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Red Cedar Natural Area

4.5 ★★★★★ 30 Google reviews · Running trail in East Lansing, 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 Red Cedar Natural Area 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.

Red Cedar Natural Area — running trail in East Lansing, MI, photo 1
Red Cedar Natural Area — running trail in East Lansing, MI, photo 2
Trailhead parking

What runners say about Red Cedar Natural Area

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (30 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

Very nice area but 'unimproved'. More of a wilderness area than most. Trails are not groomed or maintained, there is no parking area. Note: reviews stating that this area connects to the river trail and has parking are wrong.

★★★★☆ — Smitty , Dec 2020

Great fall colors! And the park with short trails is close by and never busy. Lots of nature to observe. No mosquitoes, yay!

★★★★★ — Bjoern , Oct 2020

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 30 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.

🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Trails are not groomed or maintained, there is no parking area.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at Red Cedar Natural Area

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.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Websitemeridian.mi.us
  • Phone+1 517-853-4600

Where to find Red Cedar Natural Area

1455 Oscoda Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823

Get directions

Running trails near East Lansing

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

Sander Farm Preserved Natural Area

4.6 ★★★★★ 25 reviews

Okemos, MI

under a mile away

Legg Park

4.7 ★★★★★ 68 reviews

Okemos, MI

Natural surfaceScenicDog-friendly

Tranquil park boasting hiking and bike trails along a river amid woodlands.

under a mile away

Riverfront Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews

Okemos, MI

1.2 miles away

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★★★★★ 332 reviews

Okemos, MI

6 miPavedScenicDog-friendly

Nature preserve featuring picnic tables, trails, and a play area, plus a public restroom.

1.2 miles away

Ted Black Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ 78 reviews

Okemos, MI

LoopNatural surfaceShadedScenic

Relaxed destination featuring marked trails for hiking, biking and running.

1.6 miles away

Wonch Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 174 reviews

Okemos, MI

PavedScenic

Relaxed grassy area with a playground, an exercise area and riverfront views.

1.9 miles away

All running trails in East Lansing, 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.