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Golson Nature Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 87 Google reviews · Running trail in Bay City, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Golson Nature Area'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.
Wooded nature area with paved and mulched trails, home to a nesting pair of bald eagles and other wildlife like deer and ducks.
What runners say about Golson Nature Area
“It has a gorgeous, well kept paved trail and a well kept mulched trail in a well established wooded area.”
“It has a gorgeous, well kept paved trail and a well kept mulched trail in a well established wooded area.”
“Good place to fish and quiet nature trails for spotting local wildlife.”
My girlfriend and I always enjoy walking through the trails here. Theres always lots of ducks, eagle nests, and the occasional deer. The trail is nice and paved and a nice bridge going over the little pond. Last time I was there I was lucky enough to capture 4 deer out eating!
Nice little nature area. If you make a figure 8 on the trails, you can make it a mile. Lots of shade. Lots of wildlife - songbirds, eagles, ducks, egrets, herons, deer, frogs, turtles...just a sweet little trail by the water.
Nice walking trail. Clean and maintained. Boat launch, Portapotties, Gazebo and dock to fish from. plenty of parking. Night Accessible, Well lit
I simply can't believe this perfect park isn't talked about more often! It has a gorgeous, well kept paved trail and a well kept mulched trail in a well established wooded area. There are eagles nesting, cranes fishing and deer often can be seen!
Trail conditions & character
“It has a gorgeous, well kept paved trail and a well kept mulched trail in a well established wooded area.”
“Boat launch, Portapotties, Gazebo and dock to fish from.”
“It has a gorgeous, well kept paved trail and a well kept mulched trail in a well established wooded area.”
“It has a gorgeous, well kept paved trail and a well kept mulched trail in a well established wooded area.”
“Good place to fish and quiet nature trails for spotting local wildlife.”
“It's boat dock and parking for boats looks plentiful though.”
Plan your run at Golson Nature Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebaycitymi.gov
- Phone(989) 894-8314
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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