Merrill MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Merrill, Michigan.
1. Applewood Trail
SCENIC SHORT WALK
Applewood Trail is a pleasant 1.8-mile pathway located in Merrill, Michigan that invites hikers to enjoy peaceful surroundings. The trail is well-suited for a leisurely stroll or a quick nature walk, making it perfect for families and beginners. Visitors will appreciate easy access and gentle terrain in a welcoming small-town setting.
2. Bay County Riverwalk/Bangor Rail Trail
RIVERFRONT URBAN HIKING
Bay County Riverwalk/Bangor Rail Trail offers a 17.8-mile trail network winding through Bay City and nearby towns. Hikers can experience riverfront scenery, cross bridges, and stop at parks along the Saginaw River. With paved sections ideal for walking, biking, and running, this trail provides a dynamic mix of nature and city views.
3. Bay-Zil Rail Trail
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Bay-Zil Rail Trail stretches 7 miles between Bay City and Zilwaukee, offering a flat, multi-use corridor perfect for hiking and cycling. The route takes visitors through quiet rural landscapes and tree-lined paths. Its accessible surface and peaceful atmosphere make it a favorite for those seeking a gentle outdoor escape.
4. Manistee River Trail
RIVER VALLEY TREK
Manistee River Trail is a renowned 12-mile route near Mesick that showcases dramatic river bluffs and lush forested hills. Hikers can enjoy stunning river views, rustic campsites, and diverse wildlife along the path. The trail is a backbone for backpacking adventures and pairs with the North Country Trail for extended loops.
5. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
FORESTED LOOPS TRAILS
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail in Gladwin offers 5.1 miles of forested loops ideal for year-round hiking. The trail winds through northern hardwoods and offers varying lengths to suit different skill levels. Hikers can expect seasonal wildflowers and occasional deer sightings in a tranquil setting.
6. Pere Marquette Rail Trail
LONG-DISTANCE PAVED PATH
Pere Marquette Rail Trail runs over 30 miles from Midland to Clare, providing a premier paved trail experience for all skill levels. The route follows an old railroad corridor, connecting charming towns and passing through farmland, woodlands, and rivers. It is a popular choice for walkers, joggers, and cyclists looking for a scenic and flat adventure.
7. Chippewa Nature Center
NATURE LEARNING WALKS
Chippewa Nature Center in Midland features over 19 miles of trails winding through woods, wetlands, and along the Chippewa River. The expansive grounds offer opportunities for wildlife watching and educational programs for all ages. This is a go-to destination for families and nature lovers seeking a rich environmental experience.
8. Midland City Forest Park
WOODLANDS & RECREATION
Midland City Forest Park provides multiple hiking trails through mature woodlands in the heart of Midland. Visitors can explore miles of scenic paths, try disc golf, or enjoy winter activities like cross-country skiing. The park's well-maintained trails make it a favorite spot for outdoor recreation throughout the year.
9. Sleepy Hollow State Park
LAKESIDE NATURE TRAILS
Sleepy Hollow State Park near Laingsburg offers over 16 miles of hiking trails looping around Lake Ovid and through fields and forests. Birdwatchers, anglers, and hikers flock here for scenic water views and peaceful landscapes. The park is especially popular during spring and autumn for its vibrant natural beauty.
10. Tobico Marsh and Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail
WETLAND WILDLIFE WALKS
Tobico Marsh and Frank N. Andersen Nature Trail, located in Bay City State Park, provide a network of boardwalks and paths through marshland rich with birdlife. The combination of open water, forests, and marshes creates exceptional opportunities for nature observation. Visitors enjoy towers and observation decks for panoramic wildlife viewing.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the premier hiking opportunities across the state, from scenic forest trails to challenging mountain paths. Iconic routes like the North Country Trail, Porcupine Mountains, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provide breathtaking vistas and a variety of natural experiences. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a diverse landscape featuring lakeshores, waterfalls, and ancient woodlands.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SAND AND LAKE VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the best beach and coastal trails along the Great Lakes, with sandy paths, dune climbs, and spectacular water vistas. Trails like those at Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Warren Dunes State Park reveal breathtaking views of cliffs, beaches, and lighthouses. These routes invite hikers to experience the serene power of the lakes and ever-changing shoreline scenery.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURAL RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems introduces trails perfect for solitude, wildlife encounters, and peaceful immersion in nature. Lesser-known parks and preserves feature quiet woods, remote lakes, and abundant birdlife far from the crowds. These hidden spots are ideal for hikers seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with the wilderness.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLOR EXTRAVAGANZA
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the best trails for viewing vibrant fall foliage throughout the state. Destinations like Hartwick Pines, Porcupine Mountains, and the Upper Peninsula burst with red, orange, and gold hues as autumn unfolds. Hikers can experience crisp air, scenic overlooks, and unforgettable landscapes transformed by the changing season.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula spans nearly one million acres of rivers, old-growth forests, and waterfalls. Hikers will find a network of remote and scenic trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail and shorter loops through wild, pristine habitats. It's an outstanding destination for multi-day adventures and immersion in breathtaking natural beauty.