Kingston MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Kingston, Michigan.
1. Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park
ANCIENT ROCK ART TRAIL
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park offers visitors a unique hiking experience with trails that wind through forests and lead to Michigan's largest known collection of ancient Native American rock carvings. The main loop is a gentle hike, perfect for families and those interested in history and nature. Interpretive signs along the path provide insights into the cultural and natural significance of the area.
2. Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area
SCENIC LAKESIDE PATHS
Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area features a network of scenic trails that loop through forested areas and along the shores of Lake Minnewanna. Hikers can enjoy peaceful woodlands, marsh vistas, and abundant wildlife observation spots. The area is popular for its year-round trail access and well-maintained paths suitable for all skill levels.
3. Sleeper State Park
DUNES AND LAKE VIEWS
Sleeper State Park boasts several miles of hiking trails that traverse sand dunes, hardwood forests, and offer stunning views of Lake Huron. The trails are especially popular in the summer months, providing access to secluded beaches and picnic areas. This park is a great destination for those seeking a relaxed, lakeside hiking experience.
4. Ortonville Recreation Area
RUGGED WOODLAND LOOPS
Ortonville Recreation Area offers rugged and diverse trails amid rolling hills, dense forests, and tranquil lakes. The varied terrain makes it a favorite for both casual hikers and more serious trekkers, with routes ranging from easy walks to moderate climbs. Wildlife sightings are common, and the park is beautiful throughout all seasons.
5. Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum
FOREST AND PRAIRIE TRAILS
The Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum features well-marked trails that meander through forest, wetland, and prairie ecosystems. Educational signs and observation areas allow hikers to learn about the diverse local flora and fauna. It's especially popular in the spring and summer for birdwatching and wildflower viewing.
6. Kingston Lake State Forest Campground
SECLUDED FOREST HIKES
Kingston Lake State Forest Campground provides a quiet starting point for hiking the surrounding Fox River Pathway, leading through dense forests and near remote lakes. Trails are often less crowded and offer peaceful nature immersion and rustic camping options close by. The area is great for spotting wildlife and enjoying true northern Michigan solitude.
7. Fox River Pathway
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE ROUTE
The Fox River Pathway stretches for 27.5 scenic miles, following the river that inspired Ernest Hemingway's famous story 'Big Two-Hearted River.' Hikers enjoy changing terrain, wildflower meadows, and excellent trout fishing vistas along this iconic route. The trail connects to Kingston Lake and is ideal for those seeking adventure and a touch of literary history.
8. Gemini Lake Pathway
QUIET FORESTED TRAIL
The Gemini Lake Pathway offers a short but scenic 1.5-mile hike through Hiawatha National Forest, looping around serene lakes and under a canopy of towering trees. It's an excellent choice for families or those looking for a peaceful, quick retreat into nature. Wildlife sightings are common, and the pathway is particularly beautiful in autumn.
9. Manistee River Trail
RIVER AND RIDGE VIEWS
The Manistee River Trail is renowned for its rolling terrain, river vistas, and impressive suspension bridge crossings. The loop offers a mix of challenging climbs and gentle descents, with scenic overlooks and many camping opportunities along the banks. It's a highlight for backpackers and day hikers alike, often considered a must-hike in Michigan.
10. Chapel-Basin Loop
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
The Chapel-Basin Loop at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offers hikers breathtaking cliffs, arches, waterfalls, and pristine Lake Superior shoreline. The 10-mile loop includes highlights like Chapel Falls, Chapel Beach, and Grand Portal Point, making it one of Michigan's most iconic day hikes. Its dramatic landscapes and photo-worthy vistas attract visitors from across the country.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a wide array of trails, from the rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness to scenic southern forests and shorelines. Hikers can experience everything from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures, each offering unique natural beauty. The state is lauded for its diversity, making it a premier hiking destination year-round.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights some of the best beach and coastal trails along the Great Lakes, featuring sand dunes, rugged cliffs, and sweeping water views. Popular shoreline hikes include the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and stretches of the North Country Trail. These trails provide a unique blend of aquatic and forest habitats, ideal for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are trails less traveled, perfect for those seeking solitude, wildlife observation, and tranquil settings. These out-of-the-way paths wind through quiet forests, remote wetlands, and rolling hills teeming with birds and native fauna. Discovering these lesser-known spots rewards hikers with peaceful immersion in Michigan's wildest landscapes.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULAR
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for brilliant displays of fall color, with trails winding through vibrant maples, oaks, and birches. Favorite routes for foliage viewing include Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls, and Hartwick Pines. Each hike offers a multi-sensory experience, with crisp air, rustling leaves, and breathtaking autumn vistas.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest covers nearly a million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offering countless hiking opportunities through deep forests, along rivers, and over gentle hills. Trails range from short interpretive paths to extensive backcountry routes, with options for every level of hiker. The forest is especially renowned for its wild beauty, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.