HomeMichiganAnn Arbor › Cedar Bend Nature Area

Cedar Bend Nature Area

4.4 ★★★★☆ 33 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Cedar Bend 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.

ScenicHilly

Longtime refuge offering native plants, mature forest & ample wildlife via steep trails.

What runners say about Cedar Bend Nature Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (33 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Interesting topography, great views, hidden location, well maintained trails for all levels”

Nice place to visit. But, be very careful where you walk. With some parts of the trail, there are very steep areas. You could easily fall & hurt yourself! Can see deer there also.

★★★★★ — Josef , Jun 2024

when i was a freshman living in the bursley dorms i walked out here and found a bong with no downstem. it’s super steep so be careful especially if you go off trail

★★★★★ — Jared , Jun 2025

Much is quite steep. Definitely not an “easy” trail. Lots of deer, lovely river walk. It was a bit snowy, I needed yak trax and poles to avoid slipping.

★★★★★ — Helen , Jan 2026

The hike down is a bit tricky and not for young or out of shape. Beautiful though and is against water. Can get busy....

★★★★★ — M , Apr 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 7 mentions

“Interesting topography, great views, hidden location, well maintained trails for all levels”

More trails like this →

⛰️ Hills / elevation 6 mentions

“it’s super steep so be careful especially if you go off trail”

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Plan your run at Cedar Bend Nature Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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.
  • Websitea2gov.org
  • Phone+1 734-794-6000

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

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Cedar Bend Nature Area

1495 Cedar Bend Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Get directions

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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Park with picnic tables and kid-friendly hiking trails, plus plants and a bridge.

under a mile away

Bandemer Nature Area

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PavedScenicDog-friendly

Riverfront natural area with trails, picnic facilities & activities such as fishing & canoeing.

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Bluffs Nature Area

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Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

39-acre forested park featuring a variety of rugged hiking & biking trails & scenic ridge views.

1.1 miles away

Furstenberg Nature Area

4.7 ★★★★★ 528 reviews

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MixedScenicDog-friendly

Scenic 38-acre wetlands & woodlands park, with picnic tables, a boardwalk & walking paths.

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All running trails in Ann Arbor, MI →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.