Cheboygan MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Cheboygan, Michigan.
1. Cheboygan State Park Trails
SCENIC LAKESHORE HIKING
Cheboygan State Park Trails offer hikers a diverse network of paths winding through 1,250 acres of forests, wetlands, and stunning Lake Huron shoreline. Highlights include views of historic lighthouse ruins and opportunities for beachcombing along Duncan Bay. These color-coded trails combine coastal scenery and peaceful woods for an accessible nature experience near Cheboygan.
2. North Central State Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE ROUTE
The North Central State Trail is a 61-mile multi-use, crushed limestone trail stretching from Mackinaw City south through Cheboygan to Gaylord. The route parallels the old Michigan Central Railroad and provides scenic views of forests, waterways, and charming small towns. It's ideal for long-distance hikers and those seeking a relaxed day trip on a well-marked pathway.
3. North Eastern State Trail
HISTORIC RAILROAD PATHWAY
The North Eastern State Trail runs 70 miles from Cheboygan to Alpena along a converted railroad corridor through Michigan's rustic northeast. This crushed limestone trail features gentle grades, tranquil woods, and rural landscapes perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. Trailheads and signage make it accessible for all experience levels starting right in Cheboygan.
4. Black Mountain Pathway
ROLLING FORESTED LOOPS
Black Mountain Pathway offers a network of interconnected hiking loops through forests and wetlands just east of Black Lake. Trails range from short, easy segments to more challenging routes over rolling hills and varied terrain. This year-round destination is a favorite for nature lovers seeking wildflowers, birding, and quiet woodland solitude.
5. Black Mountain Recreation Area Trails
EXPANSIVE TRAIL SYSTEM
The Black Mountain Recreation Area features more than 80 miles of multi-use trails encompassing forests, rivers, and ridges from Cheboygan to Millersburg. Hikers can explore a variety of loops and connectors designed for easy strolls or longer, challenging hikes. The area is well-known for its scenic overlooks and abundant wildlife throughout the seasons.
6. Cheboygan River Walk
URBAN WATERFRONT STROLL
Cheboygan River Walk provides a scenic paved path along the Cheboygan River through the heart of the city. Hikers can enjoy river views, fishing spots, and easy access to downtown attractions, parks, and marinas. This trail is perfect for a leisurely walk or connecting to other city parks and green spaces.
7. Duncan Bay Nature Preserve
COASTAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Duncan Bay Nature Preserve offers peaceful hiking through protected wetlands and open uplands along Cheboygan's Lake Huron shoreline. Nature enthusiasts can observe migratory birds, waterfowl, and native plants on well-marked paths. The preserve is an excellent spot for quiet exploration and wildlife observation near the city.
8. Aloha State Park Trails
INLAND LAKE EXPLORATION
Located just south of Cheboygan, Aloha State Park offers several short hiking trails along Mullett Lake's shoreline. Paths meander through shaded woodlands and open up to lakeside vistas, making it a great spot for families and birdwatchers. The park's tranquil setting and easy access create a laid-back hiking experience for all ages.
9. Mackinaw City Heritage Village Trails
HISTORIC FOREST PATHS
Mackinaw City Heritage Village offers easy forested trails that wind through grounds featuring restored 19th-century buildings and interpretive signs. The short nature paths are family-friendly and provide a blend of natural beauty and local history. This site makes for an educational and scenic outing just north of Cheboygan.
10. Thompson's Harbor State Park
RUGGED LAKESIDE HIKING
Thompson's Harbor State Park, located south of Cheboygan near Rogers City, features over 7.5 miles of rustic hiking trails along Lake Huron's undeveloped shoreline. The park's natural beauty includes rare wildflowers, sand dunes, and forested ridges with sweeping water views. It's a favorite destination for hikers seeking seclusion and native flora.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most celebrated trails, from the famous Porcupine Mountains to the North Country Trail and Pictured Rocks. These destinations offer diverse landscapes including forests, waterfalls, lakeshore cliffs, and rolling hills. Hikers can enjoy everything from short strolls to multi-day backpacking adventures across Michigan's renowned natural spaces.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SPECTACULAR COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best beach and coastal treks along the Great Lakes, including Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and Warren Dunes. These trails showcase sandy beaches, towering bluffs, and sweeping freshwater vistas unique to Michigan's vast shoreline. Walkers can expect memorable sunsets, shorebirds, and the invigorating scent of the lakeside breeze on every hike.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems lead outdoor lovers to little-known sanctuaries ideal for solitude and wildlife observation, such as Rockport State Recreation Area and the Jordan River Pathway. These off-the-beaten-path hikes feature peaceful woodlands, quiet wetlands, and abundant animal life away from crowds. Perfect for those seeking a tranquil, immersive experience in Michigan's wildest places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SHOWCASES
Michigan Autumn Hiking presents the state's top trails for fall color viewing, including scenic routes through the Upper Peninsula and the hardwood forests of Lower Michigan. Hikers can discover golden sugar maples, crimson oaks, and panoramic vistas best enjoyed at peak foliage. The vibrant landscape transforms every trail into a breathtaking autumn adventure.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS TRAIL EXPANSE
Ottawa National Forest offers over 500,000 acres of pristine woodlands with hundreds of miles of hiking trails in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. The forest's pathways traverse waterfalls, old-growth forests, and remote backcountry ideal for day hikes or extended backpacking. Visitors will find solitude and scenic beauty at iconic spots like the North Country Trail and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park within its boundaries.