Fenton MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Fenton, Michigan.
1. Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary
PEACEFUL URBAN SANCTUARY
Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary is a 155-acre preserve located within the city limits of Fenton, offering more than 4 miles of footpaths through diverse woodland and wetland habitats. Hikers can enjoy tranquil paths shaded by mature trees, ideal for birdwatching and nature observation just minutes from downtown. The sanctuary's well-marked trails and serene setting make it perfect for both casual strolls and peaceful nature walks.
2. Seven Lakes State Park
SCENIC TRAILS & LAKES
Seven Lakes State Park features nearly 1,500 acres of rolling terrain and several scenic lakes, with woodland trails and waterfront paths like the Green Trail Loop. Hikers can combine trails for longer treks, discovering both beautiful forests and plenty of lakeside views. Its proximity to Fenton makes it an accessible spot for hiking, fishing, and weekend getaways.
3. Holly State Recreation Area
EXPANSIVE WOODED ESCAPES
Holly State Recreation Area provides over 8,000 acres for hiking, including miles of wooded trails and diverse landscapes. The park's multi-use paths wind through thick forests, open meadows, and around lakes, appealing to hikers of all experience levels. The expansive natural environment makes it a favorite for those seeking adventure or solitude near Fenton.
4. Bicentennial Park Pathway
COMMUNITY RECREATION TRAIL
Bicentennial Park Pathway offers a 2.8-mile paved loop in Grand Blanc, designed for both walkers and cyclists. The trail passes through parkland with sports fields, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas, making it a family-friendly hike. Its gentle grades and accessible surface are perfect for people of all ages looking for a leisurely outdoor experience.
5. Black Creek Nature Trail
WOODLAND & WATERWAY WALK
Black Creek Nature Trail provides a peaceful 3.5-mile hike along wooded pathways and beside the winding Black Creek in Davison. The trail features boardwalks over wetlands and is an excellent location for wildlife sightings, especially birds and amphibians. Its varied terrain and natural beauty make this trail a hidden gem for hikers near Fenton.
6. Applewood Trail
SHORT & SCENIC PATHWAY
The Applewood Trail offers a charming, 1.8-mile pathway right in Fenton, winding through neighborhoods and shaded green spaces. It is popular among locals for quick, easy walks and connects with various parks and residential areas. The trail's flat terrain and pleasant atmosphere make it great for daily strolls or relaxed exercise.
7. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
YEAR-ROUND NATURE TRAIL
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail spans over 5 miles through forest and field in Davison, accommodating both hikers in summer and cross-country skiers in winter. Visitors enjoy varied scenery, including woodlands, meadows, and rolling terrain that invites exploration in any season. The trail is well-maintained, making it a top pick for fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
8. Forestview Natural Area Trail
IMMERSIVE FOREST WALK
The Forestview Natural Area Trail is a short, serene 0.9-mile hike through dense woodland in Fenton. This trail is ideal for nature walks and quiet reflection, with lush tree cover and frequent wildlife sightings. Its easy accessibility and natural beauty make it a local favorite for brief but immersive hikes.
9. Sleepy Hollow State Park
SPRAWLING PARK ADVENTURES
Sleepy Hollow State Park encompasses 2,700 acres and features over 11 miles of interconnected hiking trails near Laingsburg. Hikers can explore routes that meander through forests, open fields, and along the shorelines of Lake Ovid. Its picturesque settings and diverse habitats make it well worth the hour's drive from Fenton.
10. Rose Oaks County Park
QUIET WOODS & WETLANDS
Rose Oaks County Park covers hundreds of acres in Rose Township, offering a peaceful retreat with several miles of hiking trails. Paths wind through forests, wetlands, and around small lakes, providing a sanctuary for both hikers and local wildlife. The park's tranquil atmosphere and scenic vistas make it a must-visit for lovers of quiet natural settings.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS IN STATE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's exceptional diversity of hiking experiences, from rugged forest paths to gentle lakeside strolls. Michigan is renowned for its extensive state parks, nature preserves, and national forests that offer opportunities for adventure, wildlife viewing, and scenic beauty throughout the year. Whether exploring Upper Peninsula wilderness or southern woodlands, hikers can find trails suited to every skill level and interest.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL & BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights some of the Midwest's most beautiful beach and coastal trails, stretching along the shores of the Great Lakes. Hikers can experience breathtaking sand dunes, quiet coves, and panoramic water views while exploring pathways like Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and Warren Dunes. These routes are perfect for those seeking adventure on sandy beaches and dramatic coastal scenery.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems comprises secret spots and lightly trafficked trails ideal for those seeking solitude and unique wildlife encounters. From quiet forest preserves to remote wetland boardwalks, these places offer immersive experiences away from crowds. Nature enthusiasts can discover peace, tranquility, and abundant animal life in these lesser-known areas.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most spectacular fall foliage routes, where vibrant reds, oranges, and golds transform woodlands and hillsides. Peak viewing occurs in mid to late October, with trails winding through both Upper and Lower Peninsula forests. These hikes provide unforgettable vistas and crisp autumn air for seasonal nature lovers.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS & WATERFALLS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers over 500,000 acres of untamed beauty, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails through deep woods, along rivers, and past numerous waterfalls. The area is renowned for its abundant wildlife, serene lakes, and remote backcountry experiences. Visitors to Ottawa National Forest can find both challenging treks and gentle walks in a breathtaking natural environment.