East Tawas MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near East Tawas, Michigan.
1. Corsair Trails
SCENIC FOREST LOOP
Corsair Trails in East Tawas offers a mix of rolling hills and dense forests that create an ideal setting for hiking enthusiasts. The interconnected trail system allows hikers to choose routes ranging from gentle walks to challenging treks through the Huron National Forest. With well-marked paths and vibrant wildlife, Corsair Trails is a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking outdoor adventure.
2. Eagle Run Hiking Trail
RIVERFRONT PATHWAY
Eagle Run Hiking Trail in Oscoda provides easy access to serene views along the Au Sable River, making it perfect for a peaceful day hike. The trail features several loops with moderate elevation changes and benches for relaxation and wildlife watching. Its proximity to the riverbanks offers birdwatchers and photographers the chance to spot eagles and other native species.
3. Iosco Exploration Trail
MULTI-USE ADVENTURE ROUTE
The Iosco Exploration Trail charts a path through woodlands, wetlands, and rural landscapes, connecting East Tawas to the neighboring communities. Ideal for both hiking and biking, this developing regional trail will eventually span more than 40 miles. Hikers encounter a diversity of natural scenery and interpretive signs highlight the ecological and cultural history of the area.
4. Tawas Point State Park
COASTAL DUNE TRAIL
Tawas Point State Park features shoreline hiking along the tip of the Tawas Peninsula, with sandy trails that wind through maritime forests and dunes. The park is renowned for birding, especially during migration seasons, as well as its sweeping views of Lake Huron. Visitors often combine hikes with a visit to the historic lighthouse and a relaxing swim at the spacious beach.
5. Lumberman's Monument Trail
HISTORIC FOREST WALK
Lumberman's Monument Trail takes hikers through the rolling terrain of the Huron National Forest, where interpretive displays share the area's logging history. The overlook provides panoramic views over the Au Sable River, making it a scenic spot for both hiking and photography. Numerous short loop trails and stairs down to the riverbank allow for a customizable hiking experience.
6. Au Sable River Trail
RIVERSIDE SCENIC HIKE
The Au Sable River Trail follows the banks of the iconic river, winding through lush forests filled with the sounds of songbirds and the gentle rush of water. It's a peaceful trail for those interested in fishing, wildlife spotting, or simply enjoying the serenity of nature. Hikers can start near Foote Dam and explore a network of possible routes adjacent to the water.
7. Highbanks Trail
RIVER BLUFF VIEWS
Highbanks Trail offers hikers stunning views from bluffs that rise high above the Au Sable River, providing dramatic vistas of the winding waterway and surrounding forest canopy. The trail covers approximately seven miles with moderate elevation changes and a variety of habitats. Interpretive stations along the trail highlight both natural features and stories from the region's past.
8. Huron National Forest Trails
EXPANSIVE FOREST HIKES
Huron National Forest provides an expansive network of trails, offering everything from short interpretive loops to long-distance hikes through mature pine and hardwood forests. The area is renowned for its tranquil settings, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and well-maintained paths. Whether seeking solitude or group hiking experiences, the forest's diverse trail system accommodates all skill levels.
9. Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area
BIRDING AND WILDLIFE LOOP
Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area near Tawas City is a hidden gem known for its quiet trails and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Boardwalks and dike paths wind through marshes, wooded areas, and open water, offering a peaceful environment for hiking and observing nature. The area is particularly popular in spring and fall when migratory birds flock to its diverse habitats.
10. Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail
CROSS-STATE TREK
Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail stretches 220 miles between Empire on Lake Michigan and Oscoda on Lake Huron, allowing hikers to experience the breadth of the Lower Peninsula. The route traverses forests, rivers, and farmlands, connecting various ecological and cultural sites along its length. In Oscoda, the eastern terminus offers hikers a gateway to the sweeping forests and riverside scenery of the region.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATE ADVENTURES
Best Michigan Hiking spans a rich variety of landscapes, from lakeshore dunes and dense forests to dramatic cliffs and tranquil wetlands. Across the state, hikers can enjoy famous trails such as the North Country Trail, Porcupine Mountains, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, each offering unique scenic experiences. Whether seeking challenging elevation, waterfall vistas, or peaceful woodland solitude, Michigan's best hiking trails deliver unforgettable adventures for all skill levels.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND DUNE WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking is renowned for its sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and dramatic lake views that trace the coasts of the Great Lakes. Trails like those at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Silver Lake State Park, and Ludington State Park allow hikers to experience breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and unique geological features. Coastal hiking in Michigan is perfect for summer outings, photography, and connecting with the natural beauty of the freshwater shoreline.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURAL ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems offer peaceful trails away from the crowds, often threading through lesser-known forests, wetlands, and wildlife reserves. Areas like Leelanau State Park, Esch Beach, and remote sections of the Huron National Forest provide opportunities for solitude, birdwatching, and encounters with native flora and fauna. These trails appeal to those looking for quiet reflection and deeper connections with Michigan's wilderness.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is celebrated for its dazzling displays of color as forests transition to shades of red, orange, and gold each fall. Top destinations include the Porcupine Mountains, the Tunnel of Trees, and countless state parks that burst with vibrant foliage. These scenic hikes are ideal for photographers and leaf peepers seeking the quintessential Midwest fall experience.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS NORTH TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, boasts over 196 miles of hiking trails that traverse old-growth forests, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls. The area is famed for its wild beauty, remote wilderness, and opportunities to spot moose, eagles, and other wildlife. Popular trails like the North Country Trail and the Black River Harbor Waterfalls Trail highlight the pristine natural landscapes of this vast forest.