A Walk in the Park: Okemos’ Tacoma Hills Natural Area features trails, wetlands, wildlife

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 .

Tacoma Hills Natural Area in Okemos features groomed natural trails through thick woods and open meadows.

The 22-acre park, located at 1615 Hamilton Road, has four different trail loops with the longest loop extending more than half a mile.

The trails are natural and comprised of mowed grass or dirt. They weave through meadows, forests and along wetlands making for a diverse outing. Trails are good for hiking, running and biking. Meridian Township Parks and Recreation officials recommend not biking through muddy or impassable trails during the rainy seasons.

There’s a plethora of flora and fauna to take in with wildlife including rabbits, deer, hawks and great horned owls.

Land for the park was donated in 1988 by the Ingham County Drain Commission. There are three additional entrances to the park besides the main one on Hamilton road. You can access the park on Oneida Road from Manitou Drive on the west and Seneca Drive to the east and Edgewood Elementary to the south. There are no bathrooms on site.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: A Walk in the Park: Okemos’ Tacoma Hills Natural Area features trails, wetlands, wildlife