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Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 753 Google reviews · Running trail in Bay City, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail'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.
Nearly 5 miles of multi-use trails wind through this wooded waterfront area with wildlife-watching.
What runners say about Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail
“The walking paths are very well maintained.”
“Beautiful mature hardwood forest, wetlands, and wildlife.”
“Great time out doors, nice trails, see a few animals, lots of birds chirping, peaceful.”
“Easy walk with decent privacy that offers solitude from the cities and towns moments away.”
A lot decent trails to walk or ride. Beach access, splash park, camping across street. Picnic facilities. Visit marsh towers, see beaver and cranes. Board walk on beach with telescopes for seeing boats and shipping. Fish in the lagoon and open marsh areas.
Beautiful mature hardwood forest, wetlands, and wildlife. Great all seasons hiking area. Roughly 2.5-mile loop of easy walking. Nearby Bay City Recreation Area makes for a great day trip destination.
The Bay city state recreation area and the Tobico marsh are great places for birding and trail walking. The nature center has both indoor and outdoor restrooms. Some trails are paved and good for biking.
Great place right next to the Bay City State Park to take a walk, hike, or bike. I have been walking/biking here for decades, as a young child and now an adult. It is most peaceful in the morning 🌅, and during the Fall time 🍁.
Trail conditions & character
“Really good spot for photographers with the two 4 story towers overlooking the marsh.”
“However, watch out for wolves in the northern, wooded area of the loop, they are there.”
“All of the folks we met were so kind and cordial, and all of the dogs were so well behaved and managed.”
“Great time out doors, nice trails, see a few animals, lots of birds chirping, peaceful.”
“(brown muddy water) I Loved all the amenities.”
“However, watch out for wolves in the northern, wooded area of the loop, they are there.”
“The nature center has both indoor and outdoor restrooms.”
Plan your run at Tobico Marsh & Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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 trailheadrestrooms — 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.
- Phone(989) 667-0717
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Bay City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bay City State Park
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This destination for a range of activities, including biking, fishing & hiking, also has campsites.
Tobico Marsh Nature Area
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Nature preserve offering hiking trails with lookouts, and wildlife sightings.
Tobico Marsh Big Loop Trail Head
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Mariners Preserve
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