Lapeer MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Lapeer, Michigan.
1. Oakdale Trails
MULTI-USE SINGLETRACK ADVENTURE
Oakdale Trails offers 9.5 miles of natural surface singletrack, perfect for hikers, runners, and cyclists looking for an immersive outdoor experience close to downtown Lapeer. Winding through woodlands and gently rolling terrain, the trail system is well-suited for both beginners and experienced nature enthusiasts. Its city-owned setting ensures well-maintained paths and convenient access for local outdoor recreation.
2. Rowden Park & Linear Park Pathway
URBAN PARKWAY STROLL
Rowden Park, linked by the Linear Park Pathway, invites visitors to enjoy nearly 3 miles of paved paths, boardwalks, bridges, and lush parkland threaded through several city parks. The trail is ideal for a leisurely stroll or family outing, providing scenic water views and easy access to playgrounds and picnic areas. Located within the heart of Lapeer, it's a community favorite for both relaxation and recreation.
3. DeMille Pathway
EDUCATIONAL PARK TRAIL
DeMille Pathway stretches almost a mile from Rolland-Warner Middle School, featuring bridges, a tunnel, and interpretive signage for an engaging walk. This family-friendly trail weaves through a mix of open spaces and shaded sections, providing a peaceful environment perfect for educational walks or a bit of exercise. Its proximity to schools and neighborhoods makes it accessible for walkers and young explorers alike.
4. Village West Pathway
COMMUNITY CONNECTOR TRAIL
Village West Pathway runs for one mile, connecting important community spaces such as schools and the Prairies and Ponds area. Designed with user safety in mind, it features traffic signage, crossing lights, paved paths, and seating for resting along the way. The trail's urban setting and thoughtful design create a convenient route for residents to enjoy walks amid green surroundings.
5. Pinnacle Point
SCENIC RIDGE VIEWS
Pinnacle Point is a beloved 4.9 km trail known for its panoramic vistas and moderately challenging terrain, making it a rewarding trek for hikers seeking great views. The route traverses wooded areas and ascends to a high point with sweeping outlooks across the Lapeer County countryside. Its popularity stems from both scenic beauty and the sense of accomplishment at the summit.
6. Lake Minnawanna Loop - Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area
LAKESIDE FOREST CIRCUIT
The Lake Minnawanna Loop, nestled in Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area, features a 7 km trail circling beautiful Lake Minnawanna. Hikers traverse a blend of woodlands, lakeshore, and gentle hills, often spotting wildlife and enjoying peaceful nature sounds. This well-loved loop offers a perfect escape into Michigan's natural beauty just a short drive from Lapeer.
7. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
FOUR-SEASON FOREST LOOP
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail, located near Lapeer in Davison, offers a 5.1-mile loop through rolling forest and scenic meadows. Well-marked paths accommodate hikers in summer and cross-country skiers in winter, making it a year-round destination. Abundant wildlife and a tranquil setting entice both casual walkers and serious trail enthusiasts.
8. Shields Trail
BACKCOUNTRY WOODLAND PATH
Shields Trail is a 4.7-mile pathway near Goodrich, weaving through thick woods and gently undulating terrain. The trail is popular among hikers seeking a quiet, natural setting, with ample opportunity to spot deer and birds. Its moderate elevation changes and serene environment make it a hidden gem for those near Lapeer.
9. Forestview Natural Area Trail
NATURE PRESERVE WALK
Forestview Natural Area Trail, less than a mile in length, offers visitors a short but immersive walk through diverse habitats in Davison. Interpretive signage and gentle grades make this trail ideal for families and anyone seeking a peaceful break in nature. The area is especially popular in spring and fall for birdwatching and foliage.
10. Bluffs Nature Trail
SCENIC BLUFF OVERLOOKS
Bluffs Nature Trail winds for 1.1 miles through the heights around Davison, offering hikers a series of vantage points over wooded valleys and streams. With moderate climbs and shady glens, the trail is suitable for all skill levels, especially those seeking scenic photo opportunities. Wildflowers and changing leaves add seasonal charm to each visit.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP-RATED STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's premier hiking destinations, from the Upper Peninsula's wild forests to the rolling dunes and lakeshores in the Lower Peninsula. Iconic routes include the North Country Trail, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, and Sleeping Bear Dunes, each offering a distinct experience of Michigan's natural grandeur. These trails draw hikers from around the country who seek diverse landscapes, well-kept paths, and unforgettable views.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking spotlights the many trails hugging the Great Lakes, where sandy beaches, towering dunes, and cobalt waters meet lush inland forests. Trails like Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Grand Haven State Park offer unforgettable coastal scenery and unique ecosystems. Shoreline hiking here blends beachcombing, wildlife spotting, and panoramic lake views for a quintessential Michigan adventure.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE REFUGES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems uncovers remote, lesser-known trails where solitude and wildlife observation are front and center. Places like the Jordan River Valley, Sturgeon River Gorge, and Nordhouse Dunes offer serene paths far from crowds, perfect for birdwatchers and those seeking tranquility. These hidden gems reward hikers with pristine landscapes and a deep connection to Michigan's natural wonders.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULAR
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most breathtaking trails for vibrant fall color viewing, from the hardwoods of the Keweenaw Peninsula to scenic routes in the Lower Peninsula. Famous destinations include Porcupine Mountains, Hartwick Pines, and the Tunnel of Trees, where fiery reds and golds draw leaf-peepers every year. Autumn hiking in Michigan is a feast for the senses, blending crisp air, colorful vistas, and the crunch of leaves underfoot.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS EXPANSE TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula features hundreds of miles of trails through remote forests, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Hikers can explore diverse landscapes on routes like the North Country Trail and the Ontonagon River Trail, with excellent opportunities for backpacking, wildlife viewing, and solitude. The forest's vast size and untouched scenery make it a premier destination for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience.