Chesaning MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Chesaning, Michigan.
1. Applewood Trail
SHORT MARSHLAND PATH
Applewood Trail in Chesaning offers a brief but memorable walk through a secluded marsh and wetland area. The trail is smooth and flat, ideal for walkers looking for an easy and peaceful route. While its short length means the experience is over quickly, visitors enjoy the tranquility and gentle scenery.
2. Bay-Zil Rail Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
The Bay-Zil Rail Trail spans seven miles through Zilwaukee and connects several parks and communities with a pleasant rail-trail experience. Walkers and bikers appreciate its level surface, making it accessible for most fitness levels and perfect for families. The trail provides opportunities for wildlife observation and scenic views along the way.
3. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
FORESTED MULTI-USE TRAIL
The Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail near Davison winds through quiet forests, catering to both hikers and cross-country skiers. Visitors enjoy the diversity of woodland scenery and opportunities for spotting local wildlife. The well-maintained pathway offers a peaceful escape year-round.
4. Chippewa Trail
RIVERFRONT FOOTPATH
Chippewa Trail in Midland follows the scenic Tittabawassee River, making it a favorite for nature lovers and bird watchers. With a paved, multi-use surface, the trail is welcoming to walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. Its riverside views and nearby parks create a vibrant outdoor experience.
5. Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
WILDLIFE & WATERFOWL ROUTE
The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail stretches from Saginaw to St. Charles, offering a mix of wooded areas, farms, and open fields. This wide and level trail is popular for walking, biking, and horseback riding, and passes through the wildlife-rich Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. Each visit brings opportunities to spot birds, enjoy shaded paths, and discover peaceful landscapes.
6. Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens
CANOPY WALK EXPERIENCE
Whiting Forest in Midland is home to the nation's longest canopy walk, spanning 1,400 feet and rising up to 40 feet above the ground. Hikers enjoy miles of woodland footpaths, unique glass-floored platforms, and tranquil pond overlooks. The forest provides a blend of adventure and nature for guests of all ages.
7. Pere Marquette Rail Trail
LONG-DISTANCE PATHWAY
The Pere Marquette Rail Trail is a renowned 30-mile paved corridor that links Midland to Clare. Popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, the trail is praised for its smooth surface and beautiful views of rivers, forests, and small towns along its route. The route's accessibility and scenic variety make it a beloved staple of central Michigan's trail network.
8. Midland City Forest Park
URBAN FOREST OASIS
Midland City Forest Park offers an extensive network of hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing trails in an accessible urban setting. The woodland backdrop provides four-season beauty and plenty of shade. It is a popular spot for locals seeking outdoor recreation close to the city.
9. Tobico Marsh Trail
WETLAND BOARDWALKS
The Tobico Marsh Trail in Bay City is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, with elevated boardwalks traversing lush wetlands. Visitors are treated to panoramic marsh views and diverse wildlife sightings throughout the year. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place for both relaxation and exploration.
10. Sleepy Hollow State Park
LAKESIDE HIKE ESCAPES
Sleepy Hollow State Park, located near Laingsburg, boasts 16 miles of hiking trails around Lake Ovid and through wide-ranging forested terrain. The park provides excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, and tranquil lakeside hiking. It is a favorite destination for hikers looking for both short loops and longer adventures.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most iconic and celebrated trails, from wooded paths to riverside routes and mountain overlooks. These top-rated destinations, such as the North Country Trail and Pictured Rocks, showcase Michigan's natural diversity. Hikers can experience everything from waterfalls to rugged bluffs along some of the finest routes in the Midwest.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers some of the best coastal hiking in the Great Lakes region, featuring miles of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and sweeping lake vistas. Popular trails like those at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provide extraordinary opportunities for beachcombing and shoreline exploration. Hikers are treated to unforgettable views and the soothing sounds of freshwater waves.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED & WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems draws attention to lesser-known trails and natural areas where solitude and wildlife observation are the highlights. From remote forest preserves to quiet wetlands, these hidden gems offer peaceful escapes far from crowds. Adventurous hikers are rewarded with intimate wildlife encounters and serene landscapes.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking spotlights the best trails for vibrant fall foliage viewing, where maples, oaks, and aspens burst into brilliant color. Well-loved routes through state parks and forested hills provide unforgettable autumn vistas, making them favorites for leaf-peeping. Every fall, hikers can experience Michigan's changing seasons in dramatic, colorful fashion.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHERN WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers over 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness, with extensive hiking trails winding through old-growth forests and along clear rivers. Adventurers can enjoy remote experiences, waterfalls, and rugged backcountry terrain across several designated hiking areas. The forest's diverse ecosystems provide endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature.