Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve, SWMLC

The newest addition to the SWMLC is an amazing nature preserve worth visiting and getting your hike on! Follow the 1.4-mile picturesque ‘yellow’ trail that winds its way with the river, and gives you some amazing fall color scenery. Or go for a shorter woodsy 0.8-mile ‘white’ trail through the forest. Either trail you take you are guaranteed a beautiful walk and an absolute amazing experience you aren’t soon to forget.

Gorgeous place to walk...went twice so far, saw the fall colors a few weeks ago and saw some snow this past weekend and will definitely go here regularly. My only complaint is NOT with the trail, it's with the people who feel the "dogs on leash" rule applies to others. I was charged by a barking dog, who thankfully stopped a few inches from me. That commotion did get the owners attention and only then did they leash their dog. Leash laws are meant to protect the animal as well as the people they encounter.

The Armintrout-Milbocker Nature Preserve is just outside downtown Allegan and is The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy ‘s newest public preserve. I got to exper a sneak park before they put the trails in so was excited to see the finished preserve and it did not disappoint!

The property includes three miles of frontage along the Kalamazoo River, with some stunning views along the trails. There is 80 upland acres of pine-oak forest, 60 acres of wetlands and over 560 documented plant species — which demonstrates the land’s biodiversity and the overall importance of protecting it.

The preserve has about 2.5 miles of trails. The trails are designed for walking, mobility devices, leashed dogs, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We saw several skiers while we were there. There is a decent sized parking lot. Kid friendly. Free although donating to SWMLC will always help maintain these wonderful properties. No facilities. Snow hiking is definitely a lot more work then when there is no snow but the snow adds an element of beauty that makes it worth the effort.

Stunning views of the river!
We also found a very old bird house which needs a few repairs. If anyone is handy and could fix (and return) this old Birdhouse, it would be WONDERFUL of you!

Love the choices of trails, If you are just out for a walk or want a good workout, You can definitely get it done here. Loved this place, Even better, it's so close to home. 🙂

Absolutely stunning trails that snake along the Kalamazoo river. In fall, it was surreal, but I imagine it'll continue to be beautiful in all seasons. The paths were easy to walk on and easy to navigate. Our dog absolutely loved it. We got to see some wild life, and I'm sure there will be more in no time when everything settles in and gets used to the change. The port-a-potty left much to be desired (out of tp and sanitizer) but that really didn't impact the quality of our experience there. Definitely will be frequenting this !

This was such a beautiful spot to hike. You have a nice view of the river throughout your hike and it has nice trail lined with gravel.

Beautifully done paths to hike around the river. Take the yellow dotted line to the left for less hill hike at the end.

This is a beautiful nature preserve with wonderful trail systems! So happy to have it here in the area! Great trail for families and observing nature.

Beautiful trails! Great for kids and dogs- we found lots of interesting fungi and aphids to look at. In the few hours we were there we only saw a few other people. There is a porta-potty on sight. Clearly marked trails. My kids have asked to go back again bc they had so much fun exploring.

So happy to have a woodland nature trail in Allegan! If you walk the outside (yellow) trail here, you get about 1.5 miles. My wife and I have, for years, walked at the Sports Complex, but I think we may have a new favorite!

This is a great place for family hikes and walking dogs. Very nice trails with lots of scenery and wildlife.

One of my favorite walking trails.

Beautiful place to hike around with the family. We have gone several times.

Awesome new nature preserve in Allegan. Beautiful trails.

Very nice, beautiful fall colors.

So far, this is my favorite trail in Allegan. It's beautiful and not too difficult for children. Even my 2 and 4 year olds were able to do it with very little help.

Awesome trail and well maintained, best public scenery in Allegan imo! Once they get dog waste disposal bags and waste buckets it'll be perfect for all the families with dogs.

This is a beautiful place to walk! I'm so happy to have such nice wooded trails available in Allegan. We'll definitely be back often!

A wonderful forested walk alongside the Kalamzoo River floodplain, great diversity of tree species, and a comfortable surface for walking. Saw a flock of swans fly along the river today.