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Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 666 Google reviews · Running trail in Saginaw, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge'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.
Migratory waterfowl are a highlight of this wetland area with walking trails & a scenic drive.
What runners say about Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
“Multiple hiking/biking trails and a seasonal wildlife scenic drive make for endless adventures.”
“its a calm place with few binoculars, which helps us view all the birds and deer clearly.”
We stopped here while in Saginaw and went through the driving trail. It was enjoyable but very long. Once you start the drive you have to finish it as it is only 1-way. It is also a stone path so this may not be suitable for those concerned about dents or dings to their vehicles from rocks bouncing up from the ground.
Such a great forest. Well Maintained for the most part and plenty of miles to explore. I go here all year round and I always find something different to get into while I’m on the trails. So much wildlife and it’s right along the river as well so you can get some fishing time in.
This is a must do if you are within an hours drive away. I was able to relax on the trail and see numerous bird species up close and personal. This is definitely a will return soon just to see the seasons change. I was amazed at how relaxing a six mile drive could be.
Very peaceful place to see lots of wildlife and plants. Birds galore. The auto trail is fun, but you can't get up close to nature in a car. Beautiful in the evening when the frogs and insects are singing. You can hear the geese, swans, and sandhill cranes calling as well as coyotes yammering at each other.
Trail conditions & character
“Multiple hiking/biking trails and a seasonal wildlife scenic drive make for endless adventures.”
Plan your run at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
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.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone(989) 777-5930
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 7:30 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Saginaw
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ferguson Bayou Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 84 reviews
Hiking area offering wildlife watching opportunities including bald eagles, cranes, and turtles.
Price Nature Center
4.6 ★★★★★ 242 reviews
Well-maintained 3-mile long trail system that takes hikers through forested land, alongside a playground.
Wickes Park
3.9 ★★★★☆ 157 reviews
Calm spot featuring a playground, disk golf and biking trail, along with a river view.
