Charlevoix MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Charlevoix, Michigan.
1. Fisherman's Island State Park
BEACHFRONT WOODLAND TRAILS
Fisherman's Island State Park features miles of scenic trails weaving through dunes, woods, and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hikers can enjoy the quiet of nature and the rare chance to spot wildlife while trekking through varying landscapes and sandy beaches. Its proximity to Charlevoix makes it an easily accessible escape for those seeking both woodland and waterfront hiking experiences.
2. Lake to Lake Trail
CONNECTIONS TO LAKES
The Lake to Lake Trail is a three-mile route linking Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan, making it a favorite for casual hikers and families. This path offers gently rolling terrain and passes through a mix of urban areas and natural landscapes, providing diverse scenery along the way. With year-round accessibility, it's ideal for walking, running, or cycling.
3. Mt. McSauba Recreation Area
FORESTED HILLTOP VIEWS
Mt. McSauba Recreation Area offers a network of wooded hiking trails and is known for its candlelight hikes held in winter. The area boasts remarkable views of Lake Michigan from elevated vantage points along the trail. Visitors can explore seasonal routes, enjoy snowshoeing in winter, and take in peaceful forest scenery any time of year.
4. Little Traverse Wheelway
COASTAL MULTI-USE PATH
The Little Traverse Wheelway is a scenic trail stretching from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs, running largely along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This paved path is popular for hiking, biking, and in-line skating, and it features panoramic views of the water and lush forested surroundings. Its easy access and scenic variety make it a top choice for outdoor recreation in Northern Michigan.
5. Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve
WILDFLOWER MEADOW WALKS
Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve offers tranquil hiking through open fields, meadows, and forest patches, perfect for birdwatching and appreciating wildflowers in season. The preserve's well-maintained paths provide a quiet retreat and an opportunity to engage with the local ecosystem. Its location just outside Charlevoix makes it easily accessible for visitors seeking solitude in nature.
6. Susan Creek Nature Preserve
PEACEFUL CREEKSIDE TRAILS
Susan Creek Nature Preserve features wooded trails along its namesake stream, creating a peaceful setting for hikers and nature lovers. The preserve's paths wind through a mix of wetlands, forest, and open land, making it great for wildlife and plant observation. It's an ideal spot for those wanting a quiet, close-to-town hiking destination.
7. Raven Hill Discovery Center Trails
EDUCATIONAL NATURE LOOPS
Raven Hill Discovery Center Trails offer an educational hiking experience with interpretive signage and varied terrain that includes forests, wetlands, and meadows. Visitors can explore self-guided trails while learning about Northern Michigan's natural history and ecology. Located near East Jordan, these trails are perfect for families and curious explorers.
8. Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area
HILLTOP CITY VISTAS
Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area in Boyne City is famous for its hiking trails leading to panoramic views over Lake Charlevoix. The wooded paths offer a moderate challenge, culminating in a climb up 462 steps to a scenic overlook. This spot is especially popular for its mix of adventure and rewarding vistas.
9. Whiting Park Trails
LAKESIDE NATURE RAMBLES
Whiting Park offers gently rolling trails through hardwood forests and along the shoreline of Lake Charlevoix. The park provides several loop options for walking and hiking, as well as picnic areas and spots for wildlife observation. It's a family-friendly site, just a short drive from Charlevoix.
10. Boyne Valley Trailway
RURAL RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE
Boyne Valley Trailway is a converted rail-trail pathway stretching between Boyne City and Boyne Falls, offering an easy-to-follow route through Northern Michigan countryside. Trail users enjoy views of forests, farmland, and small creeks, with opportunities for hiking and biking throughout the year. The flat, wide surface is suited for hikers of all abilities.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE PREMIER TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the top hiking experiences across the state, ranging from the rugged terrain of the Upper Peninsula to the scenic lakefront trails of the Lower Peninsula. Many of these trails offer well-marked paths, stunning vistas, and access to pristine natural areas, making them ideal for hikers of all levels. The collection includes iconic destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes, Porcupine Mountains, and the North Country Trail.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL LAKEFRONT PATHS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking includes breathtaking beach and coastal hikes along the shores of Lake Michigan, Superior, and Huron. These trails wind past dunes, cliffs, and clear waters, showcasing the state's unique freshwater coastline and sandy beaches. Popular routes feature Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and the Warren Dunes State Park trails.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE WALKS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems spotlights lesser-known trails ideal for solitude, peaceful exploration, and observing wildlife in their natural habitat. These trails traverse quiet forests, marshes, and remote preserves, making them perfect for hikers seeking undisturbed experiences away from crowds. Often maintained by local land trusts or state parks, these paths allow for immersive encounters with Michigan's wilder side.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULAR
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the vibrant fall color season, when trails are ablaze with red, orange, and gold leaves. The best routes include hardwood forests in the Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula, offering outstanding opportunities for leaf-peeping and crisp autumn walks. Favorites among foliage enthusiasts include Porcupine Mountains, Hartwick Pines, and the Tunnel of Trees.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST FOREST ADVENTURES
Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering an extensive network of hiking trails through remote woodlands, wetlands, and past waterfalls. Popular routes include the North Country Trail and the Black River Waterfalls Trail, renowned for their pristine scenery and diverse wildlife. The forest is a go-to destination for experienced hikers seeking adventure in Michigan's untamed wilderness.