HomeMichiganWestland › Nankin Mills Recreation Area

Nankin Mills Recreation Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 656 Google reviews · Running trail in Westland, Michigan · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Nankin Mills Recreation 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.

ScenicTrailhead parking

Nature retreat featuring bike paths, picnic tables, and play areas, in addition to charcoal grills.

What runners say about Nankin Mills Recreation Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (656 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

well-maintained 5 mentions

“But firemen were to clean the kids off!”

🏞️ beautiful scenery 6 mentions

“Beautiful area in Hines drive, with a small pond view by right side.”

Went for a walk today. Noticed a new GIANT fire pit that has been installed. It was a beautiful day and as always a beautiful park

★★★★★ — Tara , Apr 2025

Nankin Mills is my home away from home. The Ellsworth trail is a wonderful hike, and I'll always say that I saw a Redd Foxx while sitting on that bench on the hill...Twice. The museum is awesome, the turtles & snakes are cool and I guess the staff is ok too sometimes 😸😺🐱😹. I love Henry Ford on the second floor.

★★★★★ — Charles , Nov 2025

Beautiful area in Hines drive, with a small pond view by right side. It would be great area to spend quality time for cycling, running, pets allowed. It is a calm and quiet environment. Free parking available

★★★★★ — Abhi , Oct 2018

Only did a short walk. Mainly in the forest ao not much sun but nice trail. Uneven terrain so not good for strollers or people who are having difficulties to walk.

★★★★☆ — Daniela , Sep 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 656 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 8 mentions

“Beautiful area in Hines drive, with a small pond view by right side.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Free parking at the main office building.”

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Plan your run at Nankin Mills Recreation Area

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 — reported by runners
  • Websitewaynecounty.com
  • Phone(313) 224-7600

Hours

Monday 8 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–9 PM
Thursday 8 AM–9 PM
Friday 8 AM–9 PM
Saturday 8 AM–9 PM
Sunday 8 AM–9 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Nankin Mills Recreation Area

33259-33325 Edward N Hines Dr, Westland, MI 48185

Get directions

Running trails near Westland

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

Wayne County Parks

4.6 ★★★★★ 67 reviews

Westland, MI

Lit

Park offering picnic tables and trails for walking and biking.

under a mile away

Nankin Mills Nature Center

4.6 ★★★★★ 139 reviews

Westland, MI

Scenic

Free nature center featuring exhibits on the history of the area and its wildlife (including live turtles) or reptiles, plus trails.

under a mile away

Tonquish/Ellsworth Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 16 reviews

Westland, MI

Mixed

under a mile away

Holliday Nature Preserve

4.3 ★★★★☆ 111 reviews

Westland, MI

Natural surfaceShadedScenic

Nature reserve and park with 5 miles of pathways through the woods popular for hiking.

under a mile away

Oak Grove MTB Trailhead (East)

4.7 ★★★★★ 47 reviews

Westland, MI

Scenic

under a mile away

Nankin Lake Park Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 130 reviews

Livonia, MI

PavedScenic

Park with a lake providing opportunities for fishing, walking, kayaking, and biking, plus a waterfall.

under a mile away

All running trails in Westland, 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.