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Bow in the Clouds Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 382 Google reviews · Running trail in Kalamazoo, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Bow in the Clouds Preserve'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.
Sprawling nature conservation site with woods & wetlands, wildlife, walking paths & a boardwalk.
What runners say about Bow in the Clouds Preserve
“This is a beautiful little gem, what a pleasant place, we walked 3 miles on all different paths, the blue, white and green.”
“A truly beautiful and peaceful place to escape to not far from downtown.”
Bow in the Clouds Kalamazoo MI off of Nazareth Rd. Great little hiking trail got almost 3 miles in. We went on the blue, white, and green trails those were the ones marked however there are a couple trails that loop around that are unmarked. You really cannot get lost on this trail.
I’ve come here a few times, it’s the closest thing to Al Sabo I can think of in the Kalamazoo area. Large, with nice trails to walk on. Very peaceful but gets muddy really quickly
Great set of trails for trail walkers, very cool nature throughout the trail. There was a stop at the Nazareth College grave yard. Cool seeing the many people ofnfaith that have served and memorials made there. Trails are narrow and there are pretty significant hills in places.
So beautiful!! The trail is definitely a medium to hard level, wild flowers everywhere! A gorgeous stream with a bridge over it, roots exposed in many places on the path. If you're bringing a little one, I'd use a carrier, the path is too narrow and tricky in many places for a stroller.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful little gem, what a pleasant place, we walked 3 miles on all different paths, the blue, white and green.”
“A gorgeous stream with a bridge over it, roots exposed in many places on the path.”
“Parking lot does have a limited number of spaces.”
“My family and dogs have walked this area hundreds of times over the years and it never gets old.”
“Trails are narrow and there are pretty significant hills in places.”
“A truly beautiful and peaceful place to escape to not far from downtown.”
“Also a worthy note is there are no public restrooms so plan accordingly if you bring little ones.”
“If you're bringing a little one, I'd use a carrier, the path is too narrow and tricky in many places for a stroller.”
“We went on the blue, white, and green trails those were the ones marked however there are a couple trails that loop around that are unmarked.”
Plan your run at Bow in the Clouds Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteswmlc.org
- Phone(269) 324-1600
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM |
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