Ann Arbor MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Ann Arbor, Michigan.
1. Waterloo State Recreation Area
LARGEST STATE PARK
Waterloo State Recreation Area offers over 20,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, and wetland habitat for excellent hiking near Ann Arbor. The sprawling park features a wide variety of scenic trails, including the popular DTE Energy Foundation Trail for both hiking and mountain biking. Visitors can enjoy quiet forest walks, wildlife viewing, and refreshing lakeside vistas throughout the year.
2. County Farm Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAILS
County Farm Park is a picturesque green space in Ann Arbor offering several miles of well-maintained trails winding through prairies, woodlands, and community gardens. The park is ideal for family hikes and provides accessible paths perfect for all ages and fitness levels. In addition to hiking, visitors will find playgrounds and picnic areas for a relaxing day outdoors.
3. Bird Hills Nature Area
FORESTED URBAN ESCAPE
Bird Hills Nature Area is Ann Arbor's largest city park, renowned for its hilly terrain and dense hardwood forest. Multiple interconnected trails wind through quiet woods and offer peaceful vistas, especially beautiful during spring wildflower season. Bird Hills is a hidden gem for those seeking a natural retreat within city limits.
4. Ford Lake Park
WATERSIDE WALKWAYS
Ford Lake Park in Ypsilanti provides scenic lakeshore trails and panoramic views along the water's edge. The park features a paved pathway ideal for walking, jogging, or biking, plus fishing spots and picnic areas for a full day of recreation. Its tranquil setting is perfect for both short strolls and longer adventure loops.
5. Bandemer Park
RIVERSIDE TRAIL SYSTEM
Bandemer Park sits along the Huron River and offers a network of wooded trails and open meadows close to downtown Ann Arbor. It's a favorite for hikers, birdwatchers, and kayakers alike, with several paths connecting to neighboring parks. The serene natural landscape makes it an inviting space for both exercise and relaxation.
6. Barton Nature Area
SCENIC HURON RIVER VIEWS
Barton Nature Area, spanning 98 acres along the Huron River, features wooded trails, open fields, and striking riverine landscapes. Visitors can explore oxbow loops and cross pedestrian bridges, enjoying sightings of local wildlife and the calming sound of flowing water. This peaceful area is a highlight for nature lovers seeking a break from city life.
7. Lillie Park
POND AND FOREST WALKS
Lillie Park, located in southeast Ann Arbor, features a blend of wooded trails, peaceful ponds, and wildflower meadows. Its well-groomed paths appeal to casual walkers and families, and scenic overlooks provide spots to pause and appreciate nature. The park is especially popular for easy nature hikes and tranquil picnics.
8. Rolling Hills County Park
ROLLING MEADOW TRAILS
Rolling Hills County Park in Ypsilanti offers miles of hiking trails weaving through forests, wetlands, and open fields. The park is well-known for its varied terrain, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned hikers. Rolling Hills also features a water park and disc golf course, adding variety to any visit.
9. Hudson Mills Metropark
MULTI-USE RIVER TRAILS
Hudson Mills Metropark near Dexter boasts scenic riverside hiking along the Huron River and a mix of paved and natural surface trails. With over 1,500 acres, visitors can enjoy forested walks, wildflower viewing, and access the Border-to-Border Trail for longer excursions. The park also offers picnic areas and recreational facilities for a well-rounded outdoor experience.
10. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum
UNIQUE BOTANICAL EXPERIENCES
Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, commonly called 'the Arb,' encompass lush gardens, restored prairies, and winding woodland trails. These attractions offer visitors a chance to experience both cultivated plant collections and wild habitats along the Huron River. Educational exhibits, blooming gardens, and tranquil trails make these sites a must-see for hikers and plant enthusiasts.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
ICONIC STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most renowned hiking destinations, from the rugged hills of the Upper Peninsula to the expansive forests and parks of the Lower Peninsula. Michigan features thousands of miles of trails, including Appalachian-like ridges, lakeshore boardwalks, and scenic overlooks. Whether seeking day hikes or challenging backpacking trips, the state delivers memorable adventures for all types of hikers.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL & BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases some of the Midwest's most spectacular beach and coastal trails, hugging the shores of all five Great Lakes. Hikers can enjoy sandy dunes, rocky outcrops, and forested bluffs with unparalleled waterfront views and opportunities for swimming. Popular areas such as Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks draw visitors seeking both challenging hikes and leisurely beach walks.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails throughout the state that offer solitude, abundant wildlife, and pristine natural settings. These secluded paths range from remote forest loops to quiet lakeside rambles, perfect for those who value tranquility and nature observation. Exploring these off-the-beaten-path locations rewards hikers with peaceful scenes and the chance to encounter native flora and fauna.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's breathtaking fall colors, with trails winding through blazing hardwood forests, golden valleys, and scenic overlooks. From September through October, hikers can experience vivid foliage displays across state parks, nature preserves, and lakeshores. Each trail offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant beauty of Michigan's changing seasons.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula covers nearly one million acres of rugged wilderness and pristine waterways. Hikers can explore miles of scenic trails, cascading waterfalls, old-growth forests, and remote lakes throughout the forest. The region promises solitude, wildlife sightings, and unmatched opportunities for backcountry hiking and camping.