McBain MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near McBain, Michigan.
1. Manistee River Trail
SCENIC RIVER HIKING
Manistee River Trail offers hikers a stunning route along the banks of the Manistee River, featuring rolling hills, dramatic bluffs, and numerous campsites. The trail winds through lush Northern Michigan forests, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and serene river overlooks. This well-marked trail is ideal for both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips.
2. Leelanau Trail
PENINSULA PATHWAY EXPERIENCE
Leelanau Trail runs up the scenic Leelanau Peninsula, passing through orchards, vineyards, and charming small towns. The paved route is perfect for leisurely walking, biking, and even cross-country skiing in wintertime. Trail users enjoy beautiful rural vistas and glimpses of Lake Michigan along this popular multi-use corridor.
3. Forestview Natural Area Trail
TRANQUIL WOODLAND WALK
Forestview Natural Area Trail offers a peaceful natural escape within easy reach of Cadillac. The winding path leads through mature woods, gentle elevation changes, and is ideal for birdwatching and short, relaxing hikes. Well-maintained and quiet, the trail is a favorite for local families and nature lovers.
4. Old Baldy Trails
DUNE SUMMIT VIEWS
Old Baldy Trails guide hikers through forested dunes to the iconic Old Baldy sand dune, offering panoramic views over Lake Michigan. The trail's moderate climb is rewarded by sweeping vistas and a peaceful escape from busier lakeshore spots. It's a prime destination for sunset hikes and photography.
5. Buffalo Ridge Trail
MULTI-USE WOODLAND TRAIL
Buffalo Ridge Trail covers a scenic route in the heart of Cadillac and is favored by both hikers and bikers. The mostly flat, paved pathway allows for easy strolls through woodlands and open areas, passing lakes and wildlife habitats. It is family-friendly and conveniently located near city amenities.
6. Pere Marquette State Trail
EXPANSIVE RAIL-TRAIL JOURNEY
The Pere Marquette State Trail stretches for 55 miles, offering a long-distance hiking and biking experience connecting Baldwin and Clare. Travelers pass through forest, farmland, and wetlands, encountering scenic river crossings and historic railroad bridges. The trail's gentle grade and variety of surfaces make it accessible for all skill levels.
7. Betsie Valley Trail
WATERSIDE RAIL-TRAIL
Betsie Valley Trail follows the course of the Betsie River from Frankfort to Thompsonville, passing through forests, wetlands, and the picturesque Crystal Lake area. The route provides idyllic settings for birdwatching, fishing access, and quiet walks. Its tranquil ambiance and lakeside scenery make it a top choice for nature enthusiasts.
8. Boardman Lake Loop Trail
URBAN NATURE ESCAPE
Boardman Lake Loop Trail encircles the scenic Boardman Lake, just minutes from downtown Traverse City. The easy, mostly flat loop features boardwalks, woodsy stretches, and panoramic water views. It's a popular choice for locals looking to blend city life with outdoor exploration.
9. Grass River Natural Area
WETLAND DISCOVERY WALK
Grass River Natural Area features a network of boardwalks and trails winding through diverse wetland and forest habitats. Visitors can observe a variety of plant and animal life, including rare wildflowers and migratory birds. The peaceful setting and educational nature center make it ideal for families and avid naturalists alike.
10. Big Rapids Riverwalk
RIVERSIDE URBAN TRAIL
Big Rapids Riverwalk offers a charming, paved path along the Muskegon River in the heart of Big Rapids. The trail provides scenic river views, fishing access, and several picnic spots, making it a favorite for leisurely strolls. Its urban location and well-maintained surfaces are suitable for visitors of all ages.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a wide array of trails that showcase Michigan's natural diversity, from rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness to rolling Lower Peninsula forests. Popular routes include the North Country Trail, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Hikers can find everything from challenging backcountry excursions to accessible, family-friendly paths.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's world-class beach trails, stretching along the scenic coasts of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. Trails like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore offer dramatic dune climbs, lake vistas, and pristine beaches. These routes are perfect for those who love sandy hikes, breathtaking sunsets, and cool lake breezes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
QUIET, SECLUDED WILDERNESS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are the lesser-known trails perfect for solitude and wildlife observation, tucked away in state forests, rustic recreation areas, and remote preserves. These paths feature abundant wildlife, peaceful woodlands, and serene lakes that attract discerning hikers. Destinations like Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and Hoist Lakes provide unforgettable escapes from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULARS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's best routes for vibrant fall color viewing, winding through hardwood forests, hills, and lakeshores. Trails in areas like Porcupine Mountains, Hartwick Pines, and Sleeping Bear Dunes come alive with brilliant reds, golds, and oranges each autumn. These destinations are ideal for hikers seeking crisp air, colorful vistas, and memorable seasonal photos.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHWOODS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula boasts over 196 miles of hiking trails through pristine forests, rolling hills, and wild rivers. Hikers encounter waterfalls, lakes, and abundant wildlife amid the forest's remote beauty. This vast national forest is perfect for immersive backcountry treks and those seeking solitude in nature.