Elk Rapids MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Elk Rapids, Michigan.
1. Petobego Natural Area
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
Petobego Natural Area offers a diverse hiking experience through vibrant habitats, including conifer swamps, shrub thickets, and grasslands. Hikers can explore over 250 acres, encountering Petobego Pond and Marsh as well as habitats rich with non-game wildlife. Located near Elk Rapids, it provides a peaceful setting for observing nature and enjoying a quiet escape.
2. Maple Bay Natural Area
SUNFLOWERS AND BAY VIEWS
Maple Bay Natural Area features nearly two miles of woodland trails that wind through fields and forests, ending at the shores of Grand Traverse Bay. In summer, hikers are greeted by expansive sunflower fields, while the area is also home to endangered species and diverse wildlife. Located just south of Elk Rapids, it offers a scenic and accessible hike for all ages.
3. Sand Lakes Quiet Area
OAK-PINE FOREST PEACE
Sand Lakes Quiet Area offers a tranquil, motor-free hiking environment within its 2,800 acres of rolling oak-pine forests and crystal-clear marl lakes. Visitors can hike, bike, or ski along quiet trails, observing abundant wildlife or relaxing by the lakes. Located near Elk Rapids, it is ideal for those seeking nature in its purest form.
4. Yuba Creek Natural Area
RIDGE AND VALLEY TRAILS
Yuba Creek Natural Area provides easy and family-friendly hiking trails hidden in a scenic valley between two ridges. Hikers explore a quiet, natural corridor close to US-31, yet far removed from the noise of traffic. The area is an excellent spot for peaceful walks and birdwatching just outside Elk Rapids.
5. TART Trail
MULTI-USE URBAN ROUTE
The TART Trail system connects hikers to a network of scenic non-motorized paths that extend from Traverse City towards Elk Rapids. It offers a well-maintained, paved surface ideal for walking, biking, and cross-country skiing, passing by parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas. The trail makes for a versatile and accessible day-hiking destination.
6. Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area
HILLTOP FOREST TRAILS
Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area features winding trails through hilly forests, wildflower fields, and scenic overlooks. With over 30 miles of multi-use trails, hikers can choose routes of varying difficulty and enjoy panoramic views of northern Michigan landscapes. Located in Bellaire, this area is a favorite for both local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Leelanau Trail
VINEYARDS AND FARMLAND
The Leelanau Trail stretches between Traverse City and Suttons Bay, offering a scenic hike through rolling farmland, woods, and vineyard country. This paved, multi-use trail is perfect for leisurely walks and long-distance treks alike. Trailheads near Traverse City make it convenient for hikers from Elk Rapids and beyond.
8. Old Mission Point Park
PENINSULA BLUFFS AND WOODS
Old Mission Point Park at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula delights hikers with trails through dense woods and along dramatic bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The area blends history and natural beauty, including the iconic lighthouse and peaceful shoreline. It offers a serene retreat just north of Traverse City.
9. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
DUNES AND PANORAMIC VISTAS
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is renowned for its towering sand dunes, forested trails, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Dozens of hiking trails invite exploration through forests, along lakeshores, and across dramatic dune landscapes. Just over an hour from Elk Rapids, it's a must-visit destination for avid hikers.
10. Manistee River Trail
RIVER BLUFF ADVENTURE
Manistee River Trail offers hikers dramatic river valley scenery, featuring dense forests, bluff-top views, and waterfall overlooks. The 11-mile trail, often combined with the North Country Trail for a loop, is known for its varied terrain and wildlife sightings. Located southwest of Elk Rapids, it's a favorite for backpackers and day-trippers.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking is a collection of the state's most beloved trails, spanning diverse ecosystems from sandy dunes to dense forests and rugged highlands. Trails such as the North Country Trail, Porcupine Mountains, and Jordan River Pathway represent the top-tier experiences for hikers. With scenic vistas, wildlife abundance, and options for all skill levels, Michigan's hiking offers something special for everyone.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL EXPERIENCES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking covers the best beach and coastal trails, with routes following the state's extensive Great Lakes coastline. Hikers enjoy sandy beaches, wave-carved cliffs, and tranquil lake vistas at destinations like Pictured Rocks and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. These trails offer a unique blend of fresh water beauty and wild shoreline adventure.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAIL RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails across the state that offer solitude and outstanding wildlife viewing. These off-the-beaten-path destinations—including quiet preserves, backcountry forests, and wetlands—are perfect for those seeking peaceful nature escapes. Hiking here rewards visitors with encounters among deer, birds, and pristine Michigan scenery.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLOR SHOWCASE
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the vibrant fall foliage that transforms woodlands, river valleys, and coastal bluffs into a tapestry of colors. Trails winding through maples, oaks, and aspens provide breathtaking scenery from September through October. These autumn hikes are perfect for leaf-peeping, photography, and enjoying Michigan's crisp, colorful season.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS IN THE UPPER PENINSULA
Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres of wild forest, rivers, and lakes in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Hikers can explore rugged backcountry trails, scenic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife habitats across a vast and varied landscape. It is renowned as one of Michigan's premier wilderness hiking destinations for adventure seekers.