Escanaba MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Escanaba, Michigan.
1. Days River Pathway Trail
SCENIC WOODLAND PATHWAYS
The Days River Pathway Trail in Gladstone offers nine miles of gently rolling trails through picturesque forests. It is popular year-round for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, with well-marked paths and frequent wildlife sightings. Families and avid hikers alike appreciate the trail's versatility and the peaceful experience it provides.
2. Fayette Historic State Park
HISTORIC COASTAL VIEWS
Fayette Historic State Park, located in Garden, features scenic limestone bluffs, serene harbor views, and easy-to-moderate hiking trails. The park's routes provide a unique combination of natural beauty and 19th-century industrial history, as hikers can explore both lush forests and historic townsite ruins. Panoramic overlooks and interpretive signs make this a memorable destination for history and nature lovers.
3. Maywood History Trail
SHORT WALK THROUGH HISTORY
The Maywood History Trail in Escanaba is a charming 0.9-mile loop that weaves through tranquil forested land. This trail combines gentle hiking with interpretive signage, offering insights into the area's settlement and natural heritage. It's an ideal option for families and those seeking a leisurely, informative outdoor experience.
4. Haymeadow Creek Falls Trail & Recreation Area
WATERFALLS AND FORESTS
Haymeadow Creek Falls Trail & Recreation Area, near Rapid River, offers a one-mile path leading to scenic waterfalls tucked within a serene woodland. The trail is moderately easy and rewards hikers with lush greenery and the calming sounds of rushing water. It's a favorite spot for photography and peaceful nature walks.
5. Rapid River National Ski Trail
YEAR-ROUND WOODLAND LOOPS
The Rapid River National Ski Trail features over 17 miles of interconnected loops through dense Upper Peninsula forests. While it's best known for cross-country skiing in winter, these trails are popular for hiking and bird watching in the warmer months. The diverse terrain and peaceful setting attract both beginners and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Sac Bay Park Trail
BAYFRONT SECLUSION TRAIL
Sac Bay Park Trail in Garden is a one-mile hike along the tranquil shores of Sac Bay, offering a quiet escape with scenic water views. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery and is ideal for picnics or spotting local wildlife. Visitors appreciate its secluded atmosphere and easy access to the lakeshore.
7. West Side Recreation Area Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOREST WALK
The West Side Recreation Area Trail in Escanaba spans 6.6 miles of forested paths suitable for hiking, running, and biking. The area is well-maintained, with shaded routes and clear signage, making it welcoming for families and new hikers. Ample parking and nearby recreation amenities enhance the experience.
8. Little Bay de Noc Trail
BAYFRONT URBAN TRAIL
The Little Bay de Noc Trail winds for five miles along the scenic shoreline of Escanaba's bay, offering beautiful water views and city access. This paved route is ideal for leisurely walks, biking, or morning jogs, with benches and rest stops along the way. The proximity to local parks and marinas makes it a popular escape within the city.
9. Saunders Point Wilderness Loop
WILD LAKESHORE PATH
Saunders Point Wilderness Loop provides over two miles of winding natural-surface trail beside Big Bay de Noc. The loop features unspoiled shoreline, peaceful forest, and opportunities to spot native birds and wildlife. Its remote setting offers a sense of adventure for hikers seeking solitude and raw beauty.
10. Portage Point Marsh Trail
WETLAND BIRDING TRAIL
Portage Point Marsh Trail in Escanaba spans 2.5 miles through marshlands rich in birdlife and native plant species. Elevated boardwalks and interpretive signs make it easy to explore without disturbing the habitat. The trail is beloved by bird watchers and nature photographers for its tranquil setting.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING IN MICHIGAN
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the premier trails across the state, from the rugged Porcupine Mountains to the scenic dunes of Sleeping Bear. These top-rated routes offer a diversity of landscapes, including waterfalls, old-growth forests, and panoramic lake vistas. Hikers of all skill levels can find rewarding adventures in Michigan's vast and varied wilderness.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEST BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features the state's most scenic coastal paths, from iconic stretches along Lake Michigan to hidden coves on Lake Superior. Beach and sand dune trails offer sweeping views, gentle breezes, and opportunities to experience the Great Lakes up close. These routes are ideal for hikers seeking the beauty of endless water, shifting sands, and dramatic sunsets.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems introduces hikers to lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path trails where tranquility and wildlife abound. These secluded routes wind through quiet forests, remote wetlands, and peaceful meadows, creating the perfect environment for solitude and close encounters with nature. Adventurous hikers often find these hidden spots provide a uniquely personal and refreshing experience.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
BEST FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates trails renowned for spectacular fall color, from hardwood ridges in the Upper Peninsula to vibrant river valleys downstate. Routes are chosen for their panoramic viewpoints and opportunities to immerse oneself in brilliant foliage. Fall hikers are treated to crisp air, rustling leaves, and stunning natural displays at every turn.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST U.P. HIKING ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails winding through northern hardwood forests, lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Trail options range from short interpretive loops to multi-day backpacking trips, providing something for every level of explorer. Wildlife sightings and scenic overlooks are highlights in this pristine section of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.