Cass City MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Cass City, Michigan.
1. Applewood Trail
SHORT URBAN WALKWAY
Applewood Trail offers residents and visitors a pleasant 1.8-mile paved path right in Cass City. Ideal for casual strolling, jogging, or cycling, the trail passes through town and connects neighborhoods with parks and the local school. Its accessible route and central location make it a popular choice for easygoing outdoor recreation.
2. Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
ANCIENT CARVINGS TRAIL
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park features Michigan's largest known concentration of ancient Native American rock carvings along a scenic, mile-long interpretive hiking loop. This gentle trail crosses a branch of the Little Cass River and provides interpretive signage about local history and ecology. Visitors can explore both cultural heritage and natural beauty in this unique state park near Cass City.
3. Bay County Riverwalk/Bangor Rail Trail
SCENIC WATERFRONT PATH
The Bay County Riverwalk/Bangor Rail Trail stretches 17.8 miles through Bay City, following the Saginaw River and passing through forests, parks, and wetlands. With ample access points and scenic views, this trail is ideal for long-distance hikers and cyclists seeking a blend of urban and natural landscapes. Wildlife observation and river vistas make it a pleasant outdoor destination for all ages.
4. Bay-Zil Rail Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Bay-Zil Rail Trail is a 7-mile multi-use route that links Bay City and Zilwaukee along a former rail corridor. Lined with trees and open countryside, the trail offers a quiet escape for hikers, joggers, and bikers. The easy grade and proximity to the Saginaw River make it a favorite for local outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge: Cass River Trail
WILDLIFE-FILLED LOOP
The Cass River Trail in Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge provides a 1.5-mile loop through a floodplain teeming with wildlife just outside Bridgeport Township. Trail users often spot deer and herons while meandering along quiet footpaths, though spring brings wet conditions and mosquitoes. Easily accessed from I-75, the refuge offers a surprising nature getaway close to urban areas.
6. Port Crescent State Park
DUNES AND LAKE VIEWS
Port Crescent State Park, located near Port Austin, features miles of sandy trails winding through dunes, forests, and along Lake Huron's picturesque shoreline. Hikers can enjoy panoramic water views, peaceful woods, and opportunities for bird watching. The park is especially known for its sunsets and access to a secluded Great Lakes beach.
7. Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum
NATURE CENTER TRAILS
The Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum near Port Austin offers a network of shaded trails winding through diverse habitats. Visitors can explore woodlands, meadows, and marshes, spotting wildflowers and local fauna along the way. Educational signage and a visitor center enhance the hiking experience for families and nature lovers.
8. Sleeper State Park
FORESTS AND BEACHES
Sleeper State Park in Caseville provides a mixture of wooded hiking trails and sandy beachfront along Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay. Hikers can trek through mature forests and rolling sand dunes, then relax at the water's edge. The park is perfect for combining trail exploration with swimming and picnicking.
9. Sebewaing Riverside Park Trail
RIVERFRONT WALKWAY
Sebewaing Riverside Park Trail provides a quiet out-and-back path along the Sebewaing River in the heart of the village. The short, accessible trail features river views, fishing access, and benches for relaxation. Ideal for a leisurely stroll, it offers a peaceful break from daily routines.
10. Tuscola County State Game Area
WILDLIFE AND WOODS
Tuscola County State Game Area, near Caro, is a sprawling natural preserve with unmarked trails winding through forests, wetlands, and fields. Hikers can experience solitude and abundant wildlife in this lesser-known outdoor space. The varied terrain invites exploration across seasons, rewarding visitors with changing scenery and quiet beauty.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking showcases the state's most acclaimed trails, from the rugged Porcupine Mountains to the scenic North Country Trail. Michigan's hiking options feature old-growth forests, sparkling lakeshores, and dramatic waterfalls, catering to all skill levels. Every region offers unique hiking adventures that highlight the state's natural wonders.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking is renowned for spectacular trails along the Great Lakes, with dune climbs, bluffs, and sweeping water vistas. These routes, found in areas like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks, blend sandy beaches with forested paths for memorable coastal adventures. Shoreline hikes are perfect for those wanting to experience pristine waters and dramatic landscapes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems lead explorers to lesser-known trails, where hikers encounter quiet woods, rare wildlife, and tranquil scenery. These out-of-the-way paths offer solitude and opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and peaceful reflection. Ideal for those who prize seclusion, these trails reveal an uncrowded side of Michigan's wild places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers unforgettable experiences as the state's forests burst into vivid hues of red, gold, and orange. Trails like the Hartwick Pines and the Upper Peninsula's river valleys become especially popular in the fall. Photographers and nature enthusiasts flock to these routes for some of the Midwest's most stunning foliage displays.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails through deep forests, alongside rivers, and across rolling hills. Hikers enjoy solitude, waterfalls, and opportunities to spot wildlife in this vast northwoods landscape. The area is perfect for rustic adventures and multi-day treks far from urban life.