Detroit MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Detroit, Michigan.
1. Belle Isle Park Trails
URBAN ISLAND ESCAPE
Belle Isle Park Trails offer a variety of hiking paths on Detroit's iconic island park, with options ranging from a full 5.5-mile loop to shorter routes by the Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon. Hikers enjoy sweeping city and river views, wildlife observation, and tree-lined paths perfect for every skill level. The park blends urban landscapes and natural beauty, making it a favorite year-round destination for residents and visitors.
2. Dequindre Cut Greenway
ART-FILLED URBAN TRAIL
Dequindre Cut Greenway is a two-mile, paved urban trail that runs from Detroit's riverfront up through Eastern Market and near Lafayette Park. The corridor is adorned with murals and graffiti art, creating a unique backdrop for walking, running, and cycling. The greenway connects neighborhoods and local attractions while offering a safe, scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts.
3. Paint Creek Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9-mile crushed limestone path stretching between Rochester and Lake Orion in Oakland County. As Michigan's first rail-trail, it winds through wooded areas and alongside Paint Creek, a trout stream known for wildflowers and abundant wildlife. The accessible trail attracts hikers, joggers, bikers, and horseback riders throughout the seasons.
4. Pinckney Recreation Area – Crooked Lake Trail
LAKESIDE WOODLAND LOOP
Crooked Lake Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area is a renowned loop trail offering immersive woodland scenery and tranquil lakeside views. Especially popular in autumn for its vibrant foliage, the trail caters to both casual hikers and those seeking a longer, scenic trek. It's a favorite for its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to several lakes and smaller connecting trails.
5. Maybury State Park Hiking Loop
FORESTED FAMILY PARK
Maybury State Park provides varied hiking loops through gently rolling woodlands just outside Northville. The park is well-loved for its accessible trails, ranging from short loops to longer hikes through meadows and shaded groves. It's ideal for families, beginners, and nature lovers who want a peaceful escape close to the city.
6. Kensington Metropark Trails
LAKES AND PRAIRIES
Kensington Metropark features over 20 miles of interconnected trails winding around Kent Lake and through rolling meadows and woods. The network includes paved and unpaved routes, offering diverse options for walking, hiking, jogging, and birdwatching. Its expansive natural spaces and lakeside scenes are popular for solo hikers and families alike.
7. Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail
GLACIAL LAKESIDE BEAUTY
Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail in Holly State Recreation Area spans 2.5 miles of flat, dirt trail with a scenic lake overlook. The trail's peaceful route through woods, wetlands, and glacial landmarks is ideal for a relaxing hike or nature walk. Hikers can spot wildlife and enjoy tranquil lakeshore moments close to Detroit.
8. Willow Metropark Trail
HURON RIVER RETREAT
Willow Metropark Trail follows the winding Huron River through wooded terrain and open spaces in New Boston. The park's flat, paved, and unpaved trails provide opportunities for quiet walks, biking, and riverside picnics. Its natural setting makes it a go-to destination for metro Detroiters seeking a calm, riverside hike.
9. Lake Minnawanna Scenic Trail
HILLTOP PANORAMA PATH
Lake Minnawanna Scenic Trail in Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area is a 4.5-mile path that winds around the lakeshore, offering beautiful water views and gently rolling hills. The trail is known for wildflowers, wildlife, and peaceful woodland segments, making it a perfect destination for a scenic day hike. Its moderate difficulty welcomes both beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
10. South to North Campground Trail
SHORELINE CAMPGROUND WALK
South to North Campground Trail at Lakeport State Park provides an easy 1.3-mile hike between two campgrounds along the Lake Huron shoreline. The flat trail allows for leisurely walks with picturesque lake views and access to sandy beaches. Campers and day visitors enjoy the combination of forested paths and breezy lakeside stretches.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most acclaimed trails, renowned for their scenic beauty and diverse terrains. From dense northern forests to the rolling hills near the Great Lakes, these hikes offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Hikers can experience rugged wilderness, serene lakes, and panoramic vistas throughout Michigan's premier outdoor destinations.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL SCENERY WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking celebrates the state's exceptional beach and coastal trails, stretching along the shores of the Great Lakes. Hikers can explore sandy dunes, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque waterfronts with stunning views and refreshing breezes. These popular trails are beloved for their sunrises, sunsets, and one-of-a-kind access to Michigan's aquatic beauty.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlight the state's lesser-known trails ideal for solitude, wildlife observation, and peaceful escapes. These tranquil paths meander through remote forests, wetlands, and natural preserves, often providing the chance to spot deer, birds, and unique flora. Off the beaten path, they invite adventurous hikers to discover Michigan's quiet beauty away from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
PEAK FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the very best of the state's vibrant fall foliage, with trails winding beneath colorful canopies of red, orange, and gold. Popular routes lead through hardwood forests, along lakes, and up scenic ridges for breathtaking autumn vistas. Hikers flock to these hotspots in September and October to experience the quintessential Michigan fall atmosphere.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS EXPLORATION AREA
Ottawa National Forest offers vast opportunities for hiking through millions of acres of pristine forests, rivers, and lakes in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Trails here range from gentle strolls to challenging backcountry routes, rewarding hikers with waterfalls, wildlife sightings, and peaceful solitude. The forest is a paradise for nature lovers, eager to immerse themselves in Michigan's unspoiled wilderness.