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Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy
4.8 ★★★★★ 191 Google reviews · Running trail in Leland, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1.5 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy'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.
Beautiful forested hiking spot featuring meadows, cliffs, an overlook and a lake view.
What runners say about Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy
“One of my favorites, beautiful forested hike to overlook of Lake Michigan and chance to see soaring eagles.”
“The trail is well shaded with small section of the Overlook loop that opens to grassland for about a 1/4 of mile.”
“Easy hike with a variety of flora and fauna available: forests, fields, lake overlook, Lilac and Honeysuckle scents (in season).”
Clay cliffs is perfect for a quick short hike about 2 miles total with an awesome view at the top of the overlook. I suggest hiking both inner and overlook loop. The best time to go is in the evening if you want to catch the sun setting over the lake.
Great place to hike, not terribly challenging. Wooded trails, I bet the loop is between 2-3 miles to hike and there is a very cool lookout at the top of a bluff which is just over a mile from the trailhead... maybe 1.2 miles? I’d highly recommend visiting - it’s just 1-2 miles past Leland (to the east of town) on M-22.
Great place for a hike! Easy loop to lookout is about 1.5 miles. Tons of wild raspberries and blackberries mid-July, and parking is usually not full (eight-ish spots). Beware of the poison ivy on the trails though!! I wouldn’t recommend taking a dog or small children here if you’re at all allergic.
Easy hike with a variety of flora and fauna available: forests, fields, lake overlook, Lilac and Honeysuckle scents (in season). CAUTION: TONS of poison ivy very close to trail. Stay on trail.
Trail conditions & character
“The Clay Cliffs Natural Area offers a unique hiking experience with its towering clay cliffs and panoramic views of Lake Michigan and North Lake Leelanau.”
“Wooded trails, I bet the loop is between 2-3 miles to hike and there is a very cool lookout at the top of a bluff which is just over a mile from the trailhead.”
“Wooded trails, I bet the loop is between 2-3 miles to hike and there is a very cool lookout at the top of a bluff which is just over a mile from the trailhead.”
“Wooded trails, I bet the loop is between 2-3 miles to hike and there is a very cool lookout at the top of a bluff which is just over a mile from the trailhead.”
“The challenging terrain, with a mix of steep climbs and tranquil woodland paths, makes for a rewarding outdoor adventure.”
“While there was handicap parking we frequently had to carry a stroller over tree roots.”
“While there was handicap parking we frequently had to carry a stroller over tree roots.”
“I wouldn’t recommend taking a dog or small children here if you’re at all allergic.”
Plan your run at Clay Cliffs Natural Area: The Leelanau Conservancy
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1.5 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websiteleelanauconservancy.org
- Phone(231) 256-9665
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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