Beulah MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Beulah, Michigan.
1. Betsie Valley Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile corridor running through Beulah, offering hikers a scenic, mostly flat route along Crystal Lake and through lush woodlands. Walkers enjoy paved paths with beautiful lake views, numerous bird species, and tranquil river crossings. The trail is stroller-friendly, features off-road parking, and provides convenient access to beaches and local amenities.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
ICONIC DUNE HIKES
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers spectacular hiking trails with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, towering dunes, and deep forests. The park features a variety of treks, from short scenic walks to challenging climbs atop sandy bluffs. Visitors can explore unique landscapes, historical sites, and enjoy some of the Midwest's most dramatic scenery.
3. Old Indian Trail
FOREST AND DUNE LOOP
Old Indian Trail is a forested loop trail near Honor, featuring diverse terrain through woods, over dunes, and with access to Lake Michigan's shoreline. The trail is popular for its peaceful setting, opportunities for wildlife sightings, and quiet swimming beaches. Hikers appreciate the variety of habitats and the relative seclusion compared to busier area trails.
4. Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
DUNES AND WILDLIFE VIEWS
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve near Frankfort provides miles of trails winding through hardwood forest, towering dunes, and offering stunning vistas of Lake Michigan. The preserve is known for its quiet atmosphere, excellent birdwatching, and diverse plant life. Hikers can enjoy both rigorous climbs and gentle woodland strolls in a protected natural setting.
5. Point Betsie Lighthouse and Beach Trail
LIGHTHOUSE AND BEACH WALK
Point Betsie Lighthouse and Beach Trail in Frankfort combines a historical excursion with beautiful lakeshore hiking. The trail leads visitors along windswept beaches and dunes, culminating at the picture-perfect lighthouse. It's an ideal place for scenic photography, beachcombing, and watching dramatic sunsets over Lake Michigan.
6. Michigan Legacy Art Park
ART IN THE WOODS
Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville offers over 1.6 miles of interpretive hiking trails dotted with more than 50 sculptures and installations nestled among the trees. Hikers can learn about Michigan's history and culture as they meander through rolling hills and mature forest. It's a unique blend of outdoor exercise and creative inspiration for all ages.
7. Catamount Trail
RIDGE AND FOREST SCENES
Catamount Trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes area provides a moderately challenging hike with rewarding ridge-top views and dense forests. The trail is favored for its solitude, wildlife encounters, and the variety of terrain it covers. Hikers frequently encounter peaceful woods, wildflowers, and elevated lookouts across this scenic route.
8. Manistee River Trail
RIVER VALLEY TREK
Manistee River Trail, located near Mesick, features a 12-mile path running along the picturesque Manistee River. The trail is renowned for its rolling terrain, dramatic overlooks, suspension bridge, and opportunities for backpacking. Hikers immerse themselves in vibrant forest scenery and are often rewarded with wildlife sightings and peaceful riverside camping.
9. Leelanau Trail
FARMFIELDS TO BAY
Leelanau Trail runs 17.5 miles from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, offering hikers an easy, paved route through orchards, vineyards, wetlands, and forests. The trail provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and glimpses of Lake Leelanau along the way. Hikers appreciate its accessibility, gentle grades, and proximity to charming small towns.
10. Lost Lake Trail
PEACEFUL FOREST LOOP
Lost Lake Trail, located near Frankfort, is a 2.5-mile loop offering a tranquil forest hike with views of a serene inland lake. The trail is ideal for families and nature lovers seeking a quiet escape, with gentle terrain and vibrant birdlife. It's especially appealing for those wanting an easy walk immersed in nature.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
MICHIGAN'S TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the renowned variety of scenic trails found throughout Michigan, from the iconic Pictured Rocks to forested river valleys and sandy lake shorelines. Hikers can experience everything from easy boardwalks to challenging backcountry treks, each offering unique views and access to the state's diverse natural wonders. These trails draw visitors every year to explore waterfalls, dunes, dense woodlands, and breathtaking vistas.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACHES AND COASTAL PATHS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features some of the country's best opportunities to walk along freshwater shores, endless sandy beaches, and towering dunes. Hikers can enjoy spectacular sunset views, rock formations, and peaceful stretches of coastline on both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. These trails are celebrated for their natural beauty and access to pristine waters and wild landscapes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
QUIET NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems refers to lesser-known trails and wild preserves perfect for hikers seeking solitude and opportunities for birding and wildlife viewing. These hidden spots often feature untouched forests, secret lakes, and hushed wetlands, far from the crowds. Adventurers are rewarded with tranquil settings and chances to observe Michigan's diverse wildlife in peace.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE VIEWS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's top locations for experiencing vibrant fall colors, with forests ablaze in red, orange, and gold. Trails wind through hardwood canopies, picturesque valleys, and alongside sparkling lakes offering breathtaking autumn vistas. Hikers flock to these routes each season for crisp air, leaf-strewn paths, and stunning natural displays.
15. Ottawa National Forest
NORTH WOODS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula provides hikers with over 500,000 acres of deep forest, rugged hills, and endless rustic trails. The forest is renowned for its waterfalls, old-growth pines, and abundant opportunities to spot wildlife. Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on anything from short nature walks to extensive backcountry expeditions in one of Michigan's wildest landscapes.