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Harris Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 332 Google reviews · Running trail in Okemos, Michigan · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Harris 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.
Nature preserve featuring picnic tables, trails, and a play area, plus a public restroom.
What runners say about Harris Nature Center
“Easy to get to, beautiful well-kept trails, clear maps, beautiful woods, and even a bird watching lookout with built-in binoculars.”
“Easy to get to, beautiful well-kept trails, clear maps, beautiful woods, and even a bird watching lookout with built-in binoculars.”
I just recently discovered this gem! Beautiful nature center with unique playground, nature center building, and some birds to look at. I haven't explored the trails yet, but I am planning on doing it soon.
This is a treasure, located just east of the Okemos area. Easy to get to, beautiful well-kept trails, clear maps, beautiful woods, and even a bird watching lookout with built-in binoculars. We saw a lot of wildlife and very few other people.
Beautiful, clean, well-maintained nature area with nice selection of unpaved short to moderate-length trails. Most are easy. A few include slight hills. There is a stairway to the lower river walk. The park offers family-oriented nature activities and a summer camp for kids. Bring bug repellent in summer. Free parking.
Beautiful park with well-maintained hiking trails. The signage is excellent and there are plenty of options based on ability and time. Be aware that if you go into the other parks, the trails get a bit harder with some stairs and steep inclines.
Trail conditions & character
“Easy to get to, beautiful well-kept trails, clear maps, beautiful woods, and even a bird watching lookout with built-in binoculars.”
“If you go down the trail behind the restrooms, there's even a viewing station for the birds with free binoculars.”
“Much of it is paved and I thought about taking my elderly parents up here”
Plan your run at Harris Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemeridian.mi.us
- Phone(517) 349-3866
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Okemos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Riverfront Park
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Legg Park
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Tranquil park boasting hiking and bike trails along a river amid woodlands.
Eastgate Park
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Ted Black Woods
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Relaxed destination featuring marked trails for hiking, biking and running.
Red Cedar Natural Area
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Sander Farm Preserved Natural Area
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