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Ott Biological Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 305 Google reviews · Running trail in Battle Creek, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ott Biological Preserve'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.
This 300-acre nature preserve with tall trees & 3 lakes features peaceful walking trails.
What runners say about Ott Biological Preserve
“The trails are well-maintained, peaceful, and offer a great mix of woods, wetlands, and lakeside (small lake) views.”
“It’s so beautiful and I believe it contributed to my falling in love with Michigan!”
“Beautiful park with easy to follow trails that loop, making easy not to get lost.”
“The trails are well-maintained, peaceful, and offer a great mix of woods, wetlands, and lakeside (small lake) views.”
The Ott Biological Preserve is an absolute gem in Battle Creek. The trails are well-maintained, peaceful, and offer a great mix of woods, wetlands, and lakeside (small lake) views. It’s the perfect place for a quiet walk, a quick hike, or just to clear your head.
Gorgeous paths thru a little slice of natures heaven right in Battle Creek. Do stay alert as not all nearby home owners fence their yard or tether their animals.
Nice trail, well maintained, the gravel is nice to walk on, mostly shaded in the summer, cuts down on the heat. Peaceful.
I enjoyed my 90 min 3.3 miles in this nature preserve. It had a little bit of everything from low laying swamp areas to a couple of nice ponds along with a section which seems to be an old sand dune section. Very well marked paths with maps to know your location. Can't really get lost at this one.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails are well-maintained, peaceful, and offer a great mix of woods, wetlands, and lakeside (small lake) views.”
“The recent upgrades to the parking area and trailhead make the experience even better.”
“The trails are well-maintained, peaceful, and offer a great mix of woods, wetlands, and lakeside (small lake) views.”
“Dogs allowed and there are restrooms, picnic tables and a water fountain at the entrance to the hiking trails.”
“Nice trail, well maintained, the gravel is nice to walk on, mostly shaded in the summer, cuts down on the heat.”
“Very well marked paths with maps to know your location.”
“Dogs allowed and there are restrooms, picnic tables and a water fountain at the entrance to the hiking trails.”
“If you decide to bring kids with strollers, or bike, anything with wheels, there is a gravel walking path.”
Plan your run at Ott Biological Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- 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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitecalhouncountymi.gov
- Phone(269) 781-0782
- Social Facebook
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 |
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