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Saginaw Forest Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 61 Google reviews · Running trail in Ann Arbor, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Saginaw Forest Trailhead'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.
Trails through woods plus a lake are the highlight of this peaceful spot for walking, hiking and bird-watching.
What runners say about Saginaw Forest Trailhead
“Paths are well maintained with the exception of some downed trees but not too hard to get over.”
“Park at the trailhead off Wagner Road and walk into a lush and beautiful forest.”
“It would actually be great for trail running—you just need to plan on doing a few loops if you want more distance.”
“Not well marked, but the trails tend to loop back around and are not super long so we were not concerned about getting lost.”
“The trail meanders through lush forest areas, providing a peaceful retreat from urban life.”
This is one of my favorite spots to go to. You easily feel that you are in a remote far away forest and forget how close Ann Arbor is. This is not a local fishing hole! If you come for a visit or lovely walk about please observe and obey the rules here!
Beautiful! And so close to downtown Ann Arbor. Paths are well maintained with the exception of some downed trees but not too hard to get over. My dog loved it. Park in the left back of the 243 church- google sent us to liberty rd and there’s no parking there.
Rustic trail available just west of Ann Arbor. Completing the loop around the lake takes approximately 1 hour. The trail includes multiple overlook points onto the lake as well as a pavilion area for picnics. Best entrance is on Wagner road where the parking lot is right near the trailhead.
Wow, what a gem! We came here on a snowy day to explore some trails via cross country skis, and it did not disappoint! Lovely trails, with options for both wide and single track, and nothing too challenging. There's a little lake that provides some views, and it feels very peaceful.
Trail conditions & character
“The trail includes multiple overlook points onto the lake as well as a pavilion area for picnics.”
“The trail meanders through lush forest areas, providing a peaceful retreat from urban life.”
“There were hikers, dogs, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers on the trail.”
“Without that, it’s easy to get a bit turned around at the cross-paths since there’s no guidance on how to stay on a specific loop.”
“Park in the left back of the 243 church- google sent us to liberty rd and there’s no parking there.”
“The main downside is that there are no trail markers or indicators, so if you’re not local, it’s definitely worth taking a picture of the map before starting.”
“Lovely trail loop that can be enjoyed all year long (although it gets really muddy after a hard rain).”
“I recommend this trail if you’re interested in a nice hike with your family or dog, just make sure you don’t bring a wagon or stroller, it won’t make it through the trail.”
Plan your run at Saginaw Forest Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteseas.umich.edu
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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