Deer Run Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Wildlife

This nice loop trail with very little elevation change offers a lot of chances to see, and sometimes even interact with, various small birds. This trail has several benches that people sit at with seeds, meaning birds tend to congregate, providing lots of viewing opportunities. It goes along a nearby lake and swamp on a series of boardwalks for some portions, and through the woods in other parts.

As a warning, the people at the metropark seem to be making a change in how they label their trails. If you look at the maps online and at the older signs at some junctions, the Deer Run Trail is considered only a part of the trail marked in the gpx data. However, new signs have been added at the parking lot and every junction in the nature trail area, with 4 overlapping trail loops rather than several single-named trail sections. The Deer Run Trail shown on this site represents the new trail, which matches the newest junction signs you'll see while traveling along the trail.

The birds along this trail are very accustomed to humans, and so fly close by for viewing. The nature area is home to lots of sandhill cranes, and while this particular trail doesn't often have them, they can sometimes be seen near the nature center. You can also find deer in the woods along the trail.