The University of Michigan is synonymous with Ann Arbor. The university’s pretty campus, located adjacent to downtown, is quite extensive and terrific for running. There are wide paths around several residential and academic ‘quads’, and numerous impressive buildings worth seeing. Just to the north of the central campus, there are pretty paths along the Huron River, while the Nichols Arboretum and several green spaces are located just east of campus.
Rather than create a specific route, we suggest creating your own run. Enjoy the nice paths around the central campus. Be sure to see the Law Quad’s stone buildings, the Michigan League with its decorative fountain, and the Hatcher Graduate Library, which features classical-inspired pilasters and carved stone medallions. Then run northeast through the Medical Center campus to the Nichols Dr. path to get to the Arboretum. For more, there are numerous paths, parks, and green spaces along the Huron River just to the north of campus, as well as the attractive Burns Park Neighborhood. There are some fun commercial streets in downtown Ann Arbor, just to the west of campus. This interactive map is a helpful guide.
The University of Michigan is synonymous with Ann Arbor. The university’s pretty campus, located adjacent to downtown, is quite extensive and terrific for running. There are wide paths around several residential and academic ‘quads’, and numerous impressive buildings worth seeing. Just to the north of the central campus, there are pretty paths along the Huron River, while the Nichols Arboretum and several green spaces are located just east of campus.
Rather than create a specific route, we suggest creating your own run. Enjoy the nice paths around the central campus. Be sure to see the Law Quad’s stone buildings, the Michigan League with its decorative fountain, and the Hatcher Graduate Library, which features classical-inspired pilasters and carved stone medallions. Then run northeast through the Medical Center campus to the Nichols Dr. path to get to the Arboretum. For more, there are numerous paths, parks, and green spaces along the Huron River just to the north of campus, as well as the attractive Burns Park Neighborhood. There are some fun commercial streets in downtown Ann Arbor, just to the west of campus. This interactive map is a helpful guide.
The most popular places to run in Ann Arbor are Gallup Park and the Nichols Arboretum, both of which are located along the Huron River and connected by several multi-use paths.
One of the most attractive neighborhoods in the city is Burns Park, which includes the University of Michigan campus and areas to the south. We’ve mapped a 4.2 mile sample loop, incorporating some of the nicest streets, buildings, and homes.
The largest park in the city, Bird Hills Nature Area has over 5 miles of well-maintained trails with lots of challenging hills. Connect to the Kuebler Langford Nature Area or the Barton Nature Area for more.
A small park in southeast Ann Arbor, County Farm Park is an exercise hub with a 1.4 mile Fitness Trail, 18 strength training stations, and 3+ miles of other paths.
There are some terrific areas for running in the recreation areas north of Ann Arbor, including Hudson Mills Metropark, Waterloo and Pinckney Recreation Areas, Mike Levine Lakelands Trail, and Island Lake Recreation Area. Worth the drive!
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