Leonard Preserve
Leonard Preserve is a peaceful and scenic natural area featuring well-marked trails totaling about 3.5 miles. The trails wind through diverse landscapes, including river views along the River Raisin, open grassy fields, and dense woods with conifers and deciduous trees. It offers a moderately challenging hike with rolling terrain and some elevation, suitable for children and family-friendly hikes. The preserve is a quiet spot, less trafficked by other hikers, and well maintained by Washtenaw County. Note that the preserve is not dog or bike friendly on the trails, and visitors should be aware of ticks during walks.
Reviews
Just outside of the village of Manchester, MI this preserve has several miles of trails through fields, prairie and woods. Part of one of the main trails is near the River Raisin with views of the river below. We hiked about 3 miles. It’s pretty and we’ll maintained.
My brother made me aware of this trail about a year ago, and despite walking virtually the same route each time in close to 6-7 trips, I still feel like I’m just getting familiar with the loop(s). The way it’s set up allows considerable ‘customization’ in terms of distance/terrain, although we always go the 3+ miles to get the full benefit of Leonard Preserve. Some have described it as ‘easy rolling’ terrain, but there is enough elevation to make it a good workout, and it’s a little more challenging than the leisurely stroll implied in some reviews. If you haven’t been there before, I would suggest printing a map (or using AllTrails app, or similar) to aid with familiarization. I’ve only been to the Preserve once during hunting season, and it was without prior knowledge, so for future reference, ‘know before you go’ is my advice. I’m a dog owner, but the absence of irresponsible ‘poo management’ exhibited by some dog owners on other trails in the area is a good thing in my book. Washtenaw County does a good job maintaining the trail and are to be commended.
This is a lovely preserve with well marked trails. I like the diversity of the landscape. Hiking along the river, open grassy fields and thick woods with conifers and deciduous trees. The trails are a little muddy right now, but that’s understandable considering it’s early spring.
BEWARE: I just completed a walk on this trail (5/18/24) and I came across 4 different ticks that landed on my legs. I’ll attached a photo of the tick that I smacked onto my shoe. Other than ticks, this is a decent and secluded trail.
Great trails but no dogs or bikes. Trails are rolling and along the river with lots of birds, frogs, and trees. Quiet spot where you are not likely to see another hiker. The perimeter trails total 3.5 miles.