Brown City MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Brown City, Michigan.
1. Brown City Walking Trail
SCENIC LOCAL PATHWAY
The Brown City Walking Trail offers a convenient and peaceful route for walkers right in the heart of Brown City. The trail is 1.1 miles long and provides a natural escape for residents and visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors without leaving town. It is ideal for a leisurely stroll, fitness walking, or discovering the small-town charm of Brown City.
2. Applewood Trail
SHORT PAVED LOOP
Applewood Trail is a compact 1.8-mile paved loop that offers residents an easy and accessible trail experience. Well-maintained and surrounded by trees, it's perfect for walking, running, and casual biking. The trail's gentle grades and sheltered stretches make it a pleasant recreational choice for all ages.
3. Southern Links Trailway
RAIL-TRAIL CONNECTION
The Southern Links Trailway is a paved rail-trail stretching over 10 miles, connecting Columbiaville, Otter Lake, and Millington. Smooth surfaces and scenic surroundings make it a favorite among cyclists, runners, and hikers alike. Its easy accessibility and gentle terrain provide a satisfying experience for visitors of many ability levels.
4. Bay-Zil Rail Trail
MULTI-USE SCENIC PATH
Bay-Zil Rail Trail is a highly rated 7-mile trail that runs through the Bay City area. It features both urban and natural landscapes, offering opportunities for walking, jogging, and biking. The trail is well-maintained and frequently used for its lush views and accessibility.
5. Paint Creek Trail
POPULAR NATURE WALK
Paint Creek Trail is a scenic route in Lake Orion known for its well-maintained path and wood-railed bridges. The trail hosts many walkers and cyclists and offers frequent wildlife sightings, especially in the quieter sections. It is a beloved spot for observing local beauty, particularly during autumn foliage season.
6. Genesee Valley Trail
URBAN GREENWAY TRAIL
The Genesee Valley Trail runs through Flint, blending city infrastructure with green spaces over several miles. The trail is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling, providing both a transportation corridor and a recreational escape. Its varied scenery includes wooded stretches and open fields.
7. Black Creek Nature Trail
FORESTED ESCAPE WALK
Black Creek Nature Trail in Midland offers a 2.5-mile walk through diverse hardwood forests and alongside tranquil waters. It is an excellent spot for birdwatching and appreciating nature's quiet beauty. Gentle grades make it accessible for families and casual hikers.
8. Stony Creek Metropark
HILLY LAKEFRONT PARK
Stony Creek Metropark features over 4,400 acres of recreational land, including a range of wooded, hilly hiking trails surrounding a 500-acre lake. Visitors can spot wildlife, visit the nature center, or explore miles of hike-bike paths through meadows and forests. The park is renowned for its year-round beauty and abundant outdoor activities.
9. Bald Mountain Recreation Area
RUGGED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Bald Mountain Recreation Area is a large expanse of public land near Lake Orion, famed for its hilly, rugged hiking trails. The area includes dense forests, lakes, and wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and seasonal color. Hikers can choose from a variety of loop trails catering to different skill levels.
10. Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
ANCIENT ROCK ART TRAIL
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park near Cass City is home to Michigan's only known prehistoric rock carvings. A short hiking trail leads visitors through the park's woods to the sheltered petroglyphs site. Interpretation signage allows hikers to learn about Indigenous history while enjoying the area's quiet natural beauty.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a diverse range of top-rated trails found across Michigan, from the forested Upper Peninsula to scenic lakeshore paths. These trails highlight the state's most celebrated natural features, including waterfalls, old-growth forests, and panoramic overlooks. Whether seeking a challenging summit or a gentle woodland stroll, hikers will discover unmatched beauty and adventure on Michigan's best trails.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features some of the nation's most breathtaking coastal trails, where hikers can enjoy sandy beaches, high dunes, and lake vistas. Iconic destinations include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and miles of Lake Michigan beachfront. These hikes offer opportunities for beachcombing, sunset watching, and discovering the unique ecology of Michigan's freshwater coasts.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails that provide tranquility, seclusion, and excellent opportunities for observing wildlife. These quiet paths wind through pristine nature preserves, remote forests, and secret wetland habitats, perfect for hikers seeking solitude and an immersive natural experience. Exploring these gems rewards visitors with serenity and a deeper connection to Michigan's wild places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most vibrant trails for fall foliage, when forests explode with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. Hikes in areas like the Upper Peninsula, the Huron Mountains, and state parks offer breathtaking views of autumn color in every direction. Visitors can enjoy crisp air, scenic overlooks, and memorable photography opportunities during the state's renowned leaf-peeping season.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST U.P. WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest in Ironwood spans nearly one million acres of pristine wilderness in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering vast networks of hiking trails. Visitors can trek through old-growth forests, alongside waterfalls, and across rolling hills while enjoying abundant wildlife. The forest's remoteness and size guarantee opportunities for both backcountry exploration and peaceful day hikes amid spectacular scenery.