Nichols Arboretum & Cedar Bend Nature Area loop

While the trail description doesn't specify parking, both Nichols Arboretum and Cedar Bend Nature Area have nearby parking options. For Nichols Arboretum, you can often find parking along Geddes Road or at the main entrance on Washington Heights. For Cedar Bend, there are smaller lots or street parking available near its access points.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on trails in both Nichols Arboretum and Cedar Bend Nature Area. However, they must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

This loop offers beauty year-round. Spring is excellent for viewing flowering black cherries and dogwoods, while native wildflowers bloom from spring through fall. Even in winter, you can spot various bird species. For jogging, spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be warm, so an early morning or late afternoon run is recommended.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within Nichols Arboretum or Cedar Bend Nature Area for this jogging loop. Both areas are open to the public free of charge.

The terrain is quite varied and contributes to its moderate difficulty. Cedar Bend Nature Area features unpaved trails with steep slopes leading up and down the Huron River bank, as well as paths along a ridge. Nichols Arboretum offers trails ranging from easy to intermediate, with some uneven terrain and small hills, providing opportunities for hill workouts. While some connecting paths might be paved, the core nature trails are unpaved.

Given its varied terrain and challenging sections, including steep slopes in Cedar Bend Nature Area and hills in Nichols Arboretum, this 9.9 km loop is considered a moderate run requiring good fitness. While parts of The Arb are easier, the combined loop might be challenging for absolute beginners. Those new to jogging might prefer starting with flatter, paved sections in nearby areas like Gallup Park before tackling this route.

You'll experience diverse landscapes. Cedar Bend Nature Area features a pre-settlement forest with tall oaks and hickories, offering scenic views of the Huron River. You might spot flowering trees, native wildflowers, and various bird species like chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice. Nichols Arboretum also provides picturesque natural settings, including wetlands and open fields, making for a beautiful and engaging run.

The route combines two distinct natural areas. In Nichols Arboretum, you'll pass by the beautiful Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden. Cedar Bend Nature Area is historically significant as one of Ann Arbor's oldest parks, designed to preserve its natural landscape and biodiversity, offering a timeless feel with its ancient forest. While some spectacular river valley views are now partially obscured by vegetation, the natural beauty remains. You'll also pass by Fuller Park.

Yes, this jogging loop intersects with several other official trails. You'll find yourself on sections of the Border to Border Trail, Nichols Drive, B2B Trail, Laurel Ridge Trail, Cedar Bend Nature Path, and Gallup Park Pathway, among others, as you navigate the route.

The estimated duration for completing this 9.9 km jogging loop is approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes, based on an average jogging pace. However, your actual time may vary depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, the route passes by Fuller Park, which typically offers facilities such as restrooms and water fountains. Additionally, Nichols Arboretum has visitor facilities near its main entrances.