Walking through Ann Arbor offers more than just a chance to stretch your legs. It’s an invitation to experience the city’s natural beauty, rich ecosystems, and thoughtfully designed spaces.
These trails reveal the city’s character, whether through its quiet nature preserves or its seamless connections between urban life and outdoor serenity. So, lace up your walking shoes and prepare to explore an eclectic mix of trails that connect the heart of the city with its more tranquil corners.
1. Gallup Park Trails
Gallup Park offers over three miles of paved paths that loop around small islands and along the Huron River, making it a versatile destination for walkers. The wide, asphalt trails cater to everyone, from casual walkers to those seeking a more active pace, and their seamless connection to the Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail extends opportunities for longer outings.
The bridges and scenic water views create a calm environment, while benches and shaded spots along the paths provide comfortable breaks. Winter months bring a quieter charm to the park, where the open water attracts birdwatchers eager to spot migratory species.
Highlights
- Accessible paved paths with scenic pedestrian bridges.
- Ideal for birdwatching near the Huron River.
- Connections to other city parks for longer walks.
Pro Tips
- Visit early mornings for fewer crowds and peaceful walks.
- Bring binoculars during winter to spot unique waterfowl like Common Mergansers and Canvasbacks.
- The park is part of the B2B Trail, so it’s easy to extend your walk into neighboring areas.
2. Nichols Arboretum (“The Arb”) Trails
The trails at Nichols Arboretum deliver a mix of diverse landscapes and quiet paths that invite introspection. With nearly 3.5 miles of trails weaving through woodlands, open fields, and along the Huron River, there’s a sense of discovery at every turn. Seasonal changes add layers of interest, from spring blooms to fall foliage.
The trails connect seamlessly to three main entrances, and maps are available to help you explore without backtracking. If you’re looking to pair your walk with cultural enrichment, the themed gardens and collections provide plenty to reflect on during your visit.
Highlights
- Diverse landscapes, from meadows to riverfront.
- Seasonal attractions like the iconic peony garden.
- Trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Pro Tips
- Start at the Visitor Center for restroom access and trail maps.
- Avoid weekends if you prefer a quieter experience.
- Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to venture into the steeper trails along the riverbank.
3. Bird Hills Nature Area Trails
The trails at Bird Hills Nature Area offer a peaceful escape into one of Ann Arbor’s most extensive natural landscapes. With 146 acres of unpaved paths weaving through wooded hills and ravines, this park is ideal for hikers looking for solitude among towering trees and wildflowers.
The trails showcase a mix of native trees, including beech, sugar maple, and hickory, alongside seasonal displays of spring wildflowers. Multiple trailheads make it easy to find your way in, but the park’s undeveloped charm means there are no facilities—just you, the forest, and a network of quiet paths waiting to be explored.
Highlights
- Hilly, unpaved trails that cater to nature enthusiasts.
- Quiet retreat with abundant wildlife and flora.
- Perfect for those seeking a more rugged walking experience.
Pro Tips
- Wear sturdy shoes for navigating the uneven terrain.
- Use the Newport Road parking area for convenient access to well-marked trails.
- Avoid the area after heavy rain as trails can get muddy.
4. Furstenberg Nature Area Trails
Furstenberg Nature Area’s trails provide a tranquil walking experience through 38 acres of diverse ecosystems. The half-mile paved loop and granular trails offer easy access to wetlands, prairies, and oak savannas. The wetland boardwalk is a highlight, connecting the park to Gallup Park and providing close-up views of marsh wildlife.
Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the benches and observation points scattered along the trails, perfect for spotting turtles, frogs, or even the occasional Trumpeter Swan. This park is a quiet retreat where you can enjoy nature’s rhythms, from the sound of cattails swaying to the calls of Red-winged Blackbirds.
Highlights
- Boardwalks through wetlands with opportunities to observe wildlife.
- Diverse ecosystems featuring prairie, woodland, and marshes.
- Peaceful setting ideal for nature photography.
Pro Tips
- Bring binoculars for better views of the abundant wildlife.
- Spring and early summer evenings are ideal for catching the park’s chorus of frogs.
- Pick up a brochure at the entrance to learn about the park’s ecosystems as you walk.
5. Barton Nature Area Trails
Barton Nature Area offers a blend of tranquility and functionality across its 98 acres along the Huron River. The main trail, a half-mile stretch, connects two bridges and serves as a gateway to side trails that reveal diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, and forests.
Walking along the earthen embankment at Barton Dam, you can enjoy panoramic views of Barton Pond, which supplies most of Ann Arbor’s drinking water. The park’s history is intertwined with its surroundings, from its oxbow meadows to Foster, a secluded area accessible only by boat. Barton is great for both short and extended hikes.
Highlights
- Trails with views of Barton Pond and dam.
- Connection to neighboring parks like Bird Hills.
- Historical elements and diverse plant communities.
Pro Tips
- Start at the main parking lot for easy access to the trails.
- Keep dogs leashed to protect local wildlife and vegetation.
- The picnic area near the parking lot is ideal for post-hike relaxation.
6. West Park Trails
West Park offers an urban escape with its 27 acres of rolling hills, towering oaks, and historic features. The paved walking paths guide you through this downtown green space, passing by the park’s centerpiece—a historic bandshell. The trails include a segment of a Native American trail, weaving through wooded bluffs along the south edge.
Community gardens, wetlands, and bioswales provide a sense of harmony with nature, while majestic champion trees, including a burr oak and a northern red oak, stand as silent witnesses to the park’s history.
Highlights
- Central location with a mix of shaded trails and open spaces.
- Amphitheater and picnic areas along the paths.
- Family-friendly setting with opportunities to relax or play.
Pro Tips
- The pergola at the north entrance offers a picturesque starting point for your walk.
- Winter visitors can enjoy cleared paths for year-round accessibility.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy under the sprawling oaks in the park’s central area.
7. Argo Park and Cascades Loop
Argo Park & Nature Area, a 22-acre gem on the east side of the Huron River, is a favorite for walkers seeking a mix of nature and accessibility. The unpaved trail along the river offers serene views of Argo Pond and passes through diverse woodlands. The southern stretch features basswood and willow trees, while the northern section highlights black oak, shagbark hickory, and spring wildflowers.
For a longer walk, the loop around Argo Pond, connecting to Bandemer Park, provides over two miles of trails. The Argo Cascades add a dynamic touch, with small rapids and pools enhancing the experience.
Highlights
- Riverfront paths with scenic views of the cascades.
- Bridges and benches along the trail for resting spots.
- Easy access to nearby recreational activities.
Pro Tips
- Start your walk from the Argo Canoe Livery for easy access to amenities.
- Visit during spring for wildflower blooms or at dusk for skyline reflections on the pond.
- Parking is available at the livery, but arrive early on weekends to secure a spot.
8. Mary Beth Doyle Park Trail
Mary Beth Doyle Park offers an 85-acre retreat with a mix of paved paths and natural trails. The circular paved trail loops around a large wetland and pond, providing a peaceful, accessible route with vibrant wildflowers during the growing season.
For a more immersive walk, venture into the wooded areas where narrow boardwalks and footpaths meander through Mallets Creek and its surrounding vegetation. Native wildflowers like trillium and trout lilies brighten the trails in spring, while the adjoining Swift Run Nature Area adds extra miles for exploration. Rain gardens and a stormwater detention basin showcase thoughtful ecological design.
Highlights
- Scenic loops ideal for peaceful walks.
- Picnic spots with views of the pond.
- Accessible and family-friendly environment.
Pro Tips
- Access the paved trail from the Birch Hollow Drive parking lot for a smooth start.
- Wear waterproof shoes if you plan to explore the wooded trails as they can be muddy.
- Stick to designated paths to protect the delicate ecosystem and enjoy the beauty responsibly.
Conclusion: Finding Your Path in Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor’s walking trails offer a diverse tapestry of experiences for those who appreciate the outdoors. The peaceful woodlands of Bird Hills, the riverside charm of Gallup Park, and the wildflower-lined paths of Furstenberg Nature Area provide unique moments that feel both grounding and refreshing. For a mix of urban and natural landscapes, Argo Park and its loop trails are your go-to. Seasoned hiker or not, these trails invite you to step outside, breathe deeply, and connect with Ann Arbor in a meaningful way.
