Marion MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Marion, Michigan.
1. Pere Marquette Rail-Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
Pere Marquette Rail-Trail offers a scenic and accessible experience for hikers, cyclists, and families in the heart of Clare, MI. The paved trail winds through lush forests and charming towns, providing convenient points to explore the region's natural and historical sites. Visitors will find well-maintained paths perfect for leisurely walks or more vigorous treks.
2. Leelanau Trail
PICTURESQUE RURAL TRAIL
Leelanau Trail stretches from Traverse City, guiding adventurers through vibrant farmland, woodland, and wetlands. The wide, crushed-stone path is ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting, especially during spring and fall migrations. With gentle terrain and abundant scenery, it is a favorite for both families and solo hikers looking to explore northwest Michigan.
3. Gerber Nature Center Trails
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOREST PATHS
Gerber Nature Center Trails in Fremont provide a welcoming setting for families to immerse in nature. The well-marked, short loops wind through peaceful woods and open meadows, perfect for beginners and children. Interpretive signs and gentle grades offer a safe, educational, and enjoyable outdoor experience.
4. Tobico Marsh Trail
WETLAND WILDLIFE WALK
Tobico Marsh Trail, located in Bay City, is a serene destination for hikers and birdwatchers alike. The boardwalks and gravel paths pass through wetlands rich with wildlife, including waterfowl and turtles. Its tranquil setting is ideal for observing Michigan's diverse marshland habitats.
5. North Country Trail – Manistee National Forest
SPRAWLING FOREST TREK
The North Country Trail through Manistee National Forest offers hikers an immersive wilderness experience. Trails span dense forests, scenic overlooks, and crystal-clear streams, providing ample opportunities for both day hikes and extended backpacking trips. The variety of terrain and wildlife makes this a beloved area for all skill levels.
6. Big Oaks Trail
WILDLIFE AND WOODLANDS
Big Oaks Trail in Ludington is renowned for its towering oaks and diverse plant life. The trail loops through shaded woodlands and gentle hills, often frequented by deer and birdlife. Hikers enjoy quiet, well-kept paths and the chance to connect with nature just minutes from town.
7. Pickerel Lake Trail
LAKESIDE LOOP ADVENTURE
Pickerel Lake Trail in Rockford charms visitors with a beautiful loop around Pickerel Lake. Boardwalks and forested paths offer sights of herons, turtles, and the reflective waters of the lake. The gentle terrain and numerous benches make it an accessible and relaxing outing for all ages.
8. Seidman Park Outside Loop
ROLLING HILLS AND STREAMS
Seidman Park Outside Loop in Ada is cherished for its rolling terrain and winding streams that create a scenic backdrop year-round. The trail meanders through dense forest and open fields, offering peace and frequent wildlife sightings. Its varied landscapes provide hikers with both challenge and tranquility.
9. Marl Lake Trail System
TRANQUIL LAKE VIEWS
The Marl Lake Trail System in Roscommon encircles the quiet, sparkling Marl Lake and traverses pine forests and wetlands. Boardwalks and narrow trails provide explorers with uninterrupted vistas and peaceful solitude. It's a great spot for birdwatching, photography, and connecting with Michigan's natural beauty.
10. Empire Bluff Trail
DUNE OVERLOOK VIEWS
Empire Bluff Trail in Empire takes hikers up a well-maintained path to a breathtaking overlook above Lake Michigan. Panoramic views of dunes, lake, and sky reward the short but steady climb. It's a must-visit hike for those seeking iconic landscapes and unforgettable sunset vistas.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING IN MICHIGAN
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the top trails and parks found throughout the state, including a diverse mix of forests, lakeshores, and rugged wilderness areas. From scenic loops to challenging long-distance routes, Michigan's best trails offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Hikers can explore renowned destinations like the Porcupine Mountains, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the North Country Trail.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL SCENIC PATHS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best routes along the Great Lakes, featuring expansive sandy beaches, towering dunes, and impressive lake vistas. Coastal trails such as those at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offer hikers the opportunity to traverse unique landscapes shaped by wind and water. These hikes combine natural beauty with the soothing sounds of waves and dramatic sunsets.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems introduces some of the most tranquil and lesser-known trails ideal for seclusion and observing wildlife. From remote forest paths to quiet lakeside tracks, these hidden gems provide solitude and a chance to spot deer, birds, and other native fauna. Explorers seeking peaceful escapes and intimate encounters with nature will find these trails especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
VIBRANT FALL FOLIAGE
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most vibrant trails for experiencing colorful fall foliage. Popular routes through hardwood forests and along lakeshores burst into reds, oranges, and golds during peak autumn months. These hikes offer stunning vistas and crisp air, making them perfect for seasonal photography and leaf-peeping.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE FOREST EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest in Watersmeet is a premier hiking destination featuring hundreds of miles of trails through vast forests, pristine rivers, and peaceful lakes. Hikers can enjoy both challenging backcountry routes and easy family-friendly loops, with frequent opportunities to see waterfalls and wildlife. The forest's remote setting invites deep exploration and a true wilderness experience in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.