Home › Michigan › Okemos › Ted Black Woods
Ted Black Woods
4.6 ★★★★★ 78 Google reviews · Running trail in Okemos, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ted Black Woods' 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.
Relaxed destination featuring marked trails for hiking, biking and running.
What runners say about Ted Black Woods
“Easy access, clean and well-maintained trails, trail markers, convenient parking.”
“Gorgeous wooded nature trails nestled quietly right along Grand River.”
“Perfect for really hot days because there is so much shade.”
“This was perfect, takes a few minutes to get away from the road and you will pick out sights of civilization once or twice but a good 30 min power walk on a nice well marked trail.”
“Definitely good for all ages/intensity levels.”
This is a hidden gem of a park! Be aware that you'll likely be alone in the woods and that this is a moderately difficult hike due to the terrain. The trail is well marked and there are a few benches for a break.
Adorable little trail. You'll drive right past it if you're not paying attention. Parking lot is small. We saw a hawk very close up here. Lots of mosquitoes. Short trail but you can make it shorter if needed. Nice little retreat into the woods.
Great path! The whole thing is about 2-ish miles, so it is not the longest. It is still one of my dog's favorites! Perfect for really hot days because there is so much shade. Have to look out for mosquitos and tree roots.
This trail is missed by most people as they are zooming past between Okemos and Williamston. It's not long, and you can complete the loop in about 25 minutes. But it's a nice walk that loops through a deciduous forest and by a marsh.
Trail conditions & character
“It's not exactly wilderness - you are not long out of view of houses to either side of the trail, but it's still fairly quiet, one you get away from the Grand River road noise.”
“This was perfect, takes a few minutes to get away from the road and you will pick out sights of civilization once or twice but a good 30 min power walk on a nice well marked trail.”
“It's not long, and you can complete the loop in about 25 minutes.”
“Gorgeous wooded nature trails nestled quietly right along Grand River.”
“Easy access, clean and well-maintained trails, trail markers, convenient parking.”
“Great for dogs and hiking, and seriously fun on a Mountain bike.”
“There are a good amount of roots which stick out from the path, so watch your feet, especially if you're running.”
Plan your run at Ted Black Woods
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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemeridian.mi.us
- Phone(517) 853-4000
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Okemos
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Eastgate Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 89 reviews
Park containing trails for walking, cycling and hiking (some muddy), plus picnic spots.
Harris Nature Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 332 reviews
Nature preserve featuring picnic tables, trails, and a play area, plus a public restroom.
Riverfront Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 7 reviews
Legg Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 68 reviews
Tranquil park boasting hiking and bike trails along a river amid woodlands.
North Meridian Road Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 151 reviews
Family-friendly park with soccer fields, trails and a sledding hill.
Red Cedar Natural Area
4.5 ★★★★★ 30 reviews