The Kalamazoo Nature Center is home to over 14 miles of hiking trails winding through woods, wetlands, and prairies. Cross country skis and snowshoes welcome (trails are not groomed). Download the trail map or stop in to the Visitor Center or Welcome Station to pick up a printed map.
Did you know? KNC has a weather station, funded in part by Enviroweather! Check the forecast here and prepare for an amazing day at KNC.
0.7 mile/0.5 mile | Easy
Easy walk through fields to a reconstructed prairie awash with color in summer and fall. Look for bluebirds and swallows at the nest boxes.
0.5 mile loop | Easy
Enjoy accessible pathways with favorites including the Hummingbird-Butterfly Garden, Sculpture Tour, and Nature’s Playground.
0.8 mile | Moderate
Steep descent to a vernal pool. Look for signs of deer and wild turkeys. Huge maples can be found in the sugar grove.
0.7 mile | Moderate
Hike through woodlands, pine plantations, and old meadows. Includes a short, steep climb.
0.7 mile loop | Easy
Hike through pond, fen, stream, and forest habitats with a spur trail into the middle of the fen.
0.7 mile loop | Moderate
Hike through an old growth beech-maple forest along a stream. Spring wildflowers bloom abundantly and owls can be heard.
0.2 mile | Easy
Follow Trout Run to where it empties into the Kalamazoo River. Discover aquatic life in the stream or watch birds along the river.
0.2 mile | Moderate
Hike along a ridge overlooking Trout Run Stream. Find many wildflowers in the spring and colorful foliage in the fall.
0.4 mile loop | Difficult
Climb to one of the highest points in the county for views of the Kalamazoo River valley. Examine rocks in the old gravel pit.
2.7 mile loop | Difficult
Trek to the southern border of KNC through the 140-acre prairie, into the forest, and back through the gravel pit.
0.6 mile | Moderate
Take a tour into the past and visit the DeLano Homestead, the pioneer log cabin, and the sugar shack (buildings open for special events).
0.3 mile | Easy
A mowed grass trail running past the farmyard and into the woods. Look for animals near the small streams along the trail.
0.9 mile | Moderate
Walk through farm fields and forest to the pristine Source Pond. Look for pileated woodpeckers, turtles, and other wildlife.
0.5 mile | Moderate
Hike through a young forest and past small ponds to a tunnel under North Westnedge Avenue.
0.8 mile | Moderate
Walk in a mature forest overlooking Trout Run Stream. A cattail marsh borders the stream.
1.0 mile loop | Difficult
This challenging trail heads through towering tulip trees and successional saplings along the edge of the Trout Run watershed.
Thank you to the following people for adopting a trail at KNC this year! KNC’s Adopt-A-Trail Program provides a way for individuals and businesses to partner with KNC by sponsoring trail maintenance on specific trails. Learn more and adopt a trail here.
Beech Maple Trail
Mary Francois
Ross Jensen and Meg Evans
Bluebird Trail
Lily Lou & Tevy Blue Lane
Fern Valley Trail
Bob Nixon
Habitat Haven Trail
Hon. Julie M. Rogers and Dr. Ed Orloff
Prairie Pathway Trail
Martha and Ray “Ted” Parfet, Jr.
Raptor Ridge Trail
Cody White
Brett Jensen
Ridge Run Trail
Candace Mayo
River Walk Trail
Sharon Pratt
Source Pond Trail
Vogt Family Trail
Trout Run Trail
Carrie Brown
Please note: The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a private nature preserve.
Dogs, camping, drones, and firearms are not permitted. Bicycles and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails.
