Lake City MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Lake City, Michigan.
1. Missaukee Nature Trail
WOODED LOOP TRAIL
Missaukee Nature Trail offers hikers a peaceful, natural environment featuring 14 acres of scenic county land. The trail loops through a variety of landscapes and wildlife habitats, making it suitable for both casual walks and nature study. Visitors can enjoy easy-to-moderate routes with a total of over a mile of interconnected paths.
2. Ben D. Jeffs River Park
RIVERSIDE WOODS WALK
Ben D. Jeffs River Park features over 66 wooded acres along the Muskegon River, ideal for tranquil hiking experiences. The park's wooded trails provide ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and river views. Its amenities include picnic areas and a canoe launch for those seeking a full day of outdoor adventures.
3. Crooked Lake Park Trails
LAKESIDE FOREST ROUTES
Crooked Lake Park Trails wind through more than 60 acres on the south shore of Crooked Lake. Hikers can enjoy forested paths and lakeside scenery, with spots for picnicking or birdwatching. The area combines easy walking with beautiful water views and convenient park facilities.
4. Manistee River Trail
SCENIC RIVER HIKE
Manistee River Trail is a celebrated 12-mile route offering stunning river vistas and rolling terrain. Hikers experience dramatic bluffs, wildflowers, and the soothing sound of the Manistee River along the way. The trail is known for its well-marked paths and picturesque campsites.
5. Forestview Natural Area Trail
NATURE PRESERVE PATH
Forestview Natural Area Trail is a short yet rewarding route through protected woodlands near Lake City. The trail encourages exploration of native plants and birds, making it popular with local families and naturalists. Its well-groomed paths are suitable for hikers of all ages.
6. Leelanau Trail
COUNTRYSIDE RAIL TRAIL
Leelanau Trail stretches over 17 miles through Michigan's picturesque Leelanau Peninsula. This converted rail corridor offers a smooth, multi-use path ideal for hikers, runners, and cyclists. The trail showcases farmland, forest, and vineyard views with multiple access points for flexibility.
7. Betsie Valley Trail
MULTI-TERRAIN ADVENTURE
Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile path connecting forests, small towns, and lakes in northwest Michigan. With both paved and crushed limestone segments, this trail accommodates hikers of all levels looking for a variety of natural scenery. Highlights include quiet woods, wildlife, and access to Crystal Lake.
8. Scenic Bluff Trail
ELEVATED VIEWPOINT WALK
Scenic Bluff Trail offers a short but memorable hike featuring panoramic views from elevated bluffs. The trail is ideal for those seeking manageable terrain with rewarding vistas of the surrounding forests and countryside. Limited crowds and easy access make it a local favorite.
9. Old Indian Trail
HISTORIC WOODLAND PATH
Old Indian Trail near Empire runs through the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and traverses a landscape shaped by glacial activity. Hikers experience towering dunes, quiet forests, and occasional lake views. The trail offers both an outer and inner loop for flexibility in distance.
10. Big M Trail
FOREST LOOP NETWORK
Big M Trail is a network of loops totaling 18.6 miles in the Manistee National Forest, suitable for various skill levels. Dense woodlands and rolling hills make it a popular year-round destination among hikers and mountain bikers. The area's peaceful setting offers solitude and frequent wildlife encounters.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP MICHIGAN TRAIL PICKS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most celebrated trails, from forests and lakeshores to rugged ridges. Hikers across Michigan can enjoy diverse experiences, from gentle nature walks to challenging multi-day treks. These highly rated trails capture the state's unique natural beauty and are must-visits for outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking encompasses the best beach and coastal routes, often featuring stretches along the Great Lakes. These trails offer hikers the opportunity to explore sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and panoramic waterfronts. Unique ecosystems, gentle surf sounds, and unforgettable sunsets await coastal explorers.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems reveals out-of-the-way trails perfect for solitude, seclusion, and wildlife watching. These lesser-known paths meander through quiet forests, wetlands, and hills, making them favorites for birders and nature photographers. Discover the state's tranquil beauty far from busy crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking highlights the best trails for experiencing vibrant fall foliage. Walkers are treated to a kaleidoscope of colors as the forests shift to brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. These routes are ideal for capturing photographs and soaking in crisp, scenic autumn air.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHWOODS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest spans nearly a million acres in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is prized for its extensive trail systems. Hikers can explore everything from old-growth forests and waterfalls to rugged backcountry routes. The forest offers year-round adventure and a true Northwoods wilderness experience.