McBride MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near McBride, Michigan.
1. Fred Meijer Heartland Trail
LONG-DISTANCE RAIL TRAIL
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail is a paved recreation trail that stretches over 40 miles, connecting McBride to several towns and scenic environments. Hikers will enjoy a range of landscapes, from peaceful woodlands and wetlands to open farmland and charming rural communities. The trail is accessible and well-maintained, making it a favorite for locals and visitors looking for a leisurely hike or a long-distance adventure.
2. Greenville Trail System
URBAN MULTI-USE TRAILS
The Greenville Trail System offers a network of paved and unpaved paths that weave through parks, neighborhoods, and natural areas in Greenville. This accessible trail system is ideal for families and casual hikers seeking a relaxed outdoor experience close to town amenities. Users can enjoy tranquil sections through forests and by the Flat River, with connections to longer trails like the Heartland Trail.
3. Flat River Trail
RIVERSIDE GREENWAY WALKS
Flat River Trail offers scenic riverside hiking within the city of Greenville, taking users through parks and along wooded banks. The pathway allows hikers to experience both urban and natural environments, with plenty of benches and viewpoints along the way. The Flat River Trail is especially beautiful during spring blooms and autumn foliage.
4. Clifford Lake Loop
LAKE-CENTRIC HIKING
Clifford Lake Loop provides a scenic hike around the shores of Clifford Lake, just a short drive from McBride in Stanton. The loop showcases classic Michigan lake scenery, including quiet inlets, forested stretches, and opportunities for birdwatching. It's a pleasant destination for a moderate hike with water views.
5. Alma Riverwalk
SMALL-TOWN RIVER VIEWS
The Alma Riverwalk is a paved path that follows the Pine River through the city of Alma, giving hikers a peaceful waterside stroll. With its gentle grade and easy urban access, it's perfect for a quick outing or a family walk. Highlights include small bridges, local wildlife, and occasional festival events along the trail.
6. Morton Township Trails
FORESTED LOCAL PATHS
Morton Township Trails offer a series of short loop trails near Canadian Lakes, featuring gently rolling terrain through wooded settings. These quiet trails are well-suited for those seeking a secluded hike without venturing far from town. The area is maintained by the township and is popular with walkers, hikers, and birders.
7. Edmore Rail Trail
QUIET RURAL PATHWAYS
Edmore Rail Trail provides a peaceful hiking experience along a former railroad corridor, extending into the countryside around Edmore. Hikers can expect easy grades, abundant wildflowers, and a sense of tranquility typical of lesser-traveled rural trails. The trail is ideal for a contemplative walk or a gentle jog.
8. Stanton Old Railroad Trail
HISTORIC ROUTE WALKS
Stanton Old Railroad Trail takes hikers on a journey through local history, following the path of a defunct railway line in the town of Stanton. The trail passes through forests and open fields, offering glimpses of rural life and the area's railroad heritage. It's a great option for both history buffs and nature enthusiasts.
9. Mill Pond Park Trails
RIVERSIDE URBAN ESCAPE
Mill Pond Park Trails wind through one of Greenville's favorite parks, with several short, interconnected loops along the Flat River and around a central pond. These family-friendly paths are shaded and scenic, ideal for a peaceful walk, picnic, or an afternoon of wildlife spotting. The park's amenities make it a well-loved community spot for both locals and visitors.
10. Big Rapids Riverwalk
EXPANSIVE RIVER VISTAS
Big Rapids Riverwalk offers a multi-mile boardwalk and paved trail system along the banks of the Muskegon River in Big Rapids. Hikers can enjoy scenic overlooks, fishing spots, and picnic areas, all while taking in the expansive river views. This well-maintained path is popular year-round and especially scenic during spring and fall.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's outstanding hiking trails that traverse everything from lush forests and inland lakes to towering dunes and rugged coastlines. Michigan offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, appealing to everyone from casual walkers to seasoned adventurers. Throughout the state, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views, rich ecosystems, and opportunities for year-round outdoor exploration.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SCENIC COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's most spectacular beach and coastal trails, ranging from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan to the dramatic cliffs of Pictured Rocks. These hikes offer stunning lake vistas, gentle breezes, and access to hidden coves and dunes. The shoreline trails are especially popular in summer and provide a unique freshwater beach hiking experience.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
TRANQUIL SECLUDED TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems gathers the state's lesser-known trails that are ideal for those seeking solitude and wildlife observation. These routes wind through remote forests, quiet wetlands, and protected nature preserves away from crowded hotspots. Hikers exploring these gems are likely to encounter diverse wildlife and find peaceful, untouched natural beauty.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE EXPERIENCES
Michigan Autumn Hiking spotlights the top trails for viewing the state's famed fall foliage, where forests explode with brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Popular autumn destinations include hardwood-lined hills, lakeside paths, and panoramic overlooks in parks across Michigan. These trails offer breathtaking views and crisp air, making them perfect for seasonal hikes and photography.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest encompasses over 990,000 acres of protected northern wilderness around Ironwood, offering a diverse network of trails through old-growth forests, lakes, and rivers. Hikers can choose from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, with abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic solitude. The forest is renowned for its remote beauty and excellent year-round hiking experiences.