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Bluffs Nature Area
4.4 ★★★★☆ 60 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Bluffs 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.
39-acre forested park featuring a variety of rugged hiking & biking trails & scenic ridge views.
What runners say about Bluffs Nature Area
“It's got some beautiful views across the river valley & if it weren't for the sound of traffic you would never know you're in Ann Arbor.”
“best park for trail running in Ann Arbor.”
Great park with lots of trails. Only downside is that there is no map of the trails and none are included on google maps. Trails also are not marked so hard to find your way around in winter snow unless someone else came before you.
Beautiful! I had no idea this was here. Gorgeous woods, some open spaces all hidden away. If it was not for a Geocache. I may never have visited. The hills are rather challenging but the views are worth it. Consider connecting a visit to the old girl Scout camp, Bird Hills and Baron Pond nature areas.
This is nice for the location. Good place for a brief hike through the woods. It doesn't quite feel like an "escape" per se as you are always within close proximity to either a major roadway or residential areas but it is a nice little park nonetheless.
3-1-26 a great place to run or walk. Snow is still there but all in all, no complaints. I have been in A2 for 29 yrs and never knew this place. Be careful of tree roots and mud and slippery places as for now
Trail conditions & character
“It is bordered by Orkney Rd, the Catholic cemetery on Sunset, Huron View Blvd & N Main St.”
“Hard to find where to park but once you get on the right track it's a nice moderate hilly option.”
“Parking was unmarked when I went there, but don't try to park across the street and take your chances with four lanes of traffic!”
“Be careful of tree roots and mud and slippery places as for now”
Plan your run at Bluffs 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.
- 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 | 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.
Argo Nature Area
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Bandemer Nature Area
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Riverfront natural area with trails, picnic facilities & activities such as fishing & canoeing.
Bird Hills Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 575 reviews
The city's largest park at 161 acres, this hilly green space offers unpaved woodland hiking trails.
Barton Nature Area
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River park offering picnicking & trails amid meadow, forest & marsh, some accessible by boat only.
Cedar Bend Nature Area
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Longtime refuge offering native plants, mature forest & ample wildlife via steep trails.
Black Pond Woods Nature Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Park with picnic tables and kid-friendly hiking trails, plus plants and a bridge.