Bow in the Clouds Preserve - Kalamazoo,
Bow in the Clouds Preserve – Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Kalamazoo
Bow in the Clouds Preserve, located at 3401 Nazareth Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, is a peaceful natural area known for its pet-friendly trails and scenic woodlands. This spot offers a network of rustic, well-marked hiking trails—perfect for dog owners looking to enjoy dog-friendly hiking in Kalamazoo. The preserve features a mix of accessible new paths and more challenging, rustic sections, with lovely boardwalks winding through wetlands and woods, making it a unique destination for nature walks with your leashed pup.
Free parking is available in a small lot, and the park is wheelchair accessible from the parking area to the start of select trails. While dogs must remain on-leash at all times, the preserve provides a tranquil setting for pet owners, families, and nature lovers alike. Trails vary in difficulty, with some being stroller and wheelchair friendly, although others are narrow or can get muddy and overgrown after rain. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a more adventurous hike, Bow in the Clouds offers a beautiful escape with its pet-friendly atmosphere right in Kalamazoo.
FAQ about Bow in the Clouds Preserve
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on-leash throughout the preserve.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there are no fenced off-leash areas for dogs at this preserve.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features several clear, well-marked hiking trails for visitors and their dogs.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The parking lot and top trail are wheelchair accessible, but many trails may be challenging due to terrain.
- Is parking available? Yes, there is a small parking lot available for park visitors.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, Bow in the Clouds is family-friendly, offering kid-friendly hikes and nature activities.
- Are restrooms available? There is no information available about restrooms, so plan accordingly.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The park has shaded woodland areas along the trails.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some trails have wet or muddy spots after rain, and the boardwalk may be overgrown at times.
Reviews
The trails are rustic but clear. A few wet spots but nothing bad. One steep Hill.
Always a nice place to go for a walk in the woods and wetlands. A few different Trails which are clearly marked, there’s watercress in the stream which are great in salads. Been here many times it never disappoints.
Bow in the Clouds Kalamazoo MI off of Nazareth Rd. Great little hiking trail got almost 3 miles in. We went on the blue, white, and green trails those were the ones marked however there are a couple trails that loop around that are unmarked. You really cannot get lost on this trail.
They are redoing the preserve from what signage showed. It is pet friendly must be on a leash. The top trail which is like an amphitheater is handicap friendly the trails themselves are not. Stroller capable but I can see that it would be a struggle to do so as there are tons of knotted paths and they are not super smooth the foot path is close to being a single walking one as well.
Free parking/admission smaller sized parking lot. There were only 2 other people/families on the trail we were there for almost 1.5 hrs. Lots of things to look at.
This was our first time being there and it was nice. Happy trails and go out and explore!
Nice walking trails and outdoor environment with water features! Many people visit this place but it didn’t seem crowded on our Sunday visit. This is a great place if you wanted a nature background in your personal photos. Parking lot does have a limited number of spaces. No bikes allowed on trails.
Don’t get me wrong, the new sections of trail are incredible. Accessible, easy to walk on, the works. However, the established sections of trail have been completely neglected and it is, quite frankly, shameful. I’m aware that the preserve is still being finished post-renovation, but was it impossible to send a couple of employees or volunteers out with a couple pair of gardening shears before reopening? The boardwalk is covered by grasses and parts are near impassible, and the direct return trail has been almost entirely overgrown – some of the overgrowth even consisted of thorned plants. It was only through stubbornness and refusal to tromp back over the boardwalk that I didn’t turn right back around. Ridiculous.