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Drayton Plains Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 413 Google reviews · Running trail in Waterford Township, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Drayton Plains Nature Center'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.
Laid-back park featuring picnic tables, playgrounds and trails, plus a nature center and a fish hatchery.
What runners say about Drayton Plains Nature Center
“Beautiful trails, unfortunately the restroom is a Porter Jon, having a regular restroom with running water to wash hands and a Water fountain now that would be fantastic.”
“A peaceful place that is has open trails next to Walleye hatching ponds as well as wooded and river trails”
If you are going to check out the DPNC, make sure to leave yourself atleast 2 hours be sure to do the main loop around the man made lakes then take the time to follow the other paths into the forest area, there are plenty of informational texts around giving you info on fish population and controlled burning areas,…
A peaceful place that is has open trails next to Walleye hatching ponds as well as wooded and river trails
We live across the street and go there daily for walks and feeding the white ducks. We love the nature center and the employees have always been so friendly and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend a visit!
I really like the nature center. It's a nice, simple, and beautiful little walk. It's really awesome seeing the fish when the water levels are higher and right now the fuzzy goslings are just adorable.
Trail conditions & character
“We did see several off leash dogs, which was different, but the few people we went past called their fur kid in close to them.”
“A peaceful place that is has open trails next to Walleye hatching ponds as well as wooded and river trails”
“Beautiful trails, unfortunately the restroom is a Porter Jon, having a regular restroom with running water to wash hands and a Water fountain now that would be fantastic.”
“Super quick loop- great for looking at birds, and to take the dogs out.”
“Beautiful trails, unfortunately the restroom is a Porter Jon, having a regular restroom with running water to wash hands and a Water fountain now that would be fantastic.”
“Beautiful trails, unfortunately the restroom is a Porter Jon, having a regular restroom with running water to wash hands and a Water fountain now that would be fantastic.”
Plan your run at Drayton Plains Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- 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 trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewaterfordmi.gov
- Phone+1 248-674-5441
- Social Facebook
Running trails near Waterford Township
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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