Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge offers several trail systems that highlight the unique features of the area. Trails are open year round except for days during hunting periods. Outside of hunting closures, trails are open seven days a week, during daylight hours only. No pets or horses are allowed on any of the trails.

The Woodland Trail

Address: 5050 Stroebel Rd, Saginaw, MI 48609
Open Season: Open year round: Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Seasonal closures during periods in the fall due to hunting. Not open to dogs or horseback riding.
Length: 4.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Located off of Center and Stroebel Roads on the north side of the refuge, offers more than 4.5 miles of trails. These rather primitive trails wind through bottomland hardwood forest and take you past historic landmarks left from the coal mining industry in the early 1900s. These trails are popular with mountain bikers, hikers and cross-country skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions.

The Ferguson Bayou Trail

Address: 6000 Bishop Road, Saginaw, MI 48601
Open Season: Open year round: Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Seasonal closures during periods in the fall due to hunting. Not open to dogs or horseback riding.
Length: 4.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Located at the west end of Curtis Road on the south side of the refuge, offers more than 4.5 miles of trails. This trail follows graveled roads on the tops of dikes and offers views of croplands, sloughs, forests, fields, wetlands and pools. Two observation towers, equipped with spotting scopes, are located along this trail so you can take a closer look at ducks, geese, deer and other wildlife. These trails are popular with hikers, skiers and casual bicyclers.

Green Point Environmental Learning Center Trails

Address: 3010 Maple Street, Saginaw, MI 48602

Open Season: Open year round: Walking spring to fall, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Stays open during the fall. Not open to dogs or horseback riding.
Length: 2.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Located in Saginaw, offers more than 2.5 miles of trails. These trails wind through a bottomland hardwood forest and offer views of forest, fields, wetlands and the Tittabawassee River. Trail surfaces range from mowed grass to woodchips to gravel. Various groups use the trail system for educational purposes. Bicycles are not allowed on Green Point's trails. Popular trail with hikers and skiers. Trail use may be limited due to seasonal flooding and wet conditions.

The Wildlife Drive (Auto Tour Route)

Address: 6000 Bishop Road, Saginaw, MI 48601
Open Season: Open June 1 to September 30 during daylight hours including all federal holidays. Gates open at sunrise and close one hour before sunset. All vehicles must exit the drive by sunset.
Length: 6.5 miles
Surface and difficulty: Flat, dirt and gravel
Information: Thewildlife drive is typically open from June 1 - September 30, from sunrise to one hour before sunset. Please note that the route may be closed due to flooding, soft roads or other special conditions such as events or wildlife needs, like nesting bald eagles. 

The wildlife drive meanders past forests, grasslands, marshes, open water pools and the Shiawassee River. Visitors will have the opportunity to see a great diversity of wildlife.

The usage of bikes are prohibited on the Wildlife Drive.

Wildlife Drive Hours:

• June
  • Gate open: 6:00 a.m.
  • Gate close: 8:15 p.m.
  • Must exit by: 9:15 p.m.
• July
  • Gate open: 6:15 a.m.
  • Gate close: 8:10 p.m.
  • Must exit by: 9:10 p.m.
• August
  • Gate open: 6:45 a.m.
  • Gate close: 7:35 p.m.
  • Must exit by: 8:35 p.m.
• September
  • Gate open: 7:15 a.m.
  • Gate close: 6:45 p.m.
  • Must exit by: 7:45 p.m.

Unofficial Trails

City Trails - The former Germania Golf Club trails has 4.5 miles of formerly paved golf cart trails. This will undergo a transformation as it is partially restored and enhanced. The option to utilize these flat surface trails remain available for the public. Visitors can park at Green Point Environmental Learning Center or along Maple Street.

Headquarters Loop - This loop trail is half a mile. It is a flat, grassy surface that travels along small ponds and lower vegetation.

Open House Weekend Only - Levee tops, service roads and the wilderness area wilderness area
Wilderness areas are places untamed by humans. The Wilderness Act of 1964 allows Congress to designate wilderness areas for protection to ensure that America's pristine wild lands will not disappear. Wilderness areas can be part of national wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests or public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Learn more about wilderness area can also provide pleasant and longer hiking experiences.