Mesick MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Mesick, Michigan.
1. Manistee River Trail
SCENIC RIVERBANK PATH
Manistee River Trail offers hikers an 11-mile journey along the picturesque banks of the Big Manistee River. The trail winds through diverse forests, high bluffs, and offers frequent overlooks with sweeping river views. Visitors enjoy options for both day hikes and backpacking in one of northern Michigan's most scenic corridors.
2. Manistee River Trail Loop
POPULAR BACKPACKING LOOP
The Manistee River Trail Loop combines the Manistee River Trail and the North Country Trail for a 20-mile circuit that's ideal for overnight trips. The loop traverses forests, ridges, and provides constant river access for fishing and swimming. Its well-maintained campsites and dramatic scenery make it a favorite among backpackers.
3. Backpack the Manistee River Trail
OVERNIGHT HIKING ADVENTURE
Backpacking the Manistee River Trail allows for a multi-day immersion in Michigan wilderness, following river bends and passing waterfalls. Hikers enjoy remote campsites and the tranquil surroundings of the forest. Wildlife sightings and peaceful nights under the stars are highlights of this Mesick-area adventure.
4. Rollways on the North Country Trail
HISTORIC HILLSIDE ROUTES
The Rollways section of the North Country Trail features steep, forested hills with a history rooted in Michigan's logging past. Hikers traverse varied elevations, moving from river lowlands to panoramic high points. The area provides both natural beauty and a glimpse into regional history.
5. Big M Trail
DIVERSE LOOP TRAILS
Big M Trail near Wellston is a multi-loop network popular with hikers and mountain bikers, providing routes ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. Dense hardwood forests and rolling terrain make each loop unique. The area is well-marked and offers peaceful woodland solitude year-round.
6. Arcadia Dunes Trail
DUNE AND FOREST RAMBLE
Arcadia Dunes Trail showcases a blend of hardwood forest and open dune environments, offering stunning Lake Michigan vistas. Hikers enjoy sweeping wildflower meadows, sandy climbs, and opportunities for birdwatching. The trail's variety and lake views make it a local favorite for all skill levels.
7. Betsie Valley Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL
The Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile rail-trail stretching from Frankfort to Thompsonville, winding through woodlands, wetlands, and along the Betsie River. Its mostly flat, well-maintained surface is ideal for hikers, cyclists, and families. The trail offers glimpses of wildlife and easy access to charming small towns.
8. Dunes Trail
SANDY LAKESIDE TREK
Located near Empire, the Dunes Trail leads hikers through the dramatic landscape of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The route features rolling sandy hills, open vistas of Lake Michigan, and access to secluded beach spots. It's a must-do for those seeking classic Michigan dune views.
9. Marl Lake Trail System
SERENE LAKE VIEWS
The Marl Lake Trail System near Roscommon weaves around scenic Marl Lake, providing peaceful lakefront walking and wildlife watching. Forested trails offer both sun and shade, with short loops suitable for families and beginners. Canoe and kayak access along the trail adds options for multi-activity outings.
10. Shingle Mill Pathway Loop
FORESTED LOOP TRAIL
The Shingle Mill Pathway Loop is a favorite in Luzerne, winding through dense woodlands along the Au Sable River. The 6.8-mile loop offers peaceful surroundings, gentle elevation changes, and frequent riverside views. It's an excellent route for hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most acclaimed trails, from the rugged Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula to scenic coastlines and hardwood forests downstate. These trails showcase the diversity of Michigan's natural beauty, including waterfalls, wild rivers, and endless lakeshores. Whether for day hikes, backpacking, or family adventures, the state's trail system offers something for everyone.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SPECTACULAR COASTAL PATHS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's best beach and lakeshore trails, with routes traversing dunes, sandy beaches, and rocky coastlines along the Great Lakes. Hikers delight in sweeping water views, rare plant communities, and access to remote coves. These coastal hikes offer unforgettable experiences in every season, from summer sunsets to winter solitude.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS WALKS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are trails that offer quiet escapes, abundant wildlife, and a sense of adventure off the beaten path. These out-of-the-way routes meander through protected forests, wetlands, and remote lakeshores, ideal for birdwatching and solitude. Exploring these lesser-known paths allows hikers to connect deeply with Michigan's wild side.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE FAVORITES
Michigan Autumn Hiking features trails that shine when the leaves turn, delivering some of the Midwest's most breathtaking fall color displays. Hikers traverse ridges, river valleys, and hardwood forests ablaze with red, orange, and gold. Each autumn, visitors flock to these routes for unforgettable views and crisp, refreshing air.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHERN WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest encompasses over a million acres of pristine Upper Peninsula wilderness, crisscrossed by a network of hiking trails. The forest's trails range from short interpretive walks to multi-day backpacking routes, passing through old-growth woods and past scenic waterfalls. It's a premier destination for exploring Michigan's unspoiled natural heritage.