Bear Lake MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bear Lake, Michigan.
1. Arcadia Marsh Trail
NATURE PRESERVE BOARDWALK
Arcadia Marsh Trail provides a unique boardwalk experience through a restored coastal marsh, teeming with native plants and abundant birdlife. The trail is flat and accessible, making it ideal for hikers of all abilities seeking close-up views of wetland wildlife. Visitors find the gentle walk and scenic vistas a peaceful escape, especially during spring and fall migrations.
2. Betsie Valley Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL EXPERIENCE
Betsie Valley Trail is a picturesque rail-trail that stretches over 22 miles between Frankfort and Thompsonville, following the course of the Betsie River. The crushed-stone path navigates through forests, farmland, and wetlands, offering varied scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Cyclists and hikers alike enjoy its gentle terrain and the vibrant wildflowers in late spring and summer.
3. Big M Trail
CLASSIC FOREST LOOP
Big M Trail offers a network of rolling, wooded loops totaling over 18 miles in the Manistee National Forest. The trail is popular for both hiking and mountain biking, with hills, scenic overlooks, and deep forest providing a true Michigan backcountry experience. The area stays tranquil for much of the year, attracting those seeking solitude amid lush greenery.
4. Bear Lake Trail
WOODED LAKE LOOP
Bear Lake Trail is a 2.1-mile loop set amid rolling hills and dense northern Michigan woods, circling tranquil Bear Lake. The gentle terrain makes it accessible to families and those looking for a quick nature escape, with several spots to pause and enjoy serene lake views. Its peaceful setting is perfect for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife along the path.
5. Big Bear Lake Pathway
INTERCONNECTED LOOPS ADVENTURE
Big Bear Lake Pathway features two interconnected loops totaling 2.5 miles, winding through hardwood forests north of Bear Lake Road in Kalkaska. The route delights hikers with its quiet, well-maintained trails and a variety of ecosystems, including lakeshore views and dense woodland. It's ideal for those seeking gentle elevation changes and frequent opportunities to observe wildlife.
6. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
ICONIC DUNE HIKING
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is renowned for its collection of dune trails, forest paths, and sweeping lake views on Michigan's northwest coast. Hikes like the Cottonwood Trail and Dune Climb challenge visitors with sandy climbs, while offering panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan and rolling dunes. The area is a highlight for adventurers who appreciate diverse terrain and spectacular natural beauty.
7. Boardman Lake Trail
URBAN LAKE PATHWAY
Boardman Lake Trail is a mostly flat, paved route encircling Boardman Lake in the heart of Traverse City. The trail is stroller-friendly and lined with trees, providing lovely views of the lake and frequent glimpses of waterfowl and local wildlife. Its accessibility and easy navigation make it a favorite for families, joggers, and casual walkers alike.
8. Buffalo Ridge Trail
NORTHWESTERN RAIL-TRAIL
Buffalo Ridge Trail, a converted rail corridor, offers a gentle walk or ride through open countryside and small-town Michigan charm. The trail's rural surroundings provide a peaceful retreat with wildflowers and wildlife regularly spotted along the route. Its flat, well-maintained surface is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a pleasant outing year-round.
9. Pere Marquette State Trail
EXTENSIVE MULTI-USE TRAIL
Pere Marquette State Trail covers over 50 miles, connecting numerous small towns with a scenic, mostly gravel path suitable for hiking and biking. The trail weaves through forests, farmlands, and wetlands, punctuated by wildlife sightings and peaceful resting spots. Its length and quiet corridors make it excellent for both long-distance trekkers and those seeking a short stroll.
10. Glacier Gorge Trailhead (Bear Lake Loop)
ALPINE LAKE VISTAS
Glacier Gorge Trailhead offers access to the Bear Lake Loop, a short 0.6-mile hike with outstanding high-elevation views and easy access to other alpine lakes. The trail is popular for its scenic outlooks and the opportunity to spot diverse wildlife in and around the lake. Its moderate elevation gain makes it accessible for most visitors, providing a quick taste of alpine beauty.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP-RATED STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a wide range of landscapes, from towering sand dunes and dense forests to sparkling inland lakes and rugged coastal bluffs. Hikers can choose from family-friendly trails, challenging backcountry routes, and iconic destinations like the North Country Trail and Porcupine Mountains. The state's extensive trail network caters to every skill level, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's most spectacular beach and coastal trails, where sandy paths wind along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Hikers enjoy sweeping water views, dramatic dunes, and the chance to explore remote stretches of shoreline. These trails offer a mix of leisurely walks and challenging treks, appealing to beach lovers and explorers alike.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAIL ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems introduces lesser-known trails ideal for solitude and wildlife observation, often tucked away in state forests or nature preserves. These peaceful routes provide quiet settings for birdwatching, wildflower spotting, and serene nature walks far from crowds. Adventurers seeking unique landscapes and abundant flora and fauna will find these hidden paths especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WANDERS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's best trails for experiencing vibrant fall colors amid hardwood forests and rolling hills. From mid-September through October, these routes transform with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, offering picturesque vistas at every turn. Leaf-peepers and photographers alike delight in the seasonal beauty and crisp air along these memorable pathways.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS EXPANSE HIKING
Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres of pristine northern wilderness and offers some of Michigan's most rewarding hiking experiences. Trails here traverse old-growth forests, cascading waterfalls, and remote lakes, perfect for backcountry adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. With ample opportunity for exploration and solitude, the forest remains a top destination for those seeking Michigan's untamed beauty.