Valley Woods Nature Preserve - Southfield,
Valley Woods Nature Preserve – Pet-Friendly Trails in Southfield
Valley Woods Nature Preserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers and dog owners seeking dog-friendly hiking in Southfield, MI. Located just off Civic Center Drive, the park features both paved and dirt trails winding through scenic woodland. Dogs are welcome on-leash, making it a popular spot for hiking alongside your furry friend while enjoying the beautiful trees, flowing water, and abundant wildlife.
While the entrance can be tricky to spot and the trails may become overgrown or muddy, especially after rain, Valley Woods Nature Preserve offers a peaceful escape from the city buzz. There are benches for resting, trails suitable for both kids and pets, and unique local nature just minutes from downtown Southfield. Be aware that parking is best at the nearby high-rise building, and trail cleanliness can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed at Valley Woods Nature Preserve? Yes, dogs are allowed on-leash throughout the nature preserve.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches are available along the trails for rest.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the preserve offers both paved and dirt hiking trails, some extending for miles.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The preserve is considered good for kids, with family-friendly hiking options.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The entrance and parking are not wheelchair accessible.
- Where is the best place to park? Visitors recommend parking at the nearby high-rise and walking to the bridge entrance.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, parts of the trail can be muddy and slick after rainfall.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Maintenance and cleaning can be inconsistent, with reports of litter and overgrown trails.
Reviews
The sign into the walking path is really hard to see in Southfield off Civic Center Drive as it’s over grown with various plants. This is a really nice trail, Johnny rev and I took the dirt trail versus the paved. You can still hear all the cars but the trees, water and wildlife are beautiful. The trail extends miles and miles we only went out a mile as the unpaved path gets dicey.
There are benches along the way to rest should you need too. We are definitely going to explore other sections of this nature trail.
Easy to flood because a lot of rain water from Southfield pour into to there. The city doesn’t trim the trails often so it might be hard to walk sometimes. I don’t usually see people using this because the access point are kind of hidden and the trail is short.
Hard to find park!!! We came in on the telegraph and civic center rd….Big tip park at the high rise and walk to the bridge.
The trails are both paved, and dirt. The paved side is a bit slick with mud.( Watch your footing!!!) This trail is very clean, we didn’t see litter till we got closer to the 696 bridge. We are looking forward to doing the northern section of trails in the next few weeks.
Cute little spot to come and sit. You hear a lot of the traffic but what can you do, it’s a nice little spot for where it is located . I didn’t go up the trails today as they looked to be a bit overgrown but I will have to come back with an extra jacket.
Incredibly shameful that the city of Southfield would even call this place a nature preserve. Filled to the brim with hazardous filth, Used liquor bottles, tarps. Broken, bridges and clay deposits everywhere. Came out with a ruined workout and shoes completely ruined.