Home › Michigan › Madison Heights › Red Oaks Nature Center
Red Oaks Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 934 Google reviews · Running trail in Madison Heights, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Red Oaks 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.
38-acre natural habitat with trail systems, seasonal displays in a log cabin & family programs.
What runners say about Red Oaks Nature Center
“Beautiful and well kept trail that is very easily navigated.”
“Beautiful paved walking trails, wonderful nature center with turtles, reptiles, a variety of learning tools for the kids.”
“Highly recommend spending a few hours here if you’re looking for something peaceful and family-friendly!”
“Highly recommend spending a few hours here if you’re looking for something peaceful and family-friendly!”
This was a pleasant surprise! We came because I was really in the need for a nature walk, and the Forest Trail was really lovely. We got caught up halfway feeding the squirrels which was super fun. I’d definitely come back for a walk here if I was in the area.
Beautiful and well kept trail that is very easily navigated. Lovely in the fall. Fun story along one trail for kids. Some art set up by the Detroit Institute of Art. In the way of wildlife, we saw squirrels and deer. There are also benches set along the trail.
Came here while we were in the area. It's a cute little nature center and walking area! The weather wasn't super favorable so we didn't walk a lot, but while doing so we saw three deer, one of them was a nice 10-pointer! It was a neat experience.
A brisk Tuesday here beats a warm day in the office. Nice trails to explore and everything is marked so you know where you are and the length of your walk. Only downside is the sounds of traffic. Saw a blue Jay and tons of squirrels. There is a portapotty on site.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful paved walking trails, wonderful nature center with turtles, reptiles, a variety of learning tools for the kids.”
“Highly recommend spending a few hours here if you’re looking for something peaceful and family-friendly!”
“Beautiful paved walking trails, wonderful nature center with turtles, reptiles, a variety of learning tools for the kids.”
“What a gem to be so close to the city but tucked into a nice wooded area so you feel at one with nature.”
Plan your run at Red Oaks Nature Center
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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
- Websiteoakgov.com
- Phone+1 248-585-0100
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 12–5 pm |
Running trails near Madison Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ambassador Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 66 reviews
Park with a playground, picnic areas, soccer field, and tennis courts, plus a trail.
Civic Center Park Madison Heights
4.6 ★★★★★ 778 reviews
Amenities include a playground, grills, athletic courts & fields, sledding hills & a skate park.
Rosie's Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 754 reviews
30.9-acre park offering wooded trails, an ice rink, grills, a BMX 1/2 pipe, sports courts & fields.
Red Run Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 178 reviews
Modest, wooded park with ball fields, basketball & tennis courts, picnic tables & a playground.
Huffman Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 199 reviews
Neighborhood park with a playground, picnic tables, and a softball field, plus fitness equipment.
Redwood Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 63 reviews
Park offering pickleball courts and a playground, as well as picnic tables.