Kalkaska MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Kalkaska, Michigan.
1. North Country Trail
NATIONAL SCENIC PATHWAY
The North Country Trail traverses across Kalkaska, offering hikers a segment of the country's longest National Scenic Trail. This expansive path winds through the beautiful Pere Marquette State Forest and offers varied scenery, including forests and lakes, providing numerous access points for day hikes or longer excursions. Visitors enjoy tranquil environments and wildlife sightings, all just steps from the heart of Kalkaska.
2. Sand Lakes Quiet Area
SERENE LAKESIDE LOOP
The Sand Lakes Quiet Area features over 10 miles of trails winding through rolling hills and circling several small, scenic lakes. This protected area is a favorite for those seeking peace and quiet, with opportunities to observe abundant wildlife in lush forest settings. It is easily accessible and is renowned for its pristine nature and tranquil atmosphere.
3. Smith Lake and North Country Trail
FOREST AND WATERFRONT
Smith Lake and North Country Trail provides a picturesque journey through mature woods leading to the serene Smith Lake. This route blends peaceful lakeside vistas with wooded trail experiences, making it ideal for day hikers of various skill levels. The area is known for its quiet surroundings and abundant wildlife along the path.
4. Seven Bridges Natural Area Trail
SCENIC BRIDGE CROSSINGS
Seven Bridges Natural Area Trail is famed for its charming wooden bridges that cross multiple clear streams within a lush, forested environment. The gentle trail provides a family-friendly hike with soothing creek sounds and picturesque nature at every turn. This spot offers a magical woodland experience near Rapid City, just east of Kalkaska.
5. Lake Skegemog Trail
LAKEFRONT WILDLIFE PATH
Lake Skegemog Trail offers a short but scenic walk along the northern shore of the expansive Skegemog Lake. This trail is popular for birdwatchers and those looking to experience open water views, wetlands, and forest edge habitats. Its easy access and natural diversity make it a delightful destination for hikers of all ages.
6. Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area North Shore Loop
WETLANDS AND WOODS LOOP
The Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area North Shore Loop takes visitors through diverse wetlands and rich woodlands along the northern edge of Skegemog Lake. Hikers frequently encounter waterfowl and other wildlife while enjoying peaceful lake views and quiet natural surroundings. This loop offers a perfect blend of seclusion and beauty close to Rapid City.
7. NCT and Sunset Trail Road Northeast Loop
FORESTED LOOP ADVENTURE
The NCT and Sunset Trail Road Northeast Loop merges portions of the North Country Trail with quiet, wooded backroads for a varied hiking experience. The loop is known for gentle terrain, ample shade, and peaceful woodlands, making it attractive for hikers seeking tranquility without lengthy travel. Seasonal foliage and wildlife enhance the walk, providing plenty of photo opportunities.
8. Loop below Grass Lake
SHORT LAKE CIRCLE
The Loop below Grass Lake is a brief yet rewarding circuit along the waterfront and surrounding woods of Grass Lake. This gentle hike is an excellent choice for beginners or those seeking a quick nature escape close to town. The peaceful environment and sparkling water views make it a local favorite for a short stroll.
9. Manistee River Trail
RIVER VALLEY BEAUTY
The Manistee River Trail follows the winding banks of the Manistee River, providing hikers with stunning vistas of the valley and abundant natural beauty. This longer trail offers bridges, bluffs, and varied terrain, attracting both day-trippers and backpackers. Wildlife abounds, and scenic overlooks reward those tackling its 12-mile length.
10. Frank N. Anderson Nature Trail
NATURE INTERPRETIVE WALK
The Frank N. Anderson Nature Trail delivers a compact, educational hiking loop with interpretive signage about local flora and fauna. Nestled in Boyne City, this easy trail is ideal for families, offering a gentle, accessible route amidst serene woodlands. Visitors appreciate its educational value and the opportunity for immersive nature observation.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's top trails, from challenging mountain routes to scenic woodland and lakeside paths. Highlights include national scenic trails, state parks, and protected wilderness areas that showcase Michigan's remarkable outdoor diversity. Hikers will find opportunities for adventure and solitude among Michigan's forests, dunes, rivers, and shorelines.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TREK EXPERIENCES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features breathtaking trails that trace the state's Great Lake shorelines, offering stunning views and sandy paths along beaches and bluffs. Destinations such as the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provide world-renowned coastal hiking amid dramatic sand dunes and wooded overlooks. These routes promise a unique blend of water, sky, and rugged lakeshore landscapes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems celebrates trails that are off the beaten path, catering to hikers seeking solitude and remarkable wildlife encounters. These undiscovered parks and conservancies offer quiet forests, remote lakesides, and peaceful meadows for those who appreciate tranquility and natural observation. Each destination offers a chance to experience Michigan's wild side away from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking highlights the state's premier destinations for vibrant fall color hikes, where forests erupt in a tapestry of reds, oranges, and golds. Trails pass through hardwood forests, state parks, and scenic overlooks that provide breathtaking leaf-peeping experiences. This season is a favorite for hikers, who can enjoy crisp air and stunning vistas throughout Michigan's diverse landscapes.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers an extensive network of trails through dense forests, rolling hills, and sparkling waters. Hikers experience the grandeur of old-growth woodlands, serene rivers, and hidden waterfalls across hundreds of miles of trail. This national forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking rugged adventure and untouched wilderness.