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Bay-Zil Rail Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 7 Google reviews · Running trail in Saginaw, Michigan · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Bay-Zil Rail Trail'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 Bay-Zil Rail Trail
Pretty nice bike/walking trail about 5.5 miles long which starts in southern Bay City at Hotchkiss Rd and Stark St. and goes to the Zilwaukee Bridge, although the last 3/4 mile is a real rough dirt trail and the paved mile before that point has damage due to grass growing up in the asphalt path.
Great rail trail in the Bay City area. I have walked this trail several times now (in the Fall and now Spring) and it is very peaceful, along with the wildlife to view. This trail is quite long and has two bridges to cross which makes it more enjoyable.
A very nice trail to bike and hike. Paved and smooth. No official trail access at south end in Zilwaukee so if you bike or hike out the 5 miles from Bay City trailhead to the south end be prepared for the return trip. Will give five stars when access at the south end is complete.
Great trail. Easy and wonderful nature watching. Sandhill cranes, herons, bluebirds and several different scurrying critters.
Trail conditions & character
“and goes to the Zilwaukee Bridge, although the last 3/4 mile is a real rough dirt trail and the paved mile before that point has damage due to grass growing up in the asphalt path.”
Plan your run at Bay-Zil Rail Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
Running trails near Saginaw
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Zilwaukee Riverfront Park
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Haithco Park
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Lakefront park with open lawns, picnic tables & grills, plus a playground & pedal boats for rent.
BayZil Rail Trail Brook St Trailhead
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Paved hiking and biking area featuring wildlife and a picnic shelter with a restroom.
Michigan Sugar Trails
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Wooded nature reserve and trail system for hiking, biking and fishing, with a dirt parking lot.