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Bird Hills Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 575 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bird Hills 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.
The city's largest park at 161 acres, this hilly green space offers unpaved woodland hiking trails.
What runners say about Bird Hills Nature Area
“The trails themselves are very well-kept with several fallen trees being moved out of trails or cut to keep the trail clear.”
“Trails are crazy confusing if your don't know them but they're beautiful.”
“Four stars because it is near a few busy roads and you can really hear the traffic on one half of the area which kind of stinks; the other half is more quiet.”
My wife and I and two daughters took a long walk here on Saturday. The West-most path was a little muddy. It goes by that little creek. We could not stay late enough to hear the birds chirping. My daughters enjoyed climbing on the one large tree.
Drove up here from Toledo. Was absolutely worth the trip. Saw lots of wildlife. Five deer and even a black squirrel. Trail was fun and well maintained.
Great place for a short, non strenuous hike. Multiple trails. The trails get muddy when it rains. By itself, the Bird Hills Nature Area's trails don't have much by way of views. But if you go to the Barton Area parking lot, there is a dam that connects a lake to a river.
Very accessible park within Ann Arbor limits. Nice trails that are well maintained. Went on a week day when we had a spare moment and only saw one other person so it felt very private - I can’t attest to how busy it might be on weekends.
Trail conditions & character
“By itself, the Bird Hills Nature Area's trails don't have much by way of views.”
“By itself, the Bird Hills Nature Area's trails don't have much by way of views.”
“Four stars because it is near a few busy roads and you can really hear the traffic on one half of the area which kind of stinks; the other half is more quiet.”
“The path has lots of roots and stones so be careful not to trip!”
“Diverse wildlife and lots of shaded areas to cool down.”
“Parking is right by the trail entrance and there are multiple trail markers to show direction to nearest roads.”
“Parking is right by the trail entrance and there are multiple trail markers to show direction to nearest roads.”
Plan your run at Bird Hills Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitea2gov.org
- Phone+1 734-794-6230
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 7 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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