8. Scio Woods Preserve

Comments: In some ways this preserve is a twin of the Saginaw Forest [Hike #9], being located one mile due south. Both are ideal if you are in Ann Arbor and looking for a quick escape to nature without the crowds of some of the higher profile destinations within or near the city.

The main differences I see are that the Saginaw Forest has a huge parking lot and a wider variety of terrain, whereas Scio Woods has a small parking lot and the trail is almost entirely inside a forest. The all-forest aspect of the hike can be an advantage. On a hot summer day it will be significantly cooler than the surroundings, and from May through October, the forest canopy is so thick that you will stay dry during periods of light rain.

No dogs, bikes, or hunting allowed.

Directions: From downtown Ann Arbor, head south on Main past the stadium. Turn right (west) onto Scio Church Road. Continue on Scio Church for about 2.5 miles through the roundabout at Wagner Road. The preserve entrance is about 1/2 mile beyond the roundabout on the right (north) side of Scio Church.

Excerpt from the website: Here you will encounter varying types of woodlands—-oak and hickory trees are found in locations with drier soils and the wetter woods are dominated by sugar maple and beech trees. A wetland system is located in the eastern portion of the preserve where you will find a buttonbush swamp and wetland plants such as pawpaw trees, spicebush, and bladdernut. Spring wildflowers are abundant in the preserve, and the wooded habitat is home to some uncommon birds including barred owls and pileated woodpeckers.