HomeMichiganSand Lake › Ensley Township Nature Preserve

Ensley Township Nature Preserve

4.6 ★★★★★ 93 Google reviews · Running trail in Sand Lake, 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 Ensley Township Nature Preserve 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.

ScenicDog-friendly

What runners say about Ensley Township Nature Preserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (93 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 7 mentions

“Nice clean well kept nature center, even a playground for the kids!”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“Absolutely beautiful place to walk around.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trails are all clearly marked and well kept.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“Trails are easy walking, lots of birds and wild flowers in summer and don't forget a playground d for the little ones!”

Easy trail to train leash walking on. Few people! My cat did great! Highly suggest it if you want a chill walk with lots of shade.

★★★★☆ — A , Apr 2023

Beautiful park and trails. Would rate 5 star but the map and site claim there is a bathroom we couldn't find it, if it was actually there.

★★★★☆ — Buffy , Jun 2022

Great place to walk my dogs. The trails are all clearly marked and well kept. There are also benches throughout the trail. The pavilion with the picnic tables was very nice and clean. The playground looks like it would be very fun for kids, with a large jungle gym and swings.

★★★★★ — Brittiney , Apr 2019

Hiked here in the winter with my 5 &7 year old boys. They loved the giant viewing deck and slide. There are a TON of different habitats to explore here. It's filled with kettle lakes and a bog. The rolling topography makes for excellent hiking and views.

★★★★★ — Tricia , Jan 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 93 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 6 mentions

“The rolling topography makes for excellent hiking and views.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 3 mentions

“A great place to experience nature on groomed trails and pet friendly too!”

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Plan your run at Ensley Township Nature Preserve

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.
  • DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
  • Websiteensleytownship.org
  • Phone+1 616-636-8510

Where to find Ensley Township Nature Preserve

6985 136th St, Sand Lake, MI 49343

Get directions

Running trails near Sand Lake

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

North Country Trail

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Trestle Park

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Lush park featuring a historic stone bridge plus picnic tables, a restroom and a trail for hikers and bikes.

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Algoma Sports Park

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PavedDog-friendly

Well-maintained place featuring playground gear and walking paths plus soccer fields.

10.5 miles away

River’s Edge Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 40 reviews

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MixedDog-friendly

Park featuring a playground and picnic area, plus trails, a dog park, and a water lookout.

11.0 miles away

White Pine Trail - Access Point

4.7 ★★★★★ 58 reviews

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12 miMixedScenic

Park next to the White Pine rail trail that's used for hiking, walking and biking.

11.8 miles away

White Pine Trail - Access Point

4.8 ★★★★★ 24 reviews

Rockford, MI

Scenic

13.1 miles away

All running trails in Sand Lake, 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.