August 20, 2025
Outdoor Adventures in the Ann Arbor Area
With plenty of recreational opportunities ranging from hiking, biking, paddling, and fishing — there’s plenty of opportunity to go around. Ann Arbor has various parks, green spaces, and water access and families can travel to nearby cities such as Ypsilanti, Pinckney, Chelsea, and more to experience boundless good times spent outdoors!
Outdoor Recreation Areas Near Ann Arbor
Whether you’re looking for a hiking excursion or you want to explore the great outdoors on two wheels — these nature areas have a little bit of something for everyone. Choose from trails, playgrounds, and even relaxed picnic areas where you can simply enjoy the quiet ambiance of nature.
When making plans to explore natural areas in the Ann Arbor area, you may need a Recreation Passport to gain access to certain spots like state parks and state forest campgrounds. Michigan’s parks and recreation system is by and large self-supported and relies on funds from passports to maintain and improve the outdoor spaces that the community utilizes.
Barton Nature Area
1010 West Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor
This Ann Arbor nature area encompasses 98 acres along the Huron River, situated just a few miles from downtown. Barton Nature Area provides pond access, as well as the opportunity to walk to the top of Barton Dam! The area is popular for catching sunsets and for casting a line. There is plenty of open green space, as well as benches to take in the views. There is a public boat launch that’s accessible from the northern parking lot, providing individuals with another outdoor recreation option. There are various trails that you can choose from, whether you want to check out cool bridges, spot wildlife, or practice your nature photography skills. Dogs are allowed to join in on the excursion but they must be kept leashed as there’s an array of plant life and native wildlife that must be protected.
Additional amenities at Barton Nature Area include picnic tables, portable restrooms, and grills. There are limited parking spaces, so arrive early on weekends and holidays to ensure you can snag a spot!
Waterloo Recreation Area
The Waterloo Recreation Area spans 20,000 acres and is the largest state park in the Lower Peninsula. Outdoor enthusiasts will find a variety of fun to be had within the confines of this recreation area, such as camping, lake activities, and an expansive trail system that includes routes such as the Waterloo-Dry Marsh Trail which traverses half a mile and the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail that takes adventurous hikers across 34 miles!
Guests in the park can visit the Eddy Discovery Center, where they’ll learn more about the natural surroundings and the wildlife habitats in the area. Biking the DTE Energy Foundation Trail is another popular option, with over 10 miles to explore on two wheels! There are even opportunities to rent kayaks and play on the swimming beaches. Whether you hunt, play disc golf, or even ride horses — there’s a little bit of everything for every genre of outdoor enthusiast.
Bird Hills Nature Area
The Bird Hills Nature Area is Ann Arbor’s largest natural area, coming in at a whopping 146 acres of green space. Families will enjoy the hilly wooded terrain, which is a sanctuary for hikers on hot days. The area has an expansive network of trails, so you can either spend hours exploring or keep it short with a quick jaunt through nature. At this time, Bird Hills is closed to bicycles as they are prone to causing erosive damage. While you’re hiking, check out rare plant species and keep an eye out for native wildlife that may be wandering the area. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
There are five trailheads at Bird Hills, including Down Up Circle, Bird Road, and Beechwood Drive. Visitors will find a small parking area near the main entrance, as well as small pull-off lots and street parking near the trailheads.
Pinckney Recreation Area
8555 Silver Hill Road, Pinckney
If you’re a lover of the outdoors, Pinckney Recreation Area is basically a paradise for backpackers, mountain bikers, and anglers. The area is known for its extensive trail system, as well as excellent fishing lakes that you can spend an entire day exploring with ease. Cast a line at Silver Lake and Crooked Lake, with both pier fishing and shore fishing options. The recreation area encompasses 11,000 acres, so there’s more than enough space to enjoy solitude in nature while you take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Other activities at Pinckney Recreation Area include cross-country skiing in the winter, horseback riding on 13 miles of trails, and even metal detecting, which is recognized as a legitimate recreation activity! There are two public beaches, one at Silver Lake and the other at Halfmoon Lake, where you can cool off on a hot summer day.
Furstenberg Nature Area
This nature area is on the smaller side, with 38 acres of park space and greenery but that doesn’t mean that families can’t make the most of the outdoors here! Within this acreage, the park features wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and even oak savanna. There is a half-mile paved loop around the park, which is perfect for families with little ones in tow. Furstenberg is a great spot in Ann Arbor to spot wildlife, including various species of frogs such as American Toads, Green Frogs, and Gray Treefrogs. You may even hear the recognizable tunes of songbirds singing in the trees. Amenities at this nature area include bike racks, drinking fountains, picnic tables, and seasonal restrooms.
Bicyclists are allowed within the borders of Furstenberg, though they should keep in mind that bikes are prohibited on the boardwalks within the park. If you’re bringing the family pup on your outing, make sure to avoid any fish and foam from the Huron River as an advisory has been issued.
Can’t-Miss Trails Near Around Ann Arbor
If you love exploring designated trails, then you’ll want to add these to your summer bucket list! From the popular B2B Trail and the Huron River Trail, you’ll have endless outdoor recreation opportunities as you explore miles on miles of pathways and routes.
The Border-to-Border Trail
Commonly referred to as the B2B Trail, this is a 35-mile long, 10-foot wide, ADA-accessible pathway that encompasses six different trail corridors. Families can use this trail to explore parks and various destinations throughout Washtenaw County. A few of the parks along the B2B Trail include the Dexter-Huron Metropark, Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, and Ypsilanti’s Frog Island Park. Hop on your bike or enjoy the trail on foot!
When using the B2B Trail, families are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Not every segment along the route has water fountains! You can download a map ahead of time to ensure you’re en route to your intended destination. Some parks have fees at access points, so bring appropriate payment methods. Other supplies and gear that may prove useful include cameras, binoculars, and even plant identification booklets!
Nichols Arboretum Loop Trail
This 2.7-mile loop trail is a great option for when you want to get outdoors and breathe in the fresh air. The trail system at the arboretum connects all three entrances, making it a great way to discover the entire property. The loop trail is scenic and family-friendly, so bring the little ones along or enjoy a peaceful walk in solitude! Walk along the Huron River or challenge yourself with some steep hills that pay off once you soak in the views of the Arb’s valleys and beyond.
Huron River Water Trail
This 104-mile-long river trail winds through Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Ypsilanti and provides a variety of padding and water recreational activities for families looking to get outdoors this summer. Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or fishing — there’s plenty to see and do on the river. Both Argo Park and Gallup Park in Ann Arbor provide universal access launching for everybody, including paddlers with disabilities. Families can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and even tubes from local outfitters such as Skip’s Huron River Canoe Livery and REI.
Looking for an exciting activity to work on this summer? Check out Huron104, which is an official register for the names of individuals who have traversed the entire length of the trail! Finishers are recognized on the honor system, whether they completed the entire trail in a thru-paddle or via section paddles. Imagine the triumph of getting your name on the list!
Potawatomi Trail
If you love exploring an area by bike, the Pinckney-Potowatomi Trail, located in the Pinckney Recreation Area, is one of the best around. Riders will see marshes, wetlands, and more as they challenge themselves with technical climbs and descents over the course of this 17+ mile trail. No worries if the length seems too daunting, there is a shortcut that takes a few miles off! The trailhead can be located near the parking area for Silver Lake. Along the route, you may also encounter hikers so be courteous to everyone on the trail to ensure safety and good times for all.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Fun In and Around Ann Arbor
Looking for ways to get outside with the family this summer? These exciting activities are a great way to take advantage of the warmer weather and explore different parts of Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
1800 North Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor
Families will discover unique outdoor gardens, as well as three miles of kid-approved trails at the botanical gardens. If you get too warm, head to the indoor multi-climate conservatory for a reprieve from the sun! Admission is free, so this is a great activity that won’t break the bank. Check out upcoming events at the botanical gardens, such as Nature Play Pop-Up activities, native plant sales, beekeeper meetings, and more!
Riverside Park
2 East Cross Street, Ypsilanti
As indicated by the name, this 16-acre Ypsilanti park is located along the Huron River. With plenty of family-friendly recreation options to participate in, choose between biking, fishing, and even enjoying the playground. Dogs are welcome, so make this an outing for the entire family! From Riverside Park, you can hop onto the Ypsilanti Corridor segment of the B2B Trail and extend your adventures towards Ann Arbor or Rawsonville.
Independence Lake County Park
3200 Jennings Road, Whitmore Lake
A quick 20-minute drive from Ann Arbor, Independence Lake County Park has a variety of things to do for families of all sizes and ages. At the lake, families will find a swimmable beach area and the Blue Heron Bay Splash Park! If you want to visit often during the warmer months, a vehicle admission pass can help you save money! The passes are also valid at Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti, where families will find hiking trails, a water park, and plenty of open space for a range of activities like frisbee, soccer, and even just enjoying a picnic lunch!
Make the Most of the Outdoors This Summer in the Ann Arbor Area!
As you embark on your outdoor adventures this summer, make sure to stay safe! Wear protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen, and always pack water. When hiking, make sure to stay on the designated trail so you don’t get lost, and always leave the outdoors better than you found it. Stay safe this summer and enjoy all the outdoor recreation that Ann Arbor and the surrounding cities have to offer!
Before heading out on your grand adventures, always check the weather beforehand. Nothing can ruin a day on the lake more than a rainstorm. Keep in mind that ticks may be active in wooded and grassy areas of Michigan during the summer and fall months. Brush up on preventative measures and tick safety tips before hitting the trails!
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