Ann Arbor Trails: Scenic Highlights & Natural Features

Mya Dee
Dec 25, 2025
2 min read

Ann Arbor Trails: Scenic Highlights & Natural Features

Ann Arbor is home to some of Michigan’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, especially in the winter. Whether you’re looking for peaceful river views, wooded trails, or quiet places to reflect, these parks and paths offer some of the most scenic highlights and natural features to enjoy during a winter walk.

Gallup Park

Huron River & Geddes Pond Views: Gallup Park features paved walkways that stretch along the Huron River and across small islands connected by bridges. Even in colder months, the calm water and open sky create a serene and refreshing winter atmosphere.

Riverside Paths: The park remains peaceful year-round, with quiet river reflections and gentle winter scenery that make it perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Nichols Arboretum (“The Arb”)

Varied Landscapes: Known locally as “The Arb,” this iconic Ann Arbor destination offers wooded pathways, rolling hills, and riverside trails. Each turn brings a different view, creating a beautiful blend of natural landscapes.

Elevated Vantage Points: Higher lookout spots provide expansive views over the river valley and treetops — especially stunning with light snow, frost, or winter sunlight.

Barton Nature Area

Barton Pond & Dam Views: This nature area offers dramatic river scenery and the opportunity to walk near the Barton Dam embankment, providing sweeping water views and open winter horizons.

Wildlife & Bird Watching: It’s also a great place to observe local wildlife. In winter, you might spot bird activity or see fresh tracks in the snow along the trails.

Border-to-Border (B2B) Trail

Scenic River Corridor: The Border-to-Border Trail follows the Huron River through multiple Ann Arbor parks, offering long stretches of scenic walkway as it passes over bridges, through forests, and along peaceful riverbanks.

Diverse Trail Scenery: Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of wooded paths, open green spaces, and waterfront views — beautiful even in the quiet winter season.

Furstenberg Nature Area & Bandemer Park

Connected with parts of the Gallup Park trail network, these areas offer a mix of wooded pathways and river scenery. They are ideal for peaceful, immersive walks surrounded by nature.

Lillie Park & Local Neighborhood Green Spaces

Smaller neighborhood parks like Lillie Park provide calm walking paths, ponds, and quiet places to pause. These are perfect for shorter, scenic walks without large crowds.