Grosse Pointe Woods MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.
1. Pier Park Trail
WOODED CITY LOOP
Pier Park Trail in Grosse Pointe Woods provides residents with an accessible, paved walking loop through shaded woods. The park features waterfront views, well-marked paths, and benches for leisurely strolls. It's a popular spot for casual hikes, birdwatching, and family outings close to home.
2. Lake Front Park Pathway
SHORELINE FAMILY WALK
Lake Front Park Pathway in Grosse Pointe Farms invites hikers to enjoy scenic views along Lake St. Clair. The looped paved trail winds through lakeside gardens and open grassy areas, making it ideal for families and beginners. Picnic spots and a marina enhance the peaceful hiking experience.
3. Ford House Grounds Trail
HISTORIC GARDENS WALK
Ford House Grounds Trail in Grosse Pointe Shores immerses visitors in lush landscapes, woodlands, and historic gardens. Trails meander past the estate's lakefront, native plantings, and century-old trees. This easy hike offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural serenity.
4. Balduck Park Nature Trail
DETROIT URBAN FOREST
Balduck Park Nature Trail in northeast Detroit features winding woodland paths, open meadows, and a hilltop view. The well-kept trails attract hikers seeking natural escape within city limits. Native wildflowers and abundant birdlife make this an inviting local hike.
5. Stony Creek Metropark Trails
EXTENSIVE WOODLAND TRAILS
Stony Creek Metropark Trails offer more than 14 miles of hiking through forests, wetlands, and rolling hills. Numerous loops accommodate all skill levels, while wildlife sightings are common along the water's edge. The extensive trail network provides a scenic escape near metro Detroit.
6. Kensington Metropark Trails
LAKESIDE HIKING HAVEN
Kensington Metropark Trails in Milford feature over 8 miles of hiking paths encircling Kent Lake and passing through oak forests and wetlands. The trails are well-maintained and intersect with nature centers and birdwatching spots. Scenic bridges and tranquil settings make this a top hiking choice.
7. Paint Creek Trail
HISTORIC RAILS-TO-TRAILS
Paint Creek Trail runs for almost 9 miles between Rochester and Lake Orion, following a former railroad bed. The crushed limestone path traverses woodlands, streams, and open meadows. Its gentle grades and scenic crossings make it ideal for hikers of all ages.
8. Belle Isle Trail Network
ISLAND NATURE WALKS
Belle Isle Trail Network, set on Detroit's island park, offers several miles of walking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and along the Detroit River. The island's unique habitats can be explored via paved and natural-surface trails. Visitors enjoy a combination of cityscape views and peaceful nature.
9. Huron Meadows Metropark Trails
PRAIRIE AND FOREST PATHS
Huron Meadows Metropark Trails in Brighton wind through oak forests, open meadows, and along the Huron River. The park features over 11 miles of hiking trails suited to both leisurely walks and longer treks. Wildlife observation and riverside scenery are major draws for local hikers.
10. Ludington State Park Trails
DUNES AND LIGHTHOUSE
Ludington State Park Trails in Ludington are celebrated for their combination of sand dunes, forest, and scenic shoreline. Hikers can traverse boardwalks, climb dunes, and enjoy the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse. The varied terrain and lake views make this park a favorite among Michigan outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most iconic trails, from lakeshore boardwalks to deep forest paths. Hikers can explore everything from rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness to lush lower peninsula parks, experiencing waterfalls, wildlife, and panoramic views. Each season brings new beauty to Michigan's diverse hiking landscape, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for trekkers.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking refers to the pristine trails tracing the coasts of Lakes Michigan, Superior, and Huron. Walkers can meander through golden dunes, remote beaches, and dramatic bluffs, enjoying unobstructed water views at every turn. These shoreline paths are perfect for those seeking both sandy strolls and refreshing lake breezes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails tucked away in state and county parks, nature preserves, and remote wilderness. These quiet paths offer solitude, opportunities for wildlife watching, and the sense of discovering a private piece of Michigan's wild beauty. They are ideal for hikers who appreciate tranquility and immersion in untamed settings.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE EXPERIENCES
Michigan Autumn Hiking highlights the state's forests and ridges transformed into bright golds, reds, and oranges. Trails across the lower and upper peninsulas offer panoramic fall color views and crisp air, attracting leaf-peepers each October. Picturesque overlooks and quiet woodlands create a perfect setting for autumn hikes.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula boasts hundreds of miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests, lakes, and waterfalls. The forest's remote wilderness provides dramatic scenery, solitude, and a chance to encounter wildlife in their natural habitat. Popular trails include those to Bond Falls, Black River, and the North Country National Scenic Trail section.