Beaverton MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Beaverton, Michigan.
1. Manistee River Trail
RIVERSIDE SCENIC HIKING
Manistee River Trail is a renowned hiking destination famed for its picturesque river views and rolling forest landscapes. Hikers can enjoy well-marked paths that loop along the river, offering frequent opportunities for wildlife spotting and peaceful rest stops. The area is especially popular for backpacking and is accessible from the city of Manistee.
2. Shields Trail
DENSE FOREST PATHWAY
Shields Trail offers a tranquil hike through thick woodlands, providing a quiet escape from urban life. This trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of varying skill levels, featuring gentle elevations and shaded terrain. Located near Saginaw, Shields Trail is a local favorite for those seeking nature walks and bird watching.
3. Leelanau Trail
EXPANSIVE COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS
Leelanau Trail stretches across scenic farmland and forests, connecting several small towns in the Leland area. Cyclists and hikers enjoy the mostly flat terrain and picturesque views of orchards, vineyards, and wetlands. This multi-use trail is perfect for long, leisurely hikes in a serene, rural setting.
4. Forestview Natural Area Trail
NATURE WALKWAY LOOP
Forestview Natural Area Trail provides an accessible hiking loop just outside of Midland, offering immersion in mixed hardwood forests. The short trail is family-friendly and offers informative signage about local flora and fauna. It's a great spot for a peaceful stroll or an educational nature visit.
5. Dunes Nature Trail
DUNES AND WOODS HIKE
Dunes Nature Trail guides hikers through coastal woods and rolling sand dunes on the tip of Michigan's Thumb. The trail is known for its easy-to-moderate paths, diverse habitats, and views of Lake Huron's shoreline. Port Austin visitors often choose this trail for its unique landscape transitions and wildlife viewing.
6. Pere Marquette Rail Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE PATH
Pere Marquette Rail Trail is a well-known, paved multi-use trail starting in Midland and stretching for miles through scenic central Michigan. It caters to hikers, cyclists, and runners, with convenient trailheads and amenities along the route. The trail's smooth surface and gentle grades make it accessible for all ages and skill levels.
7. Midland City Forest Park
URBAN FOREST GETAWAY
Midland City Forest Park offers extensive hiking and biking trails in a forested setting within the city of Midland. Visitors can explore a mix of pines and hardwoods, and enjoy well-marked paths of varying lengths and difficulty. Seasonal activities, including cross-country skiing and mountain biking, add to its year-round appeal.
8. Chippewa Nature Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE TRAILS
Chippewa Nature Center features over 19 miles of hiking trails winding through forests, wetlands, and riverbanks in Midland. The center offers educational programs and interpretive signage to enhance the outdoor experience for families and nature lovers. Its diverse habitats support abundant wildlife and seasonal wildflower displays.
9. South Higgins Lake State Park
LAKESIDE FOREST TRAILS
South Higgins Lake State Park is a beloved destination for hiking along the shores and wooded areas surrounding one of Michigan's clearest lakes. The park's trails meander through tall pines, sandy beaches, and vibrant wetlands. It's a hub for outdoor recreation, including swimming and camping, making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.
10. Tobico Marsh
WILDLIFE MARSH TRAILS
Tobico Marsh offers hikers extensive boardwalks and winding trails through one of Michigan's largest coastal wetlands near Bay City. The area is a haven for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, featuring observation towers and interpretive displays. It's well-known for peaceful settings and rich biodiversity, especially during migration seasons.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's premier trails, from rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness routes to scenic Lower Peninsula loops. Hikers can discover diverse terrain, including waterfalls, dunes, dense forests, and panoramic overlooks across Michigan. These top-rated trails offer excellent opportunities for backpacking, day hikes, and nature photography.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL EXPERIENCES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking invites adventurers to explore the state's iconic lakeshores, offering some of the best beach and bluff trails in the region. Hikers can traverse sandy dunes, rocky cliffs, and forested overlooks along Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. The scenic coastal hikes provide stunning sunset views and access to pristine beach habitats.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems focus on lesser-known trails that offer solitude and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. These off-the-beaten-path destinations are ideal for hikers seeking quiet immersion in nature, away from crowded spots. Many feature tranquil forests, remote lakes, and excellent birdwatching or animal tracking experiences.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WONDERLANDS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most beautiful destinations for viewing vivid fall colors. Trails in hardwood forests, along riverways, and up scenic bluffs burst into red, orange, and gold hues each autumn. Hikers flock from across the Midwest to experience these famous leaf-peeping hikes each October.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS ADVENTURES
Ottawa National Forest encompasses vast stretches of wilderness in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, providing endless hiking opportunities across nearly one million acres. Trails wind past waterfalls, old-growth forests, and scenic lakeshores, offering routes for every experience level. It's renowned for backcountry solitude and immersive wildlife encounters.