Frankfort MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Frankfort, Michigan.
1. Elberta Dunes South
SCENIC FOREST LOOP
Elberta Dunes South offers a forested loop trail with serene views near Elberta, MI. Hikers traverse gentle hills through dense woodland, ultimately reaching scenic overlooks of Lake Michigan. This peaceful spot is ideal for nature lovers looking for a quiet walk surrounded by natural beauty.
2. Betsie Valley Trail
MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
The Betsie Valley Trail stretches 22 miles from Frankfort through Elberta to Thompsonville, providing a mix of woodland, lakeside, and rural scenery. Hikers enjoy a well-maintained path suitable for both casual strolling and longer treks. With access points in several quaint towns, it's a favorite for both locals and visitors.
3. Sleeping Bear Point Trail
SAND DUNE ADVENTURE
The Sleeping Bear Point Trail is a 2.8-mile loop through impressive sand dunes, providing breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and South Manitou Island. The trail features a spur that leads to a secluded beach, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking variety in landscapes. Its moderate challenge and stunning vistas make it a popular destination.
4. Pyramid Point Trail
LAKE MICHIGAN VIEWS
Pyramid Point Trail offers a rewarding hike up 570 feet of elevation, culminating in panoramic views over Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan. The 2.8-mile round-trip is manageable for most hikers, making it suitable for families and those seeking breathtaking scenery. Wildflowers and wildlife add to the natural charm of this favorite trail.
5. Arcadia Marsh Trail
WILDLIFE WETLAND WALK
Arcadia Marsh Trail is a short 0.75-mile boardwalk loop through a restored coastal marsh, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities. The flat trail is accessible for all ages and abilities, perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Interpretive signage enhances the experience, making it an educational as well as a scenic hike.
6. Empire Bluff Trail
BLUFFTOP PANORAMAS
Empire Bluff Trail is a popular 1.5-mile round-trip hike leading to a dramatic overlook high above Lake Michigan. After a gentle ascent through the woods, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of the shoreline and dunes. It's especially stunning at sunset, drawing hikers of all experience levels.
7. Old Indian Trail
DUNES AND FOREST TRAIL
Old Indian Trail weaves through a mix of wooded dunes and forests within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Two loop options allow for shorter or longer hikes, making it a flexible choice for visitors. Quiet paths and occasional lake views provide a peaceful hiking experience with opportunities for wildlife sightings.
8. Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
RARE DUNELAND HABITAT
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve features forested trails, wildflowers, and access to high bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. Hikers will find tranquil paths through rare coastal habitats and a staircase leading down to a secluded beach. The area is managed for conservation and is a haven for birdwatchers and botanists.
9. Boardman Lake Trail
URBAN LAKESIDE PATH
Boardman Lake Trail offers a scenic loop along the shoreline of Boardman Lake in Traverse City, providing both urban convenience and natural beauty. The mostly flat, multi-use path features several overlooks, picnic spots, and access points. This makes it a popular choice for a leisurely walk or run close to town.
10. Manistee River Trail
RIVER GORGE VIEWS
Manistee River Trail is a celebrated 11-mile hiking route known for its suspension bridges, waterfalls, and scenic river gorges. The path meanders through hardwood forests and offers ample opportunities for backcountry camping. It's part of a larger loop with the North Country Trail, perfect for overnight adventures.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKE EXPERIENCES
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a diverse range of trails, from rugged wilderness treks in the Upper Peninsula to scenic coastal walks along the Great Lakes. Hikers can experience everything from towering sand dunes to dense forests and crystal-clear inland lakes. The state is renowned for its accessible, breathtaking hiking destinations suitable for every experience level.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACHES AND LAKE VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers some of the best beach and coastal trails in the Midwest, with endless stretches of sandy shoreline and dramatic dunes. Popular hikes follow the coasts of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, with easy access to water, wilderness, and spectacular sunsets. These trails are perfect for combining hiking adventures with swimming, birdwatching, and picnicking by the water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE WALKS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlight secluded trails ideal for wildlife observation and solitude. These lesser-known paths wind through pristine forests, wetlands, and remote parks, providing a peaceful escape from crowds. Hikers often discover rare plant species and encounter deer, birds, and other wildlife along these tranquil routes.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers unforgettable routes for experiencing vibrant fall foliage, from sugar maples to oak ridges. Trails such as those in the Porcupine Mountains, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and along the Upper Peninsula blaze with color each autumn. These hikes provide sweeping views of forests awash in reds, oranges, and golds—a photographer's dream.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, features hundreds of miles of trails through deep forests, rivers, and lakes. Popular hiking routes include the North Country Trail and interpretive loops rich in wildlife and wildflowers. Hikers can explore tranquil settings, rugged backcountry, and impressive waterfalls for a classic Michigan wilderness experience.