Hickory Acres Afc Home

Pros

• Very nice park with soccer fields, mountain bike trails, walking trails, a playground, and a small dog park.
• Awesome and great rock wall for bouldering practice.
• The MTB bike trails are a lot of fun.
• Clean facility and well-kept grounds.
• Nice large area for dogs to run and ample parking.
• Well-designed local park that has something for everyone.
• Wonderful walking trails and well-kept bathrooms.
• Excellent park for trails and play.
• Great little trail for a quick, fun mountain bike ride or hike, plus a nice dog park.
• Fun beginner bike trails and a good playset for older kids.
• Nice hiking trails; good for all ages.
• Favorite park, plenty to do: soccer, playground, BBQ, hiking, biking and fishing.

Cons

• Ticks are a persistent issue at the park.
• The area near the highway is very loud, detracting from the experience.
• The dog park becomes a mud pit after rain, making it unpleasant.
• The freeway traffic sounds can be bothersome, and visitors never feel fully in nature.
• Mosquitoes around the pond can be a problem in warm weather.
• There was a dog attack reported, traumatizing a dog and its owner.
• Some visitors wish for a larger playground area for kids.

Review

This park in the Ann Arbor area stands out for its remarkable versatility. It balances organized sports with natural trails, a lively dog scene, a family-friendly playground, and quiet pockets of nature, all in one well-kept place. Visitors regularly praise the soccer fields and the extensive mountain bike trails, while families appreciate the easy, stroller-friendly paved paths around the pond and the presence of a large pavilion for picnics and gatherings. It's the kind of place that seems to wear a dozen different hats depending on what you're looking for on any given day.

Sports and social spaces are clearly a big draw. The park features well-designed soccer fields that attract local groups and families alike, making it a natural spot for casual play and organized games. The pavilion area is a recurring favorite for families and groups, offering shaded space for lunches, birthday parties, or larger company picnics. Restrooms and ample parking are often highlighted as practical bonuses that make events and visits easier, especially when you're coordinating kids, dogs, or crew members who are joining for a day of outdoor fun.

Dog lovers will feel right at home here. There is a well-regarded dog park that many reviews call the main attraction, with a large area for dogs to run and splash around and several watchers who appreciate the sense of community among responsible dog owners. Some reviews note practical realities, such as the dog area turning into a mud pit after rain, and a longing for more segmented dog spaces (a large and a small dog park) to better accommodate different dogs and situations. While the dog park is a hub of activity and social energy, there are also reminders about safety - one incident described involved a dog attack, underscoring the importance of supervision and responsible dog handling when sharing space with other pets.

For those who love trails, the park delivers in spades. Mountain bike trails are frequently described as fun and accessible, with a range of climbs and drops that suit beginners just getting into the sport. There are also dedicated hiking trails that, while narrow in some spots, are generally well maintained and comfortable for a 3?4 mile total trek. In addition, there's a short paved loop around a tranquil lake - about a half mile - that makes for a pleasant, low-pressure stroll with kids or strollers. A few reviews point out that the trails can get muddy in wet weather, so riders and walkers should plan accordingly, but the variety is widely celebrated.

Another standout feature is the park's attention to natural and scenic touches. A pleasant pond area is flanked by grassy expanses and a lookout that's ideal for a picnic or a quiet moment. The area around the pond also hosts a small lake-side walking route and a few scenic overlooks, with a fishing pier that adds a subtle touch of recreation beyond playgrounds and trails. There are mentions of interesting geology on the west side of the park, where rocks serve as reminders of the area's quarrying history, and reviewers often describe the overall setting as scenic and well-kept, even when highway noise from nearby routes intrudes a bit.

Amenities extend beyond trails and fields. There are clean bathrooms and well-kept grounds, which many visitors note as a hallmark of a park that prioritizes user comfort. A covered pavilion and ample parking make it easy to host events, gatherings, or a simple day out without worrying about where to sit, eat, or park. The park's layout is frequently praised for its accessibility and the way it accommodates diverse activities - from a quick bike ride to a longer hike, from a playful afternoon at the playground to a peaceful walk along the pond.

Environmental notes are part of the experience. Several reviews mention birds and other wildlife along the paved paths and the pond, contributing to a relaxing, nature-forward vibe. On the downside, warm weather brings mosquitoes to the pond area, and ticks add a cautionary note for anyone who spends extended time on the trails. Cold January visits remind visitors that the park can be soggy and chilly, so dressing in layers and wearing the right shoes pays off. And while the highway nearby provides easy accessibility, it's not uncommon for a few reviewers to comment on the associated noise - an ever-present reminder of the park's proximity to major routes.

All told, this park feels like a well-rounded community asset. It's a place where you can play a kid-friendly game of soccer, enjoy a relaxed walk on a paved path, tackle a beginner-friendly mountain bike ride, and still have room for a quiet moment by the pond. It's equally suitable for a big family gathering under a pavilion, a casual dog-walking afternoon, or an adventurous day exploring the rocks and the trails. With ample parking, clean facilities, and a broad spectrum of activities, it continues to attract longtime visitors who have found it to be a reliable, welcoming place to spend a day outdoors.

This part of Ann Arbor, Michigan offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and enjoyable lifestyle. With several parks nearby such as Bromley Park, Thurston Nature Center, and Island Park, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and scenic views. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable physicians and hospitals within close proximity including the University of Michigan Hospitals and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are also easily accessible for medication needs. Additionally, there are a number of cafes and restaurants offering diverse culinary options such as Gandy Dancer, Miss Kim, and Zingerman's Delicatessen. Places of worship such as St Paul Lutheran Church provide spiritual fulfillment for those seeking religious community. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to live comfortably in Ann Arbor.

Parks

• Bromley Park (1.3 miles)
• Thurston Nature Center (1.6 miles)
• Island Park (1.7 miles)
• Belize Park (2.3 miles)
• Nichols Arboretum (2.5 miles)
• West Park (2.6 miles)
• Furstenberg Nature Area (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• IHA After Hours Care (1.8 miles)
• University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center (2 miles)
• Partners In Internal Medicine (2 miles)
• VA Ann Arbor Dermatology and Sleep Services (2 miles)
• Osler Building (2.1 miles)
• Surgical Oncology-Univ Of Mich Medical Center (2.2 miles)
• Gastroenterology Clinic (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)

Transportation

• Ann Arbor Station (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Gandy Dancer (2.1 miles)
• Miss Kim (2.3 miles)
• Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery (2.6 miles)
• Tios Restaurant (2.6 miles)
• Aventura (2.6 miles)
• The Last Word (2.7 miles)
• Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (2.2 miles)
• University of Michigan Hospitals (2.2 miles)
• UofM Hospital 7C (2.2 miles)
• University Of Michigan Main Hospital - Dock 5 (2.2 miles)
• 6th Floor Rehabilitation Center (2.2 miles)
• University of Michigan - Transplant Center (2.2 miles)
• Amou (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Zingerman's Delicatessen (2.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)
• Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (2.7 miles)
• Hyperion Coffee Co. (2.7 miles)
• Jefferson Market (3.1 miles)
• Drip House Coffee Co. (3.7 miles)
• RoosRoast Coffee (4.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Lutheran Church (2.8 miles)
• Church of the Good Shepherd (4.4 miles)
• Grace Ann Arbor Church (4.8 miles)