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Black Pond Woods Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 64 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Black Pond Woods 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.
Park with picnic tables and kid-friendly hiking trails, plus plants and a bridge.
What runners say about Black Pond Woods Nature Area
“Path is quite well maintained and it's honestly frequently used by camps, neighbors and visitors so there's always someone around.”
“Beautiful, secluded hike with an expansive variety of plant and animal species.”
“Despite being in the middle of Ann Arbor, it is very peaceful and quiet.”
Always a serene, special experience. The paths are beautiful in all seasons. Quiet and peaceful. Black Pond is at the heart of the woods. When you're there, you'll know.
This is a great trail compared to everything else in the area! It's hidden, it's actually BEHIND the science center. There are four paths to choose from; Black, Red, Yellow & Green. Bring good shoes because you're going to get tons of incline, and a few rabbit paths on all four. I suggest the black trail.
I hike here often with a group of toddlers. Single track trail through the woods, ending at the LSC Raptor area. Nature playground, community garden, plentiful parking, and chickens in the summer.
I lived in Arrowwood Hills. We had a lot of fun going thrue the trails, it's seen it's fair share of struggles through the years... lol, 30 yrs later and the little murky pool of water folks call a pond is still there... not a lot of people go thrue there much so its nice for some solitude...
Trail conditions & character
“Despite being in the middle of Ann Arbor, it is very peaceful and quiet.”
“Beautiful, secluded hike with an expansive variety of plant and animal species.”
“Bring good shoes because you're going to get tons of incline, and a few rabbit paths on all four.”
“Nice space to walk your dog on leash -- as *most* of the dog owners who utilize the paths are doing the responsible thing.”
“Nature playground, community garden, plentiful parking, and chickens in the summer.”
Plan your run at Black Pond Woods Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitea2gov.org
- Phone+1 734-794-6000
- 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 | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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