Grosse Pointe MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
1. Burke Fossee Fitness Trail
SCENIC FITNESS WALK
Burke Fossee Fitness Trail is a scenic 1.4-mile paved path located in Lake Front Park, Grosse Pointe Woods. This loop features permanently installed fitness equipment at nine stations, making it perfect for walkers and runners seeking an interactive outdoor workout. With stations spaced along the waterfront, visitors enjoy both exercise opportunities and lovely park views.
2. William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse via Driker Trail & Blue Heron Lagoon
LIGHTHOUSE ISLAND LOOP
The William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse hike on Belle Isle takes visitors through lush parkland, past lagoons, and ultimately to Michigan's only marble lighthouse. The route follows the Driker Trail, providing picturesque views of the Detroit River and ample opportunities for wildlife watching. This accessible loop is ideal for families and offers a unique blend of history, nature, and waterfront scenery.
3. West Bloomfield Trail
RAILS-TO-TRAILS GREENWAY
West Bloomfield Trail is a converted rail corridor that runs for nearly seven miles through woodlands, wetlands, and neighborhoods. The well-maintained path is popular for hiking, jogging, and birdwatching, making it a community favorite. Its gentle grades and diverse scenery offer a relaxing walk through suburban nature.
4. Paint Creek Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Paint Creek Trail is Michigan's first non-motorized rail trail, stretching nearly nine miles between Rochester and Lake Orion. The crushed limestone surface meanders alongside Paint Creek, offering excellent views, shady forests, and connections to several parks. It's a favorite route for those seeking a peaceful hike through picturesque landscapes.
5. Stony Creek Metropark Trails
WOODLAND & LAKESIDE LOOPS
Stony Creek Metropark offers a variety of interconnected trails winding through forests, prairies, and along the shores of Stony Creek Lake. Options range from short loops to challenging hikes, with scenic overlooks and year-round wildlife. The park's extensive network is ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
6. Clinton River Trail
URBAN WATERWAY PATHWAY
Clinton River Trail follows a 16-mile corridor through five communities, tracing the scenic Clinton River and connecting several parks. This multi-use path is popular with hikers, cyclists, and families, offering peaceful river views and easy access to urban amenities. It's a versatile trail perfect for a leisurely stroll or longer adventure.
7. Oakwoods Metropark Trails
NATURE CENTER & FLOODPLAIN
Oakwoods Metropark features a network of wooded trails winding along the Huron River floodplain in the Downriver region. Visitors can explore nature trails, boardwalks, and interpretive areas, with frequent sightings of herons, turtles, and other wildlife. The park's nature center provides educational exhibits and trail access for visitors of all ages.
8. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area Foot Trail
GLACIAL TOPOGRAPHY HIKE
The Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area features a scenic foot trail winding through glacial moraines, hardwood forests, and wetlands surrounding Lake Minnewanna. Hikers enjoy varied terrain and the chance to see songbirds, deer, and wildflowers along the quiet pathways. The trail's peaceful setting offers a refreshing escape into Michigan's rural countryside.
9. Potawatomi Trail
CLASSIC LOOP HIKE
The Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area is a celebrated 17.5-mile loop favored by both hikers and trail runners. The route passes through mature forests, wetlands, and occasional rolling hills, providing a rigorous outdoor challenge. The combination of scenic beauty and physical demand makes it one of southeastern Michigan's premier hiking experiences.
10. Dodge #4 State Park Trail
LAKESIDE NATURE LOOP
Dodge #4 State Park Trail meanders through old-growth trees and along the shores of Cass Lake in Waterford. The easy trail is ideal for families looking for short walks framed by water views, with opportunities for birdwatching and picnicking. The park's accessible paths make it a favorite for all ages and abilities.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most celebrated trails, ranging from rugged mountain paths in the Upper Peninsula to scenic rail-trails and forested loops downstate. Outdoor enthusiasts explore picturesque vistas, varied ecosystems, and well-managed routes suited to all experience levels. Michigan's extensive trail network is a testament to the state's natural beauty and outdoor adventure legacy.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features the best beach and coastal trails along the Great Lakes, from sandy stretches at Sleeping Bear Dunes to dramatic cliffs at Pictured Rocks. These routes offer scenic overlooks, pristine beaches, and access to unique dune ecosystems. Hikers can enjoy stunning water views and the sounds of waves along some of the nation's most beautiful freshwater coastlines.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE HIKES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails perfect for solitude and wildlife observation. These quiet paths wind through dense forests, remote wetlands, and scenic preserves, providing a peaceful escape from busier destinations. Hikers seeking tranquility and opportunities to spot rare plants or animals will find these off-the-beaten-path routes ideal.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's best trails for experiencing brilliant autumn foliage, from hardwood forests in the Upper Peninsula to rolling hills and nature parks downstate. These routes lead hikers through vibrant forests painted in reds, oranges, and golds during peak season. It's an ideal way to take in Michigan's seasonal beauty while enjoying crisp fall air.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE PATHS
Ottawa National Forest encompasses a vast expanse of wilderness in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails. The forest offers diverse landscapes, from old-growth woods to rushing rivers and waterfalls, providing an immersive backcountry experience. Trails range from short scenic walks to extended backcountry treks, catering to hikers of all skill levels.