Madison Heights MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Madison Heights, Michigan.
1. Red Oaks Nature Center
PAVED URBAN NATURE PATH
Red Oaks Nature Center in Madison Heights features a 1.3-mile paved trail winding through 37 acres of Friendship Woods. The trail is accessible for hiking, biking, and walking and includes unique features like a sensory storybook trail, making it family-friendly and educational. Nature programs and wildlife displays enhance the experience for visitors of all ages.
2. Applewood Trail
SCENIC NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTOR
The Applewood Trail offers an easy 1.8-mile route perfect for local walkers and cyclists in Madison Heights. The paved path meanders through green spaces, connecting neighborhoods and parks for convenient outdoor activity. It provides a peaceful urban stroll with minimal elevation and is accessible year-round.
3. Bicentennial Park Pathway
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK LOOP
Bicentennial Park Pathway is a 2.8-mile trail situated within one of Madison Heights' favorite parks. The loop is suitable for all skill levels and is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and casual biking. Park amenities nearby make it a convenient spot for enjoying both nature and recreation.
4. Black Creek Nature Trail
WOODLAND WATERWAY WALK
Black Creek Nature Trail features a 1.7-mile scenic route along Black Creek, providing a tranquil natural escape within Madison Heights. The path offers a mix of paved and natural surfaces and passes through wooded areas teeming with birds and occasional wildlife. It's a favorite for peaceful walks and connecting with nature close to home.
5. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
MULTI-SEASON FOREST LOOP
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail, located in Holly, provides a 5.1-mile loop ideal for both hiking and cross-country skiing. Surrounded by woods and rolling hills, the trail changes character with the seasons for ever-changing scenery and challenge. Well-marked paths ensure a welcoming experience for hikers of varying abilities.
6. North Bay Trail
LAKESHORE FAMILY WALK
North Bay Trail in Rochester Hills offers a gentle 1.2-mile lakeshore walk ideal for families and casual hikers. The path provides picturesque views of the water and is popular for birdwatching and leisurely strolls. Nearby amenities make it a convenient spot for outdoor recreation.
7. Floodplain Trail
WILDLIFE-RICH ECOSYSTEM HIKE
Floodplain Trail is a 1.5-mile pathway winding through lush lowlands in Rochester Hills, excellent for spotting diverse flora and fauna. The shaded environment makes it a cool retreat in summer and a great place to observe seasonal changes. Interpretive signage adds educational value for nature lovers.
8. Blue Trail
MODERATE DISTANCE WALK
The Blue Trail in Royal Oak stretches 3.8 miles and provides a refreshing walk through wooded areas and open parkland. The clearly marked route is accessible for a range of fitness levels and is a local favorite for dog walking and jogging. It is particularly inviting during spring and fall for its colorful scenery.
9. Paved Hike-Bike Trail
URBAN RECREATION PATH
Southfield's Paved Hike-Bike Trail offers a smooth, multi-use path ideal for both walkers and cyclists. The route winds through town greenways, connecting parks and neighborhoods for a safe and pleasant outdoor experience. It's a favorite for local exercise and family outings in the suburban landscape.
10. Maybury State Park
EXPANSIVE FOREST PARKLAND
Maybury State Park in Northville covers over 900 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails through wooded hills, meadows, and streams. The park features multiple interconnected loops of various distances, an interior playground, and family-friendly amenities. Its varied terrain and natural beauty make it a top hiking destination in southeast Michigan.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights premier hiking locations found throughout the state, from hilly forest trails to dramatic lakefront routes. Michigan's diverse landscape provides hikes suitable for every level, spanning rugged Upper Peninsula tracks to accessible metropolitan park paths. Each region offers its own unique scenery, making Michigan a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SCENIC BEACHFRONT TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's remarkable coastal hikes along the Great Lakes, offering sandy beaches, towering dunes, and panoramic water views. Popular areas include Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and state parks with accessible trails. These coastal paths are renowned for their beauty, making them ideal for beach lovers and those seeking dramatic landscapes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems focuses on lesser-known trails that offer solitude and exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation. These remote areas are scattered throughout the state and reward explorers with quiet forests, peaceful wetlands, and minimal crowds. Such hidden gems are perfect for hikers seeking a tranquil, unspoiled experience immersed in nature.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE HOTSPOTS
Michigan Autumn Hiking highlights the state's best destinations for fall foliage, from hardwood forests to hilly overlooks ablaze with color. Well-known spots include state parks, national forests, and scenic byways that offer spectacular vistas during peak autumn weeks. Leaf-peepers enjoy a vibrant tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows along these beautiful trails.
15. Ottawa National Forest
BACKCOUNTRY WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest, headquartered in Watersmeet, encompasses nearly one million acres in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula and offers extensive hiking opportunities. The forest features rugged backcountry trails, cascading waterfalls, serene lakes, and dense forests teeming with wildlife. Hikers can explore miles of wilderness for immersive outdoor adventure, solitude, and natural beauty.