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Eliason Nature Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 138 Google reviews · Running trail in Portage, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Eliason Nature Reserve'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.
Paved trail through the woods featuring a boardwalk over a bog.
What runners say about Eliason Nature Reserve
“The public restrooms at the parking lot off of Osterhout Rd appeared to be fairly new and were very clean.”
“The first half of the trail is the more scenic part in the woods.”
“great place to walk, run, play with your new puppy, or just enjoy nature.”
“Peaceful, quiet, always fully stocked, spotlessly clean, and not heavily used.”
great place to walk, run, play with your new puppy, or just enjoy nature.
Best public restroom in all of Portage. I will go out of my way to use this baby. Peaceful, quiet, always fully stocked, spotlessly clean, and not heavily used... What more could you ask for? Oh, the building is also quite attractive as well. You won't be disappointed going here.
LOVE! This place is awesome! It just about connects a few of the different portage parks together. Like Schrier park, The South Westnedge park. It's also close to Bishops bog. Great for trail running. The paved part is great for skateboarding, strollers and dog walkers.
Great multi use paved trail. It winds through the woods and runs from Industrial Dr to Ousterhout Rd. There is also a very nice elevated boardwalk that goes through the bog back out to South Westnedge Park. It is a great area for bird watching. Remember, the boardwalk is not bike friendly.
Trail conditions & character
“My wife and I walked the trail from Osterhout Ave up to Portage Industrial Dr and then back to our car.”
“The Eliason Nature Reserve has a winding paved pathway that's great for bike riders, rollerbladers, or pedestrians.”
“Perhaps have a poop bag dispensing station to encourage folks to pick up dog waste that happens right off the trail.”
“The first half of the trail is the more scenic part in the woods.”
“There is also a very nice elevated boardwalk that goes through the bog back out to South Westnedge Park.”
“Peaceful, quiet, always fully stocked, spotlessly clean, and not heavily used.”
“The public restrooms at the parking lot off of Osterhout Rd appeared to be fairly new and were very clean.”
“In Eliason The trails are a combination of paved with side trails that are packed dirt.”
“There aren't any amenities such as water fountains or benches, so plan accordingly.”
“These parks are kid friendly, dog on leash friendly and the paved sections are handicap accessible.”
Plan your run at Eliason Nature Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, water — 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.
- Websiteportagemi.gov
- Phone+1 269-329-4522
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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 |
Running trails near Portage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Schrier Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 262 reviews
Relaxed, wooded park, with picnic tables, featuring trails, benches, and a playground.
Bishop's Bog Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Park featuring a trail for walking and admiring nature.
West Lake Nature Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 292 reviews
Lakefront acreage with a wetland bog habitat, wooded trail & a dock promenade with scenic views.
Prairie View County Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 518 reviews
210-acre lakeside park offering a swimming beach, dog park, covered picnic areas & athletic fields.
Central Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
Compact, kid-friendly park featuring a playground, picnic tables, and an amphitheater.