Barton Hills MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Barton Hills, Michigan.
1. Barton Nature Area
URBAN RIVERFRONT OASIS
Barton Nature Area offers a tranquil escape within Ann Arbor, featuring a rich mix of prairies, oak savannas, meadows, and wetlands along the Huron River. Hikers can explore interconnected trails, bridges, and side paths with opportunities for wildlife and plant observation year-round. Its accessible location and scenic beauty make it a favorite for nature lovers and families alike.
2. Bird Hills Nature Area
FORESTED HILLTOP WOODLANDS
Bird Hills Nature Area is the largest park in Ann Arbor, celebrated for its densely wooded slopes, winding ravines, and extensive trail network. Visitors enjoy peaceful hikes under mature hardwoods and spring wildflowers, with varying elevations offering moderate challenges. This natural haven is especially lovely in autumn and spring, providing excellent birdwatching and solitude.
3. Barton-Argo Loop Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE LOOP
The Barton-Argo Loop Trail links the Barton Nature Area and Argo Nature Area, creating a scenic route along the Huron River and through tranquil woodlands. It caters to hikers seeking a mix of river views, bridges, and shaded forest walks. Its relative flatness and accessibility make it suitable for all skill levels looking for a picturesque urban hike.
4. Hilltop Nature Area
QUIET PRAIRIE MEADOWS
Hilltop Nature Area features rolling meadows and quiet trails, connecting to other green spaces like Barton and Bird Hills Nature Areas. Hikers experience native prairie landscapes, wildflowers, and peaceful vistas close to the city. The area is ideal for those seeking a gentle, uncrowded trek and opportunities for birdwatching.
5. Ruthven Nature Area
RESTORED PRAIRIE PRESERVE
Ruthven Nature Area is a restored natural sanctuary featuring prairie grasses, wetlands, and woodland edges on Ann Arbor's east side. Its short, accessible trails wind through diverse habitats, supporting birds, butterflies, and native plants. Visitors appreciate the serenity, educational signage, and thriving wildlife within this urban refuge.
6. Furstenberg Nature Area
RIVERSIDE WETLAND TRAILS
Furstenberg Nature Area boasts boardwalks and paths along the Huron River, traversing wetlands and woods just outside downtown Ann Arbor. Interpretive signs explain the rich plant and animal life supported by this varied landscape. The park is popular for peaceful walking, spring birdwatching, and easy access to water views.
7. Black Pond Woods Nature Area
SECLUDED FOREST RETREAT
Black Pond Woods Nature Area is a hidden gem offering tranquil woodland trails and a small, secluded pond. The preserve features a unique blend of old-growth forest, wetland edges, and abundant spring wildflowers. Hikers can discover quiet paths well-suited for solitude, wildlife observation, and educational outings.
8. Leslie Science & Nature Center Trails
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE WALKS
The Leslie Science & Nature Center offers a network of easy trails, meadows, woods, and interactive environmental exhibits perfect for families and young explorers. Trails loop through butterfly gardens, native habitats, and animal enclosures, fostering both recreation and learning. Visitors enjoy the peaceful surroundings and frequent nature programs held on-site.
9. Kuebler Langford Nature Area
PRAIRIE AND WOODLAND TRAILS
Kuebler Langford Nature Area is a quiet park with rolling prairies, young woodlands, and wetland pockets northwest of Ann Arbor. Hikers can explore a network of gentle paths amid native grasses and wildflowers with occasional views overlooking the Huron River valley. Its peaceful carry offers excellent opportunities for quiet walks and observing urban wildlife.
10. Applewood Trail
SHADED RESIDENTIAL PATHWAY
Applewood Trail is a short but inviting path weaving through residential Ann Arbor neighborhoods and shaded greenways. It offers a gentle and accessible walking route for locals, with the peaceful feel of a secret city escape. The trail is suitable for families, joggers, and those seeking a casual stroll close to home.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP-RATED TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the top-rated hiking destinations throughout Michigan, from the Upper Peninsula's rugged wilderness to the scenic Lower Peninsula forests and parks. These trails offer everything from challenging mountain treks to serene forest walks, catering to a wide range of skill levels and interests. Hikers can experience breathtaking views, waterfalls, and pristine nature that define Michigan's outdoor adventure scene.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL LAKEFRONT WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking invites adventurers to explore the state's iconic freshwater coastlines, from the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan to dramatic bluffs on Lake Superior. Hikers can journey along boardwalks, dune trails, and cliffside paths with panoramic water views. These shorelines offer some of the Midwest's best beach hiking experiences, famed for sunsets, dunes, and lakeshore breezes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS AND WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights off-the-beaten-path trails where solitude and wildlife encounters are common. These remote parks and reserves offer lush forests, peaceful wetlands, and opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other native species. Hikers looking for quiet reflection and unspoiled beauty are rewarded with unique, uncrowded nature experiences.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for its spectacular fall foliage, where trails wind through vibrant forests of red, gold, and orange. Hikers can immerse themselves in classic autumn scenery along ridges, lakeshores, and hardwood groves during peak color season. These hikes offer stunning views, crisp air, and unforgettable seasonal beauty that draws visitors each year.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS HIKING ADVENTURES
Ottawa National Forest covers nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering extensive wilderness hiking opportunities. Trails lead through deep forests, past thundering waterfalls, and to scenic overlooks, providing a sense of remote adventure and discovery. The forest is a premier destination for backcountry exploration, wildlife sightings, and year-round natural beauty.