Bellaire MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bellaire, Michigan.
1. Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
MIDWESTERN TRAIL NETWORK
Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area offers more than 31 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and running. The landscape features rolling woodlands, wildflower meadows, and scenic overlooks, accommodating everyone from beginners to avid outdoor enthusiasts. With well-marked paths and varied terrain, this destination is considered one of the Midwest's premier trail systems.
2. Grass River Natural Area
WETLANDS AND WOODLANDS
Grass River Natural Area features seven miles of accessible trails winding through wetlands, forests, and along the Grass River. Boardwalks and gravel paths make the trails suitable for all ages and abilities, with abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature study. The site's nature center offers educational exhibits and trail guidance, making this a family-friendly hiking destination.
3. Torch Lake Nature Preserve
SHORELINE AND FOREST TRAILS
Torch Lake Nature Preserve offers scenic trails that traverse forested land and provide picturesque views of Torch Lake's blue waters. The preserve's trails are well suited for tranquil hikes, bird watching, and seasonal wildflower viewing. Its quiet atmosphere makes it an excellent spot for a peaceful outdoor escape near Bellaire.
4. Old Mission Peninsula Park
PENINSULA SCENIC HIKING
Old Mission Peninsula Park features wooded trails with stunning overlooks of both Grand Traverse Bay and the rolling vineyards of the peninsula. Hiking here provides a blend of forest serenity and water vistas, with options for short strolls or longer treks. Its proximity to wineries and historical sites makes it a popular day trip from Bellaire.
5. Mission Point Lighthouse Trails
HISTORIC COASTLINE VIEWS
Mission Point Lighthouse Trails guide hikers through dense forests and along beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, culminating at the historic lighthouse. The area is popular for its mix of natural beauty, sandy beaches, and opportunities to explore the maritime history of the region. Easy to moderate paths make it suitable for families and history buffs alike.
6. Fisherman's Island State Park
SECLUDED SHORELINE PARK
Fisherman's Island State Park offers miles of rustic trails that weave through wooded dunes and along a pristine Lake Michigan shoreline. The park is ideal for hikers seeking solitude, beachcombing, and unique glimpses of local flora and wildlife. Its remote feel and scenic beauty make it a hidden gem for nature lovers.
7. Pyramid Point Trail
LAKE MICHIGAN OVERLOOKS
Pyramid Point Trail is renowned for its short but moderately challenging hike to breathtaking bluffs above Lake Michigan. The trail rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Manitou Islands, and the sparkling water below. It's a must-visit for photographers and those seeking dramatic northern Michigan landscapes.
8. Empire Bluff Trail
SPECTACULAR DUNE VISTAS
Empire Bluff Trail offers a gently ascending path through hardwood forests that emerges atop sandy bluffs with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. This 1.5-mile trail is especially popular at sunset, when the sky and water glow with vivid colors. Interpretive signs along the trail enrich the experience with insights into local ecology and geology.
9. Boyne Valley Trailway
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Boyne Valley Trailway is a multi-use rail trail connecting Boyne City and Boyne Falls, perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation. The wide, mostly flat path travels through forests, meadows, and along the Boyne River, providing a peaceful setting for all skill levels. Wayfinding signs and scenic rest spots enhance this approachable trail experience.
10. Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve
WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY LOOP
Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve offers a 5-mile loop trail winding through forests, wetlands, and along the scenic Sturgeon River. Hikers here often encounter a diverse array of wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of its secluded natural setting. The preserve is ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat from more crowded trails.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
SIGNATURE HIKING STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's premier hiking destinations, renowned for their diverse terrain, pristine forests, and sparkling lakeshores. Popular trails like those in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, and Pictured Rocks offer hikers extraordinary scenery and memorable outdoor adventures. Michigan's vast trail network provides options for every skill level, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts throughout the Midwest.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's abundance of lakeshore trails where visitors can explore sandy beaches, towering dunes, and dramatic bluff vistas. Famed routes like the Lakeshore Trail in Pictured Rocks and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provide miles of scenic walks along the Great Lakes. These hikes are perfect for those seeking fresh air, coastal breezes, and unforgettable water views.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUSION AND WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems include lesser-known trails across the state, offering quiet spaces for reflection, wildlife observation, and immersion in nature. These off-the-beaten-path hikes often meander through old-growth forests, secluded wetlands, and peaceful state game areas. They are perfect for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy Michigan's pristine natural beauty.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's vibrant fall colors, with trails winding through hardwood forests ablaze with reds, oranges, and golds. Destinations like Hartwick Pines State Park, Porcupine Mountains, and the Tunnel of Trees become especially popular during the peak foliage season. These hikes offer some of the most breathtaking autumn scenery in the Midwest, drawing visitors from near and far.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS HIKING HAVEN
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula features hundreds of miles of hiking trails through deep forests, alongside rivers, and past impressive waterfalls. The forest's vast wilderness provides countless opportunities for backpacking, day hikes, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful, remote environment. Highlights include the North Country Trail segment, the Black River Harbor trails, and the scenic Sturgeon Falls.