Outdoor Activities in Washtenaw County: Parks, Trails, and Green Spaces

Looking to explore the natural side of Washtenaw County? Whether you're new to the area, looking for family-friendly adventures with your pup—or just want a breath of fresh air before heading into showings—this guide unveils the best parks, trails, and green spaces that make our region shine in August 2025.

Gallup Park & the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B)

Gallup Park sits along the Huron River and anchors the Border-to-Border Trail (B2B), offering a scenic loop and easy access to adjacent green spaces. Its canoe livery, inclusive playground, and allows for paddling, walking, or biking. Wikipedia

The B2B is a sprawling multi-use route that links Gallup Park with Hudson Mills and Dexter–Huron Metroparks—perfect for long walks, bike rides, or casual strolls. Ann Arbor, Wikipedia

Metroparks: Hudson Mills, Dexter–Huron & Delhi

These three parks form a wonderful triangle of outdoor fun:

Hudson Mills Metropark spans over 1,500 acres of woodland, trails, golf courses, and river access—with ample canoe and kayak launching spots. Wikipedia

Dexter–Huron Metropark is more compact (122 acres), offering peaceful picnic spaces, a playground, and great fishing and canoeing access. Wikipedia

Delhi Metropark (81 acres) gives families expansive recreation with a playship, river front, and picnic areas—all connected by the B2B. Wikipedia

County Parks: From Rolling Hills to Independence Lake

County Farm Park (127 acres) offers paved and natural hiking loops, community gardens, and an outdoor fitness trail—ideal for visiting families.WDIV, Reinhart Realtors

Independence Lake County Park combines wetlands, prairie, boardwalks, a beach, and boat rentals—perfect for a full-day nature escape.Second Wave Michigan, Leah Marie Photography

Rolling Hills Park in Ypsilanti mixes natural trails, a water park, observation decks, and sledding hills—great year-round family fun. Ann Arbor, Leah Marie Photography

Hidden Preserves & Woodland Trails

For peaceful, uncrowded explorations, try:

Park Lyndon County Park, a 335-acre haven featuring marsh, forest, prairie, and even glacial landforms like kettle lakes and kame hills. Second Wave Michigan

Brauer Preserve, with 226 acres of wetlands, upland forests, farmland, and rare fern communities—a birder’s paradise. Walking Washtenaw

Baker Woods Preserve, Lillie Park, and Nan Weston Preserve, offering varied ecosystems—woodland, prairie, and restored landscapes—that reward curious explorers. Walking Washtenaw

Favorite Trail Picks for Locals

Nichols Arboretum ("The Arb") features 3.5 miles of scenic woodland trails and the stunning Peony Garden—a bloom hotspot in spring. WDIV, Ann Arbor

Bird Hills Nature Area, Ann Arbor’s largest park, offers hilly trails and scenic views—great for hikers seeking a quiet natural escape. Ann Arbor, Reinhart Realtors

Cherry Hill Nature Preserve, near Ypsilanti, features a 1.6-mile loop of boardwalks, meadows, and wetlands—especially tranquil after rain. Reinhart Realtors, havenofannarbor.com

North Bay Park boasts wildlife-filled trails alongside Ford Lake—herons, turtles, and native plants make it peaceful and picturesque. blog.mckinley.com, Walking Washtenaw

Outdoor Spots at a Glance