Garden MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Garden, Michigan.
1. Fayette Historic State Park Trails
HISTORIC COASTAL HIKES
Fayette Historic State Park Trails in Garden, MI, offer hikers approximately five miles of scenic paths winding through hardwood forests and the historic townsite. These trails provide stunning views from atop limestone bluffs overlooking Snail Shell Harbor and Big Bay de Noc, making them popular for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. The varied terrain and picturesque waterfront vistas create an unforgettable hiking experience in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
2. Bruno's Run Trail
FORESTED LOOP ADVENTURE
Bruno's Run Trail is a 9-mile loop located in the scenic Hiawatha National Forest, not far from Garden, MI. The trail winds through rolling terrain and dense forests, offering a peaceful atmosphere for hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing. Numerous lakes and streams along the way provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and tranquil rest stops.
3. Little Bay de Noc Trail
BAY-SIDE PATHWAYS
Little Bay de Noc Trail in Escanaba runs along the beautiful shoreline, providing hikers with expansive views of the bay and easy access to waterfront parks. The trail is suitable for walkers and cyclists, making it a favorite for locals seeking scenic exercise routes. Multiple trailheads and picnic areas offer flexible hiking options and plenty of spots to enjoy the coastal scenery.
4. Indian Lake State Park Trails
LAKESHORE FOREST WALK
Indian Lake State Park Trails offer two miles of hiking paths along Michigan's fourth largest inland lake in Manistique. The trails are open year-round and include a quarter-mile, accessible paved segment providing views of the water and wildlife. Surrounded by forest, these serene routes are ideal for both casual walkers and dedicated hikers.
5. Felch Grade Trail
RURAL RAILS-TO-TRAIL
Felch Grade Trail is a converted rail-trail stretching for miles through rural forest and farmland near Felch, MI. The path features varied terrain and is frequented by both hikers and cyclists looking for a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience. Wildlife sightings are common, and the peaceful surroundings make this trail a hidden gem for those exploring Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
6. Snail Shell Harbor Overlook Trail
DRAMATIC HARBOR VIEWS
Snail Shell Harbor Overlook Trail, part of Fayette Historic State Park, leads hikers to breathtaking views over the deep blue waters and striking white limestone cliffs of Snail Shell Harbor. The short but rewarding trail is perfect for photographers and history lovers alike, offering panoramic vistas of the historic harbor and townsite. Benches along the way provide restful spots to soak in the scenery.
7. Empire Bluffs Trail
DUNE OVERLOOK WALK
Empire Bluffs Trail in Empire, MI, is a 1.5-mile out-and-back hike located within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This relatively easy trail culminates in a west-facing overlook, offering dramatic vantage points of Lake Michigan and the surrounding dunes. The combination of gentle elevation and stunning lake views makes it one of Michigan's most beloved hiking spots.
8. Grass River Natural Area
WILDLIFE BOARDWALK EXPLORATION
Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire, MI, features seven miles of trails, with 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk traversing unique wetlands. This site is renowned for reliable river otter sightings and diverse wildlife, attracting nature enthusiasts and birders. The accessible trails and interpretive signage make it an educational and serene destination for hikers of all abilities.
9. Fort Custer Recreation Area Trails
DIVERSE WATERSIDE ROUTES
Fort Custer Recreation Area in Battle Creek, MI, offers over 40 miles of hiking trails along wooded lakeshores, wetlands, and the Kalamazoo River. The area is celebrated for its wildflowers, diverse habitats, and quiet natural beauty, making it suitable for hikers seeking both adventure and tranquility. With looped trails of varying lengths, it accommodates everyone from casual walkers to experienced trekkers.
10. Nichols Arboretum Trails
URBAN BOTANICAL ADVENTURE
Nichols Arboretum Trails in Ann Arbor, MI, encompass nearly 3.5 miles weaving through gardens, woodlands, and along the Huron River. The trails offer quiet seclusion, challenging hills, and gorgeous views of valleys and unique plant collections, including the famous peony garden. Well-marked entrances and informative maps make exploring the Arboretum accessible and enjoyable year-round.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
ICONIC HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most iconic and scenic hiking destinations, from the dramatic dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes to the rugged forests of Isle Royale National Park. These top trails provide diverse experiences, ranging from lakeside vistas and challenging wilderness routes to family-friendly boardwalks and accessible paths. Whether seeking mountain views, waterfalls, or quiet woods, hikers find Michigan's best hiking adventures across its varied landscapes.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL EXPERIENCES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's premier beach and coastal trails along the Great Lakes, where hikers can traverse sandy dunes, forested bluffs, and picturesque beaches. These trails are known for their sweeping water views, varied ecosystems, and opportunities to enjoy sunsets over freshwater horizons. Beach hikes at places like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offer some of the most memorable coastal experience in the Midwest.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails scattered throughout the state, perfect for those seeking solitude and abundant wildlife. These peaceful paths often pass through remote forests, wetlands, or ridges where deer, otters, and rare birds are commonly sighted. Hikers who venture to these quiet gems enjoy an immersive natural experience far from crowded parks and busy trailheads.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's best trails for witnessing vibrant fall foliage among maple-lined hills, hardwood forests, and lakeside bluffs. Peak autumn color transforms Michigan's parks and natural areas into a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds, making hikes especially scenic in September and October. Destinations such as Porcupine Mountains and Tahquamenon Falls State Park are favorites for breathtaking fall scenery.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHWOODS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest, centered near Watersmeet, MI, offers hundreds of miles of trails that span old-growth forests, waterfalls, and peaceful lakes. Hikers here will find both short interpretive paths and challenging backcountry routes ideal for multi-day adventures. The forest's expansive wilderness provides opportunities for solitude, wildlife observation, and immersion in Michigan's pristine Northwoods landscapes.