Copemish MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Copemish, Michigan.
1. Betsie Valley Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Betsie Valley Trail in Copemish is a picturesque converted rail-trail stretching over 42 miles, passing through forests, wetlands, and lakeshores. This multi-use trail is perfect for hikers seeking a leisurely walk or a longer trek, with charming towns and scenic views along the way. Its flat and accessible terrain makes it ideal for all skill levels and families.
2. Arcadia Marsh Trail
WILDLIFE AND WETLANDS WALK
Arcadia Marsh Trail in Arcadia offers a serene boardwalk experience over a restored wetland teeming with birds and wildlife. The 0.75-mile accessible trail is perfect for nature lovers and families looking to observe native flora and fauna up close. Interpretive signage and viewing platforms enhance the educational and immersive experience.
3. Big M Trail
FOREST LOOPS AND HILLS
Big M Trail near Wellston is renowned for its extensive loop network through the Manistee National Forest, providing over 18 miles of hiking options. The trail is known for rolling hills, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, making it a favorite for those seeking a deeper wilderness experience. Big M also attracts mountain bikers and cross-country skiers, offering year-round natural adventure.
4. Manistee River Trail
RIVER VISTAS AND BLUFFS
Manistee River Trail near Mesick features stunning river views, impressive bluffs, and tranquil forests, stretching approximately 11 miles. The trail links with the North Country Trail, creating a popular 20-mile backpacking loop for experienced hikers. Numerous campsites and dramatic overlooks make it a prime destination for a multi-day hike.
5. Empire Bluff Trail
DUNE AND LAKE OVERLOOKS
Empire Bluff Trail near Empire in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a 1.5-mile hike that rewards visitors with sweeping overlooks of Lake Michigan. The trail climbs gently through beech-maple forest and ends at a stunning bluff high above the shoreline. It is one of the area's most popular short trails for panoramic scenery, especially at sunset.
6. Orchard Beach State Park
LAKEFRONT PARKLAND PATHS
Orchard Beach State Park in Manistee offers short hiking trails along high bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, providing breathtaking lake and sunset views. The park is a favorite for its easy walks, mature hardwood forest, and picnic areas. Staircases lead down to the beach, letting visitors combine woodland hiking with shoreline exploration.
7. Old Indian Trail
FORESTED DUNE TREK
Old Indian Trail, located within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, traverses a mix of wooded dunes and open swales. The 2.3-mile loop offers hikers a quiet alternative to the park's more crowded areas, with beautiful wildflowers and the occasional deer sighting. The trail ends at an undeveloped stretch of Lake Michigan beach, perfect for a peaceful break.
8. Interlochen State Park
CLASSIC NORTHERN WOODS
Interlochen State Park in Interlochen is Michigan's first state park, offering several miles of easy trails through mature pine and oak forest between two scenic lakes. Ideal for birding, fishing, and family hikes, the park is a quiet retreat in Michigan's north country. Shady paths, historic sites, and water views make it a well-rounded outdoor destination.
9. Blue Lake Township Trails
QUIET FOREST PATHWAYS
The Blue Lake Township Trails wind through quiet forests and wetlands, providing peaceful hiking for those looking to escape crowds in Blue Lake Township. The trail system includes several short loops ideal for bird watching and spotting local wildlife. Its well-maintained paths make it accessible for all ages and experience levels.
10. Michigan Legacy Art Park
ART AND FOREST WALK
Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville blends hiking with culture, offering 1.6 miles of wooded trails dotted with over 50 outdoor sculptures. Visitors can enjoy both the natural beauty and creative works inspired by Michigan's history and legends. The park's peaceful setting is suitable for a reflective stroll and artistic exploration.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
ULTIMATE STATEWIDE HIKES
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most celebrated trails, from rugged forest routes to lakeshore bluffs and sandy dunes. Hikers can experience incredible geographic diversity, ranging from the remote Upper Peninsula wilderness to the scenic coastlines of Lake Michigan. These premier trails showcase the natural splendor and adventure opportunities that define Michigan's outdoor culture.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's best beach and coastal trails, offering hikers access to miles of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and dramatic lake vistas. Exploring these paths provides opportunities for swimming, beachcombing, and wildlife watching along the shores of the Great Lakes. The combination of fresh air, crashing waves, and endless horizons makes shoreline hiking a uniquely Michigan experience.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUSION AND WILDLIFE SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems introduces hikers to lesser-known, tranquil trails ideal for solitude and wildlife observation. These remote paths wind through deep forests, quiet wetlands, and scenic preserves, many well off the beaten path. Perfect for nature enthusiasts, they offer the chance to connect with Michigan's wild side away from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SHOWCASE
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's top fall foliage trails, famed for their vibrant maples, oaks, and aspens ablaze with color. Visitors can enjoy crisp air and scenic overlooks, traversing ridges, lakeshores, and dense forests during peak leaf season. These hikes are ideal for photographers and anyone seeking the quintessential Midwest autumn experience.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Watersmeet offers more than 196 miles of trail through some of Michigan's most pristine wilderness. Hiking here ranges from gentle interpretive walks to challenging backcountry routes, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and waterfall exploration. The forest's vast expanse makes it a premier destination for adventurous hikers eager to explore the Upper Peninsula.