Central Lake MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Central Lake, Michigan.
1. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
SCENIC LAKEFRONT PATHWAY
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail offers a diverse hiking experience through forests, dunes, and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The trail is popular for its easy access to stunning beaches, shaded woodland stretches, and connections to charming small towns like Glen Arbor. Along the way, hikers enjoy amenities such as fresh water, public restrooms, and vibrant local scenery.
2. Boyne Valley Trailway
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Boyne Valley Trailway is a smooth, multi-use trail that connects Boyne City to Boyne Falls, passing through scenic countryside and forests. Hikers and cyclists appreciate the well-maintained surface and the gentle elevation changes along this family-friendly trail. The route provides picturesque views and easy access to local parks and restaurants.
3. Buffalo Ridge Trail
OPEN PRAIRIE PATHS
Buffalo Ridge Trail is known for its wide, open pathways cutting through grassy fields and rolling terrain in Traverse City. The trail is ideal for casual walkers, runners, and cyclists seeking a peaceful retreat close to the city. Along the route, hikers may spot native wildflowers and enjoy commanding views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Boardman Lake Loop Trail
URBAN LAKESHORE WALK
Boardman Lake Loop Trail circles beautiful Boardman Lake, offering a convenient urban escape with tranquil water views. The easy 4-mile loop is popular with walkers, cyclists, and families, featuring paved and gravel sections. Parks, benches, and nearby dining make this trail a staple for both locals and visitors.
5. Dunes Trail
DUNES AND VISTAS
Dunes Trail lets hikers ascend and descend wind-sculpted dunes, providing panoramic views across Lake Michigan. The 3.7-mile route is moderate, challenging legs with sand while rewarding with stunning vistas from atop the dunes. Wildlife sightings and the ever-changing light on the sand add to its unique charm.
6. Little Traverse Wheelway
LAKESIDE CYCLING ROUTE
Little Traverse Wheelway is a paved trail that stretches along Lake Michigan's northern shore, connecting Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. The path provides breathtaking views of the lake, access to beaches, and a smooth surface for biking and hiking. Hikers enjoy spots to rest, picnic, and observe passing boats and wildlife.
7. Marl Lake Trail System
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
Marl Lake Trail System in Roscommon invites hikers to explore a five-mile network around crystal-clear Marl Lake. The trails wind through forests, wetlands, and open meadows, providing excellent birdwatching and frequent wildlife encounters. Boardwalks and scenic overlooks help visitors enjoy the tranquil beauty of this natural area.
8. Cricket Hill Loop – Lincoln Park
EASY URBAN NATURE WALK
Cricket Hill Loop in Lincoln Park offers an easygoing, short-distance walk ideal for families and beginners. The trail features gentle slopes, shade trees, and opportunities for birdwatching or simply enjoying the quiet park atmosphere. Located within Traverse City, it provides a convenient outdoor break for city dwellers.
9. Old Mission Point Park Loop
HISTORIC PENINSULA HIKE
Old Mission Point Park Loop takes hikers along the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. The hike offers a mix of forested paths and open clearings, as well as access to a scenic lighthouse and rocky beaches. Wildflowers and historic markers add layers of interest along the way.
10. Northern Loop
EXTENDED BACKCOUNTRY TREK
Northern Loop is a challenging 14-mile hike designed for experienced hikers seeking solitude and a true backcountry experience. The trail traverses diverse forests, quiet wetlands, and remote ridgelines, with limited access points. It's an excellent option for those looking to spend a full day immersed in nature.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a collection of the most celebrated trails across the state, showcasing Michigan's diverse natural landscapes. From forested ridges in the Upper Peninsula to sandy lakeshore paths and rugged inland routes, hikers can find routes suited to every skill level. These top-rated destinations are renowned for their beauty, accessibility, and unique opportunities to explore Michigan's outdoors.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best trails along the state's extensive freshwater coastlines, including the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. These routes feature sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and scenic overlooks, appealing to hikers seeking waves, wind, and wide-open lake vistas. Opportunities abound for beachcombing, picnicking, and enjoying the changing moods of Michigan's Great Lakes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURAL ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are trails cherished for their tranquility, wildlife encounters, and off-the-beaten-path locations. These trails are often tucked within state parks, nature preserves, or lesser-known forests, offering peaceful settings ideal for reflection and observation. Hikers exploring these gems enjoy frequent animal sightings and a level of seclusion hard to find elsewhere.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACLE
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's most brilliant fall foliage destinations, where vibrant maples, oaks, and birches paint the trails with seasonal color. Top spots feature high overlooks, forested valleys, and stretches along rivers where the autumn display is especially stunning. These hikes are a yearly favorite, drawing leaf-peepers from across Michigan and beyond.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, spanning hundreds of thousands of acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offers some of the state's most pristine wilderness hiking. Trails wind through old-growth forests, past rushing rivers and serene lakes, providing countless options for both short walks and challenging backpacking adventures. The forest is also known for spectacular fall colors and abundant wildlife.