Near Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens
The beginning of the trail just after the trailhead.
Near Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens
looking up a small hill that the trail goes down.
Near Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens
Leading to the Butterfly Gardens
Near Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens
The other entrance to the trail located at the back center of Joe Prance Pocket Park along the tree line. This entrance is closest to the butterfly gardens.
Near Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens
The trail dips down a few feet and goes back up again in this spot. The trail was freshly cleared during the 2017 renovations as seen by the cut logs on the left side.

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Hike Route

Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens

5.0 (3 Ratings)
Joe Prance Nature Trail and Butterfly Gardens is a calming, beautiful hideaway located within Detroit's Rouge Park.
1
mi
Distance
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingDogs AllowedFall ColorsFamily FriendlySpringViewsWildlife
Access Issues
There is a curfew for this park; like most, it is open from dawn until dusk.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.96mi
Distance
0ft
Elevation Gain
0ft
Elevation Loss
10%
Max Grade
623ft
High Point
606ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The terrain for this trail is mostly level. There are some stumps, tree roots, gravel and uneven ground at a few parts throughout the trail but nothing excessive. The butterfly gardens are often used by locals as a place to read a book or just enjoy nature. This trail is located within a residential neighborhood, and due to the short trail distance, residents walk their dogs on the trail frequently. This trail is located inside of Joe Prance Pocket Park on the corner of West Chicago and West Parkway roads in Detroit, MI. There is parking on site. There are also bathrooms on location.
History & Background
Located in the city of Detroit, Rouge Park is the city's largest park. Rouge Park contains many features for people to enjoy like play structures, grill areas, community pools, Buffalo Soldier Stables, Stone Bridge Nature Trail and Joe Prance Pocket Park with the nature trail and butterfly gardens, among others.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
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Contributors
Rouge Park