Empire MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Empire, Michigan.
1. Empire Bluff Trail
ICONIC LAKE MICHIGAN VIEW
Empire Bluff Trail offers a renowned 1.5-mile round-trip hike through beech-maple forest to a breathtaking overlook of Lake Michigan. Hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of dunes, beaches, and the famous double-dune landscape from a high boardwalk and observation deck. The moderate climb is accessible for most and perfectly showcases the natural beauty that defines the Empire area.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes
UNFORGETTABLE DUNE HIKING
Sleeping Bear Dunes offers miles of hiking across massive sand dunes, forested ridges, and pristine Lake Michigan shoreline. Visitors can choose from various trails ranging in difficulty, including strenuous dune climbs and easy lakefront walks. The park's landscape showcases dramatic scenery and unique glacial features, making it a must-see hiking destination.
3. Pyramid Point Trail
PANORAMIC BLUFF SCENERY
Pyramid Point Trail is a 2.7-mile round-trip route leading through woods to a stunning overlook perched high above Lake Michigan. The summit reveals jaw-dropping vistas of the Manitou Islands and rolling dunes. The moderate ascent is well worth the reward, especially for photographers and those seeking awe-inspiring views.
4. Old Indian Trail
PEACEFUL FOREST WANDERING
Old Indian Trail winds for 2.5 miles through quiet forests and rolling dunes, offering a tranquil hike away from larger crowds. Hikers traverse shaded woods and open dune ridges with occasional glimpses of Lake Michigan. This lesser-known route is perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection with local wildlife.
5. Treat Farm Trail
HISTORIC FARM & BLUFFS
Treat Farm Trail is a gentle 2-mile hike that passes through meadows and forest to the remnants of a historic farmstead on a bluff above Lake Michigan. The trail captures the region's rural heritage and offers a peaceful spot for picnics and exploration. Hikers are rewarded with beautiful lake views and a sense of local history.
6. Good Harbor Bay Trail
SECLUDED FOREST TO SHORE
Good Harbor Bay Trail is a 2.8-mile loop through serene woodlands, wetlands, and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The trail's flat terrain makes it suitable for families and those looking for a relaxing nature walk. Wildlife sightings, wildflowers, and quiet stretches of beach define this peaceful hike.
7. Platte Plains Trail
VERSATILE LAKEFRONT PATHS
Platte Plains Trail offers a network of over 14 miles of interconnected routes through pine forests, swamps, and along Platte Bay. Hikers can select easy strolls or longer loops to Otter Creek and the Lake Michigan shoreline. The diverse terrain and abundant wildlife make this trail system ideal for exploration and adventure.
8. Sleeping Bear Point Trail
DUNES & BEACH WANDERING
Sleeping Bear Point Trail is a 2.8-mile loop blending open dunes, pine groves, and sweeping lake vistas. The trail meanders past wind-sculpted sand and historic lifesaving stations, appealing to nature lovers and history buffs alike. Its combination of challenging terrain and unforgettable scenery make it a local favorite.
9. Alligator Hill Trail
FORESTED HILLTOP VIEWS
Alligator Hill Trail features a variety of loops totaling up to 8 miles, winding through hardwood forests to overlooks of Glen Lake and Sleeping Bear Bay. Gentle climbs and shaded paths characterize the trail, offering tranquil hiking even on hot days. The trail is especially popular for its lush woodland setting and spectacular vista points.
10. Bay View Trail
SCENIC WOODS & RIDGES
Bay View Trail offers a moderate to challenging network of loops totaling about 7 miles through aspen groves, maple forests, and ridge top clearings. Hikers are treated to rolling terrain and sporadic overlooks of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. The trail is well-maintained and loved for its solitude and scenic beauty.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's premier trails, ranging from the rugged Porcupine Mountains to the historic North Country Trail. Hikers across Michigan can experience breathtaking Great Lakes vistas, lush forests, and diverse wildlife in every season. Whether seeking day hikes or backcountry adventures, Michigan offers unrivaled opportunities for outdoor exploration.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEST COASTAL TREKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking presents some of the most beautiful beach and coastal walks in the United States, with countless trails hugging the vast shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. From sandy dunes to rugged cliffs, hikers are never far from panoramic water views and tranquil beaches. These shoreline routes offer excellent opportunities for photography, wildlife watching, and refreshing lake breezes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails ideal for solitude, wildlife photography, and peaceful forest immersion. These secret spots span scenic ridges, quiet wetlands, and untouched forests, providing a sanctuary for rare birds and wild animals. Explorers who venture off the beaten path are rewarded with tranquility and a closer connection to Michigan's natural wonders.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE GLORY
Michigan Autumn Hiking features some of the best places to experience the vibrant colors of fall across the state. Trails wind through hardwood forests ablaze with red, orange, and gold leaves, offering spectacular vistas and perfect conditions for autumn photography. The crisp air and colorful landscapes make these hikes memorable seasonal adventures.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest spans nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering hundreds of miles of wilderness hiking trails. Visitors can explore rugged hills, old-growth forests, sparkling rivers, and remote waterfalls, all teeming with wildlife. The forest is an ideal destination for extended backpacking trips and those seeking a true wilderness experience.