Lansing‡ MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Lansing‡, Michigan.
1. Lansing River Trail
RIVERFRONT URBAN PATHWAY
Lansing River Trail is a 20-mile paved route that follows the Grand River, Red Cedar River, and Sycamore Creek through Lansing. This scenic pathway connects parks, neighborhoods, and popular destinations like Potter Park Zoo and Michigan State University, making it perfect for walking, running, and biking. Along the way, hikers enjoy river views, boardwalks, and access to city green spaces.
2. Hawk Island Park Loop
FAMILY-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE TRAIL
Hawk Island Park Loop features a breezy 1.5-mile trail circling a picturesque lake in south Lansing. The loop is easy and accessible, making it ideal for families and leisurely walkers, with amenities like a splash pad, sand beach, and picnic areas nearby. Wildlife sightings and gentle water views make this a popular urban escape.
3. Woldumar Nature Center Trails
DIVERSE ECOLOGY PATHS
Woldumar Nature Center offers over five miles of varied trails winding through prairies, pine forests, and along the Grand River. The center welcomes nature lovers seeking wildlife observation, with opportunities to spot birds, deer, and diverse plants. Its well-marked paths allow hikers to choose their adventure, from quick strolls to more challenging treks.
4. Rose Lake Wildlife Area Trails
WILDLIFE AND WETLANDS
Rose Lake Wildlife Area in Bath Township provides a network of rustic trails through forests, wetlands, and around tranquil lakes. These paths are especially popular with birdwatchers and those seeking a natural, serene escape just northeast of Lansing. The area is managed for wildlife habitat and offers peaceful, scenic hiking year round.
5. DeWitt Township Trail
SCENIC SUBURBAN WALKWAY
DeWitt Township Trail provides a well-maintained paved path north of Lansing, ideal for walking, jogging, or biking through a mix of woods and suburban landscapes. The trail is known for its accessibility and quiet atmosphere, making it a favorite for locals seeking a nearby outdoor retreat. Seasonal wildflowers and shaded stretches add to its charm.
6. The Ledges/Grand Ledge Trails
ROCK FORMATION ADVENTURES
The Ledges in Grand Ledge is renowned for its dramatic sedimentary rock formations and connects three parks: Fitzgerald Park, Lincoln Brick Park, and Oak Park. Hikers can explore several looped trails that wind along the Grand River and through scenic woodlands, offering unique geological sights and great opportunities for photography. Autumn transforms the area into a tapestry of colorful foliage, making it a year-round hiking favorite.
7. Delta Mills Park Trails
RIVERFRONT NATURE WALKS
Delta Mills Park Trails offer a paved pathway starting alongside the river and winding into wooded landscapes on Lansing's west side. The area provides picnic amenities, a boat launch, and a tranquil escape for walkers and cyclists. Changing scenery from open fields to shaded forests keeps the experience interesting and accessible for all skill levels.
8. Hawk Meadow Trail
MEADOW AND MARSH LOOP
Hawk Meadow Trail features a scenic boardwalk across marshy terrain, with a mix of paved and crushed gravel pathways through grasslands and along the Grand River. Adjacent to the Capital City Bird Sanctuary, the trail is a hotspot for birdwatching and peaceful strolls. Its natural beauty and proximity to wildlife habitats make it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
9. MSU Red Cedar Trail
CAMPUS CREEKSIDE PATH
MSU Red Cedar Trail meanders through Michigan State University's park-like campus alongside the Red Cedar River in East Lansing. The path is popular among students, visitors, and locals for its tranquil scenery, easy navigation, and connections to campus landmarks. During the fall, vibrant foliage enhances the picturesque surroundings.
10. Fenner Nature Center Trails
URBAN WOODS AND PRAIRIE
Fenner Nature Center offers a series of nature trails weaving through woods, meadows, and ponds within Lansing city limits. The center features interpretive signs and abundant wildlife, making it a great spot for families and casual hikers seeking natural immersion close to downtown. Seasonal wildflower displays and educational events enhance each visit.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a diverse range of top trails statewide, from scenic lakefront paths to forested wilderness routes. Hikers can experience iconic destinations like Pictured Rocks, Porcupine Mountains, and Isle Royale, each offering unique vistas and terrains. Whether seeking challenging climbs, leisurely walks, or immersive nature experiences, Michigan provides memorable hikes for every adventurer.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features some of the finest beach and coastal trails along the shores of the Great Lakes. Hikers enjoy expansive sand dunes, dramatic bluffs, lighthouses, and sweeping lake vistas on routes like Sleeping Bear Dunes and the North Country Trail. These hikes provide a unique combination of water views and natural tranquility, perfect for those who love lakeside scenery.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUSION AND WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails that offer seclusion, solitude, and abundant opportunities for wildlife observation. These off-the-beaten-path locations showcase pristine forests, quiet wetlands, and tranquil lakes where hikers can truly connect with nature. Perfect for those seeking uncrowded adventures, these gems provide a peaceful escape from the busier state parks.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking features the state's most picturesque trails for enjoying vibrant fall colors and crisp autumn air. From the hardwood forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rolling hills in southern Michigan, hikers are treated to stunning displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves. These routes offer memorable leaf-peeping experiences and breathtaking scenery during peak foliage season.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest, based out of Ironwood in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails through pristine woodlands, lakes, and waterfalls. Adventurers can explore both short loops and challenging backcountry routes, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and solitude. The forest's varied terrain and natural beauty make it a premier destination for a true wilderness hiking experience.