Bird Hills Nature Area - Ann Arbor,
Bird Hills Nature Area: Ann Arbor’s Pet-Friendly Hiking Haven
Located at 1850 Newport Rd, Bird Hills Nature Area is renowned as one of the best dog-friendly hiking destinations in Ann Arbor. This expansive, mature forest offers a network of well-kept trails perfect for enjoying nature with your furry companion. The area is famous for its shady canopy, serene atmosphere, and diverse wildlife, making it a picturesque getaway right within the city limits.
Dog owners will appreciate that leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park’s many scenic hiking paths. While the trails are hilly and can be challenging in places, there are frequent benches and natural seating spots where you and your pet can rest. The nature-filled trails and ample shaded areas make Bird Hills an ideal location for those seeking both exercise and tranquility with their dog in Ann Arbor. Parking is available at the Newport entrance, though spaces may be limited, and there are well-marked trailheads to guide your adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Bird Hills Nature Area? Yes, dogs are allowed and the park is dog-friendly. Please keep dogs on a leash.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced dog run area.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the nature area features a mature forest canopy, providing plenty of shade.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? There are no trash cans within the preserve, so plan to pack out any waste.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and natural seating spots along the trails.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the entrance is not wheelchair accessible and the trails are hilly.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is a small parking lot at the Newport entrance.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the area is primarily known for its extensive hiking trails.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park is noted as kid-friendly and suitable for families, especially for hiking.
Reviews
Good balance of trails with many lines to choose. Diverse wildlife and lots of shaded areas to cool down. Get off your bootie and check it out!
A very lovely nature area with great hiking trails!
Took me a bit to find an entrance. Small parking lot (Newport entrance).
Beautiful place to hike, but very hilly. Kid & dog friendly, although there were many off leash dogs
The trails are qell kept and well marked. Entering from Newport entrance you will hear a lot of road noise at first. But it subsides after a few minutes, as you work your way into the interior of the preserve. There weren’t any trash cans in the preserve. So be prepared if your furry friend goes #2.
Just stunning trails with challenging elevations for runners! Parking is right by the trail entrance and there are multiple trail markers to show direction to nearest roads. The trails themselves are very well-kept with several fallen trees being moved out of trails or cut to keep the trail clear. I came across another person every 15 mins or so when going in the evening, but all were very polite and left the area feeling very serene and peaceful.
I’ve been hiking Bird Hills on and off since being a teenager. It’s a wonderful park to explore. The hills are nice, not strenuous, but give the muscles in your body reason to work. It’s shady even on sunny days. Classic benches and fallen trees give plenty of resting spots to just sit and listen to the various little birds singing the songs of the hills. Bird Hills is one of my favorites locally. Its mature forest is a canopy of getaway in a small but bustling city.