Birmingham MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Birmingham, Michigan.
1. Paint Creek Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
Paint Creek Trail offers hikers a picturesque experience along an 8.9-mile crushed limestone path stretching from Rochester to Lake Orion. The trail travels through woods, fields, and wetlands, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy Michigan's changing seasons. Its gentle grade and natural beauty make it popular with families, joggers, and nature lovers.
2. Clinton River Trail
RIVERFRONT NATURAL ESCAPE
The Clinton River Trail winds for 16 miles through woodlands, parks, and urban green spaces, paralleling the Clinton River through multiple Oakland County communities. Hikers can explore scenic river vistas, cross several bridges, and pass through lovely wetlands and meadows. This well-marked trail is ideal for those looking to combine easy walking with frequent water views.
3. West Bloomfield Trail
URBAN GREENWAY ADVENTURE
The West Bloomfield Trail extends 6.8 miles across a former rail corridor, featuring forested stretches, wetlands, and lake views. This accessible trail welcomes hikers of all levels and is a favorite for birdwatching and peaceful strolls. Its paved and crushed-stone surfaces provide a comfortable hike for families, runners, and cyclists.
4. Stony Creek Metropark Trails
LUSH WOODLANDS & LAKES
Stony Creek Metropark boasts over 27 miles of hiking trails winding through forests, rolling hills, and fields near a scenic lake. Visitors can enjoy both paved and natural-surface trails, offering everything from gentle strolls to more challenging adventures. The park's diverse habitats attract abundant wildlife, making it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Dodge #4 State Park
LAKEFRONT WOODED TRAIL
Dodge #4 State Park features a tranquil hiking trail looping through forested areas and skirting the shores of Cass Lake. The park is especially popular in the summer but offers year-round opportunities for peaceful nature walks and birdwatching. Its relatively short, flat trail is great for a quick escape from city life.
6. Orion Oaks County Park
SPRAWLING PRAIRIE HIKES
Orion Oaks County Park encompasses over 900 acres with several interconnected loop trails for hiking through prairies, woodlands, and around lakes. The park is well-known for its dog park and peaceful natural environments, perfect for a day of exploration. Wide trails and varied wildlife make this a must-visit for hikers seeking spaciousness and serenity.
7. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
ROLLING NATURE EXPERIENCE
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail invites visitors on a 5-mile loop through mature forests and gentle hills, providing a classic Michigan woodland trek. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and maintained paths, the trail is suitable for all ages and abilities. In winter, it's also a popular destination for cross-country skiing.
8. Bluffs Nature Trail
RIVERSIDE NATURE WALK
Bluffs Nature Trail in Rochester Hills follows the picturesque bank of the Clinton River and meanders through rich woodlands and hilly terrain. The trail's shorter length makes it ideal for a quiet afternoon or a quick hike after work. Interpretive signs along the path offer insights into local wildlife and habitats.
9. Ortonville Recreation Area Trails
WILDERNESS WOODED TRAILS
Ortonville Recreation Area offers a vast network of hiking trails crossing over creeks, rolling hills, and dense woodlands in rural Oakland County. Hikers can enjoy both marked paths and more rustic routes, perfect for a true back-to-nature experience. Wildlife, wildflowers, and quiet landscapes make this a favorite for those seeking solitude.
10. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area Foot Trail
LAKESIDE FOREST HIKING
The Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area features several foot trails ranging from forest wanders to lakeside treks along the shores of Lake Minnewanna. The area is well-loved for its peaceful woodland settings, vibrant birdlife, and opportunities to spot deer. Varied trail lengths allow visitors to pick anything from a short stroll to a longer, invigorating hike.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAIL PICKS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the most acclaimed and beloved trails across the state, from rolling hills in the Lower Peninsula to rugged cliffs in the Upper Peninsula. Whether seeking breathtaking vistas, challenging terrain, or tranquil woodland paths, Michigan offers a diversity of options for every hiker. These trails showcase the state's rich natural beauty, unique ecosystems, and year-round adventure opportunities.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SPECTACULAR COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking encompasses some of the finest beach and coastal treks along the Great Lakes, with sandy dunes, dramatic bluffs, and endless blue water views. Coastal areas like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks offer miles of scenic trails perfect for hikers who love lakeshore landscapes. These routes are renowned for sunset vistas, migratory birds, and the refreshing sound of crashing waves.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems point travelers toward lesser-known trails where peacefulness and abundant wildlife sightings abound. These secluded routes are tucked away in remote forests, state game areas, and quiet preserves, offering intimate glimpses of Michigan's natural world. Hikers can expect serene atmospheres, unspoiled habitats, and excellent opportunities for birdwatching and solitude.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the spectacular color displays that blanket the state's forests and hills each fall. Well-loved trails across the Lower and Upper Peninsulas showcase brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, attracting leaf-peepers from near and far. These hikes provide breathtaking scenery, crisp air, and a quintessential Midwest autumn experience.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS U.P. TREKKING
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers an extensive network of hiking trails through old-growth forests, pristine rivers, and scenic lakes. The area is renowned for its rugged beauty, abundance of waterfalls, and excellent backcountry hiking options. Nature lovers can immerse themselves in true wilderness and experience Michigan's Northwoods at its finest.