Flint MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Flint, Michigan.
1. Flint River Trail
MAIN URBAN GREENWAY
Flint River Trail is Flint's premier multi-use trail, traversing downtown and stretching north to Richfield County Park. The 17-mile paved route offers scenic river views, links to numerous parks, and connects with other regional greenways for extended exploration. This accessible trail is perfect for walkers, cyclists, and those seeking a long city-to-country adventure through Genesee County.
2. For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRESERVE
For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum features miles of well-maintained hiking trails winding through forests, wetlands, prairie, and an impressive arboretum. Located in Burton, it offers nature lovers opportunities to observe wildlife and participate in educational programs throughout the year. The preserve is especially popular for family outings and peaceful hikes immersed in diverse natural settings.
3. Flushing County Park
EASY RIVERSIDE LOOP
Flushing County Park boasts a scenic, easy one-mile loop trail running alongside the Flint River and winding through mature trees and grassy meadows. The trail's flat terrain makes it accessible for walkers and cyclists alike, and it's a favorite for a quick, rejuvenating walk surrounded by nature. Located in the city of Flushing, this park provides a leisurely escape with river views and seasonal color.
4. Stepping Stone Falls
SCENIC WATERFALL WALKS
Stepping Stone Falls offers 1.25 miles of repaved hiking trails along the Mott Lake shoreline and the Flint River, culminating at the picturesque, illuminated falls. Visitors enjoy walking through woodlands rich with birch, maple, and oak trees before reaching the viewing areas. The colorful lights at night transform the falls into a magical destination, making it a popular local highlight in Flint.
5. Chevy Commons Trail
RIVERSIDE URBAN PARK
Chevy Commons Trail transforms a former industrial site into a green urban oasis, offering a scenic riverside path for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. Sitting near downtown Flint, the trail connects the Genesee Valley Trail with the Flint River Trail and invites visitors to enjoy native landscaping and city views. It is a key hub for recreation and community gatherings in the heart of Flint.
6. Genesee Valley Trail
LONG CONNECTED PATHWAY
The Genesee Valley Trail is a multi-use, paved trail running several miles west from downtown Flint along a former rail line. It provides a convenient green corridor for pedestrians and cyclists, with easy access to local parks and neighborhoods. This flat and accessible route is ideal for those seeking an extended, uninterrupted walk or ride through urban and suburban landscapes.
7. Atlas County Park
QUIET NATURAL ESCAPE
Atlas County Park in Atlas Township features peaceful nature trails winding through woodlands and along the Kearsley Creek. Popular with birdwatchers and outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers a tranquil alternative to busier hiking spots in Genesee County. The terrain is suitable for all skill levels and provides a relaxing setting for a gentle stroll or picnic.
8. Richfield County Park
SUSPENSION BRIDGE TRAILS
Richfield County Park, located in Davison, spans both sides of the Flint River and features a 1930s suspension bridge connecting its two trail systems. Visitors enjoy miles of wooded paths, riverside views, and opportunities to spot wildlife amidst sugar maples and oaks. The park's scenic environment and historic bridge make it a distinctive hiking destination near Flint.
9. Bluebell Beach & Flint River Bike Path
LAKESHORE & RIVER TRAILS
Bluebell Beach & Flint River Bike Path offer a unique combination of lakeside scenery at Mott Lake and shaded trails along the Flint River in northern Flint. The paved path is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it excellent for families and nature watchers. With a nearby splash pad and picnic areas, this area is a favorite for leisurely outings and gentle hikes.
10. Buell Lake County Park
NATURE AROUND THE LAKE
Buell Lake County Park, near Clio, offers peaceful lakeside walking trails and open grassy areas for recreation. The park's short trails loop through fields and woodlands and offer chances to spot waterfowl and local wildlife. With picnic shelters and fishing access, it's ideal for a relaxing day close to nature north of Flint.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATE TRAIL EXPERIENCES
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the premier hiking destinations across the state, from the rugged cliffs of the Upper Peninsula to rolling woodlands and sandy dunes. Iconic trails like the Porcupine Mountains, Pictured Rocks, and the North Country Trail deliver breathtaking views and challenging treks for all skill levels. These routes offer hikers a chance to experience Michigan's incredible variety of landscapes, from forests and lakeshores to waterfalls and remote wilderness.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's best beach and coastal hiking along the Great Lakes, known for their sandy dunes, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic water views. Popular routes like the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks offer miles of lakeshore exploration, picturesque beaches, and unique ecosystems shaped by wind and waves. These trails are perfect for hikers seeking awe-inspiring scenery and refreshing lake breezes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems takes adventurers to the state's lesser-known trails ideal for solitude and wildlife observation, often found in state forests and remote parks. These secret spots, such as the Jordan River Pathway or Nordhouse Dunes, provide quiet escapes far from crowds, with rich opportunities to spot birds, deer, and wildflowers. Hikers seeking serenity and deep nature immersion will find these hidden gems uniquely rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
BEST FOR FALL FOLIAGE
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases dazzling leaf-peeping trails across the state, where maples and oaks explode into vibrant reds, oranges, and golds each fall. Destinations like Hartwick Pines, the Upper Peninsula, and the Waterloo Recreation Area are renowned for colorful canopies and crisp autumn air. These trails invite hikers to experience Michigan's natural beauty at its most brilliant during the changing seasons.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS IN THE U.P.
Ottawa National Forest offers some of Michigan's wildest hiking experiences, with hundreds of miles of trails winding through old-growth forests, over rivers, and past countless lakes and waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula. Popular routes like the North Country Trail provide opportunities for backpacking, wildlife viewing, and true wilderness solitude. The forest's sheer size and diversity make it a top destination for adventurous hikers seeking remote and pristine landscapes.