
Surrounded by a nature reserve, this undeveloped island is reached by a footbridge.
Bay View Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 746 reviews
Lakeside park featuring a pier and a playground, plus a band shell and sports facilities.
