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Sterling Heights Nature Center
4.8 ★★★★★ 128 Google reviews · Running trail in Sterling Heights, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sterling Heights 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.
Family-friendly park featuring nature trails, a bike path, and educational facilities.
What runners say about Sterling Heights Nature Center
“The bathrooms are very clean, and also have different animal footprints painted on the walls.”
“We took a walk down the nature trails and seen amazing wildlife not to mention the beautiful Clinton River.”
Bike trail. And off road trails. Definitely will be back. Grab bug spray for the Trails that off the main bike trail. Cool nature center. The lady was very helpful and went above and beyond. Also summer hours is 10 not 1 for opening. Pet friendly has clean restrooms. In the nature center
This place is great! So many trails - like the paved Clinton River trail that's over the bridge, and also some natural trails right by the center. We walked the north loop (about 1 mile) and it was just lovely during the fall. Some of the leaves are bigger than your head!
Five Stars all the way!!! there’s so many wonderful things I can say about Sterling Heights nature Center. My son is the one who actually told me about this wonderful little secret, Tucktaway in Sterling Heights. We took a walk down the nature trails and seen amazing wildlife not to mention the beautiful Clinton River.
Great place for a hike or just a casual walk. A gem in sterling heights. The trail goes to Dodge Park to the south and Yates cider mill to the northwest. The also have off the path trails. I do , however advise that you being bug spray during the late afternoon hours when the skeetos are rampid 😂
Trail conditions & character
“There are puzzles, binoculars, stuffed animals, and other fun things for kids to manipulate in the back near a large window - overlooking a tree with a multitude of bird feeders.”
“So many trails - like the paved Clinton River trail that's over the bridge, and also some natural trails right by the center.”
“We walked the north loop (about 1 mile) and it was just lovely during the fall.”
“The bathrooms are very clean, and also have different animal footprints painted on the walls.”
Plan your run at Sterling Heights 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitesterlingheights.gov
- Phone+1 586-446-2710
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 12–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 1–8 pm |
| Thursday | 12–5 pm |
| Friday | 12–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Sterling Heights
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
North Clinton River Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 324 reviews
Scenic park featuring paved trails, picnic tables, a playground and river views.
Ben Hadley Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 201 reviews
Playground, clean park featuring a swing set and slides, along with walking trails.
Clinton River Park North
4.7 ★★★★★ 895 reviews
Tranquil, wooded area & geocaching destination with paved pathways linking to a rail-trail system.
Clinton River Heritage Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 577 reviews
Casual, clean park with a playground and a picnic area, plus access to the Clinton River.
Farmstead Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 277 reviews
Playground and volleyball court for kids, as well as trails for walking and biking.
Dodge Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,340 reviews
Recreation & sports park for volleyball, in-line hockey & picnics, with swings & an amphitheater.