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Barton Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 617 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Barton Nature Area'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.
River park offering picnicking & trails amid meadow, forest & marsh, some accessible by boat only.
What runners say about Barton Nature Area
“Beautiful walk about to see the dam, you are able to walk across the Dam as well.”
“Beautiful and peaceful at the picnic tables where the ducks are in the photos.”
From all Ann arbors parks, this is my favorite one. It's a beautiful area and quite lovely during fall. There are some people doing their jogging. It's also peaceful, I didn't hear the roads that much.
A great local park with a ton to offer! Several parking areas with hiking trails, river & pond access (with a portage around the dam) + the usual benches & picnic tables. Great any time of year & popular for running & dag walking :)
This place was nothing short of amazing. It was my first time, and while I wasn't prepared for the hilly hike, I enjoyed it thoroughly. So many awesome things to see too! Huge variety of mushrooms, wooly aphids, and so many birds and critters! Hiked for 2 hours. Lovely.
Beautiful walk about to see the dam, you are able to walk across the Dam as well. Nice lil park with a pond next to The Dam. Beautiful and peaceful at the picnic tables where the ducks are in the photos. And there is a fire pit there as well.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful walk about to see the dam, you are able to walk across the Dam as well.”
“Beautiful and peaceful at the picnic tables where the ducks are in the photos.”
“Several parking areas with hiking trails, river & pond access (with a portage around the dam) + the usual benches & picnic tables.”
“Several parking areas with hiking trails, river & pond access (with a portage around the dam) + the usual benches & picnic tables.”
Plan your run at Barton Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitea2gov.org
- Phone+1 734-794-6230
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–12 am |
| Saturday | 12 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
Running trails near Ann Arbor
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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