HomeMichiganBig Rapids › Clay Cliffs

Clay Cliffs

4.5 ★★★★★ 53 Google reviews · Running trail in Big Rapids, Michigan · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Clay Cliffs yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.

ScenicHillyTrailhead parking

Wooded park featuring trails, as well as a creek and clay cliffs.

What runners say about Clay Cliffs

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (53 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“It features a scenic walk along a creek which later parts and a short hike up a hill will reveal a fantastic view on top of the clay cliffs.”

Nice out of the way nature park with trails. Be careful on the cliff tops as there is some erosion.

★★★★★ — Lume , Jul 2023

This was a nice place to take a hike. The entrance is well kept. As you went deeper in to the woods the trails become not so well used. So there was overgrowth plus the trail became more difficult. Not really a place for a senior unless a very active senior. I am a senior so this is why I'm stressing this point.

★★★★☆ — Lynda , Aug 2022

Beautiful rustic walk along this high flow creack with small rapids, Sandy beaches... unprescribed views from on top of the enormous clay cliffs, old growth Forest massive trees complete the stroller through the ungulating hills completes your exploration

★★★★★ — Bob , May 2019

Found a Good Mt biking winding trail starting behind community pool..some small hills.. runs along creek with some access.

★★★★★ — John , Jun 2022

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 53 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 9 mentions

“It features a scenic walk along a creek which later parts and a short hike up a hill will reveal a fantastic view on top of the clay cliffs.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“unprescribed views from on top of the enormous clay cliffs, old growth Forest massive trees complete the stroller through the ungulating hills completes your exploration”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking

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Plan your run at Clay Cliffs

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late 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 — reported by runners
  • Websitebrpr.org
  • Social Facebook

Where to find Clay Cliffs

111 Hutchinson St, Big Rapids, MI 49307

Get directions

Running trails near Big Rapids

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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Sylvan Solace Preserve

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1.4 miScenicDog-friendly

Preserve featuring butterfly gardens, a trail network , pollinator gardens, woods and river views.

28.2 miles away

All running trails in Big Rapids, 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.