A Walk in the Park: Anderson Nature Park features rugged hiking, mountain biking trails

A Walk in the Park is an ongoing series from State Journal photographer Nick King, who intends to explore Lansing area parks one hour at a time. If you have a suggestion of a park he should visit, email him at nking@lsj.com

Anderson Nature Park is a rugged, bare-bones park north of Woldumar Nature Center at 3377 Wardell Road in Delta Township.

Arriving to the park on a dirt road covered by trees immediately sets the tone for this hidden gem. There are a handful of pull-off parking areas along either side of the road near the entrances to the more than 5 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. The dirt trails are rugged and extend up and down challenging hills. You definitely don't feel like you're in Lansing anymore.

While the park may be more one of the more physically challenging ones in the area, there’s still plenty of nature and wildlife to take in. A thick forest fills in the areas between the hiking and biking trails. Vines and other branches weave and twist around trees and over places to walk. Tiny frogs, squirrels and other wildlife dart through the landscape as hikers and cyclists traverse the park.

Leashed dogs are welcomed and helmets are encouraged for cyclists. If nature calls and you need a bathroom, you're out of luck.

More in the Walk in the Park series

Paved, lit trails featured at Granger Meadows Park in DeWitt Twp.

Forget the city while visiting Ted Black Woods in Okemos

Valhalla Park in Holt is a summer swim spot with nature trails and more

East Lansing's Albert A. White Memorial Park an escape from city living

Scott Woods offers shaded trails, access to River Trail, dog park

Lansing's Crego Park is perfect for quiet kayaking, adventurous walk

Grand Woods a peaceful retreat in bustling Delta Township

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: A Walk in the Park: Hike, ride mountain bikes at Anderson Nature Park