East Jordan MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near East Jordan, Michigan.
1. Don and Eileen Klein Nature Trail
ACCESSIBLE RIVER BOARDWALK
Don and Eileen Klein Nature Trail is a universally accessible boardwalk and trail that invites hikers of all abilities to experience the natural beauty along the Jordan River. The trail connects Sportsman's Park to the Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve, allowing for up to four miles of round-trip hiking from downtown East Jordan. With raised sections along the river's edge, visitors can enjoy wildlife observation and peaceful river views close to the heart of the city.
2. Jordan Valley Pathway
SCENIC FOREST LOOP
Jordan Valley Pathway is an 18-mile trail winding through the Mackinaw State Forest and paralleling the picturesque Jordan River. Offering a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, and dramatic river vistas, this route is ideal for both day hikers and backpackers seeking a multi-day adventure. The pathway showcases some of the most peaceful and visually stunning woodland scenery near East Jordan.
3. Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE WALKS
Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve features an easy 1.5-mile trail system perfect for families and casual hikers interested in exploring the Jordan River Valley's diverse habitats. The trail meanders through woodlands and offers excellent opportunities for spotting local plants and wildlife. With two parking areas and well-maintained paths, the preserve is a favorite for a peaceful stroll in natural surroundings.
4. Boyne Valley Trailway
MULTI-USE SCENIC TRAIL
Boyne Valley Trailway is a well-maintained, multi-use trail connecting Boyne City and Boyne Falls, offering picturesque views of rolling countryside and forests. With mostly flat sections, the trail is accessible for walkers, cyclists, and families with strollers. Its proximity to East Jordan makes it a convenient option for those seeking an easy day hike through northern Michigan landscapes.
5. Fisherman's Island State Park
BEACH AND FOREST TRAILS
Fisherman's Island State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through wooded areas and along miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Hikers enjoy peaceful solitude and the unique experience of exploring secluded beaches and coastal forests. The park is ideal for those looking to combine nature walks with breathtaking views of the Great Lakes.
6. Old Mission Peninsula Park
PENINSULA WOODS & LIGHTHOUSE
Old Mission Peninsula Park delivers scenic hikes through wooded terrain at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, capped by the historic Mission Point Lighthouse. Trails traverse rolling hills, orchards, and lakefront vistas, providing a quintessential northern Michigan exploration. Visitors can enjoy both serene natural beauty and the cultural landmark of the lighthouse.
7. Mission Point Lighthouse Trails
HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE WALKS
Mission Point Lighthouse Trails offer hikers short, accessible paths through peaceful woods and along the shoreline at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. The crowning feature is the lighthouse itself, nestled between East and West Grand Traverse Bays for panoramic water views. These gentle trails are perfect for families and history enthusiasts alike.
8. South Manitou Island Trails
REMOTE ISLAND ADVENTURE
South Manitou Island Trails offer an extraordinary hiking experience just off the coast of Leland, accessible by ferry as part of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The island's trails traverse sand dunes, dense forests, and historic sites, offering unique views of Lake Michigan. This remote destination is perfect for those seeking adventure and a sense of isolation.
9. Dressel Jordan River Preserve
TRANQUIL RIVER WOODLANDS
Dressel Jordan River Preserve features tranquil woodland trails that follow the meanders of the Jordan River, ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The preserve's peaceful setting makes it a popular destination for quiet hikes and wildlife observation near East Jordan. Its natural diversity showcases the vibrant ecosystems of northern Michigan.
10. Buffalo Ridge Trail
URBAN NATURE PATHWAY
Buffalo Ridge Trail is a scenic, multi-use pathway that weaves through Traverse City, providing easy access to parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas. The trail is popular among walkers and cyclists looking for a convenient escape within city limits. Its smooth paths and connection to other local trails make it ideal for city-based outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the state's most acclaimed hiking destinations, ranging from expansive state forests to dramatic shoreline trails. These trails offer hikers a chance to explore Michigan's natural wonders, including waterfalls, sand dunes, old-growth forests, and abundant wildlife. Whether seeking a challenging backpacking route or a serene nature walk, Michigan's best hiking trails deliver unforgettable experiences.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL EXPERIENCES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's beautiful coastal trails along the Great Lakes, where sandy beaches meet forested bluffs. These hikes are famed for panoramic lake views, gentle lake breezes, and access to unique geological features such as dunes and cliffs. Popular among both casual walkers and dedicated trekkers, shoreline hiking in Michigan is an essential outdoor experience.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE REFUGES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems describe under-the-radar trails ideal for hikers craving solitude and wildlife encounters. These lesser-known paths wind through preserved forests, wetlands, and remote backcountry, often rewarding visitors with peaceful settings and abundant birdlife. Perfect for those seeking a quiet escape, these trails reveal the tranquil side of Michigan's outdoors.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates trails that become especially stunning during the fall, when vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage transform the landscape. Popular routes wind through hardwood forests and along ridges, offering breathtaking views of the season's color explosion. For lovers of fall scenery, these hikes provide an annual spectacle worth planning around.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest offers hundreds of miles of rugged trails winding through dense forests, wild rivers, and serene lakes in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Hikers can explore everything from gentle nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, all rich with wildlife and natural beauty. This breathtaking forest is perfect for both short outings and extended wilderness adventures.