Montgomery MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Montgomery, Michigan.
1. Tallmadge Woods Nature Preserve
CROW'S NEST TRAIL
The Crow's Nest Trail offers hikers a tranquil escape amid lush forest landscapes in Montgomery. The trail stretches for 1.7 miles, providing gentle inclines perfect for beginner and intermediate hikers. Visitors can enjoy woodland scenery and the sounds of local wildlife along this picturesque route.
2. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
ALL-SEASON OUTDOOR LOOP
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail delivers a 5.1-mile loop that is ideal for both hiking and cross-country skiing, making it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The trail weaves through varied terrain, including hardwood forests and open clearings. Its diverse landscape and well-maintained paths draw families and nature lovers alike.
3. Shields Trail
WOODLAND NATURE WALK
Shields Trail offers a 4.7-mile route through peaceful woodland areas in the Montgomery area. The soft, shaded path is favored by hikers seeking a moderate walk surrounded by Michigan's natural beauty. Occasional openings provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography along the way.
4. River Trail
RIVERSIDE SCENIC PATH
River Trail runs for just under a mile, following the gentle flow of a local river through Montgomery. This easy, accessible route is perfect for a quick walk, birdwatching, or a peaceful escape by the water. The trail is popular with families and anyone looking for a relaxing outdoor experience.
5. Potawatomi Trail
CLASSIC LOOP ADVENTURE
Potawatomi Trail is a renowned 17.5-mile trail, popular among experienced hikers and backpackers. The loop traverses scenic woodlands and rolling hills, offering challenges and rewarding views throughout the journey. Its well-marked paths make it a must-explore for anyone seeking a classic Michigan hiking adventure.
6. Mountain Bike Trail
MULTI-USE CHALLENGE PATH
The Mountain Bike Trail in Montgomery features a 9.7-mile route accommodating both hikers and mountain bikers. With rolling terrain and forested scenery, this trail offers a moderate challenge for those looking to combine active exploration with natural beauty. Its shared use encourages a vibrant, outdoor community atmosphere.
7. NCT: Oak Openings and Maumee State Forest
REGIONAL FOREST EXPEDITION
NCT: Oak Openings and Maumee State Forest segment covers 13.5 miles, blending the lush oak savannas of Oak Openings with the dense woodlands of Maumee State Forest. Hikers encounter a range of habitats and diverse flora along this well-loved section of the North Country Trail. Its longer distance makes it ideal for day-long hiking adventures in the area.
8. Mount Baldhead Figure Eight
HILLTOP LOOP HIKE
Mount Baldhead Figure Eight provides hikers with a unique hilltop loop, offering sweeping views and invigorating climbs right in Montgomery. The trail combines stair climbs with woodland trails in a figure-eight pattern, making it popular for both exercise and sightseeing. Its elevated vantage points are especially striking during sunrise and sunset.
9. Empire Bluffs Overlook Trail
ICONIC LAKE MICHIGAN VIEW
Empire Bluffs Overlook Trail is a 1.5-mile round-trip hike located in Empire, Michigan, leading to breathtaking west-facing views of Lake Michigan. The trail is relatively easy, offering a perfect introduction to Michigan's famed dune landscapes and sunsets. Hikers should stay on the marked paths to protect the fragile dune ecosystem.
10. Chapel-Basin Loop
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE
Chapel-Basin Loop in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, is a renowned and scenic hike ranging from 3 to 10 miles. The loop features dramatic cliffs, stunning waterfalls, and pristine beaches along the shores of Lake Superior. Its popularity means early arrival is recommended, as the trail and parking lot can fill up quickly.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the top hiking experiences found across the state, from rugged Upper Peninsula routes to scenic Lower Peninsula gems. Trails range from easy woodland walks to challenging multi-day backpacking adventures, each offering glimpses of Michigan's diverse natural beauty. Hikers can expect well-marked paths, unique geological features, and opportunities to experience every season outdoors.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND DUNE TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features some of the best trails along the state's vast freshwater coasts, including sandy beaches and dramatic dunes. These hikes provide exceptional views of the Great Lakes, with opportunities for swimming, wildlife watching, and stunning sunsets. Whether near Sleeping Bear Dunes or along Pictured Rocks, hikers can immerse themselves in Michigan's unique coastal environments.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights secluded trails perfect for solitude, immersive nature, and wildlife observation. These lesser-known paths wind through remote forests, wetlands, and quiet lakeshores, allowing hikers to experience the tranquility and rich biodiversity of Michigan. Adventurers seeking peaceful surroundings and encounters with wildlife will find these trails especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking shines in the fall when crimson maples, golden aspens, and vibrant oaks line the trails with brilliant foliage. Hikers flock to these routes each year to experience breathtaking autumn colors, crisp air, and panoramic vistas. The state's varied terrain ensures unforgettable hikes for leaf-peepers of every skill level.
15. Ottawa National Forest
NORTHWOODS WILDERNESS TREKS
Ottawa National Forest near Ironwood offers extensive hiking opportunities through remote woodlands, sparkling lakes, and scenic waterfalls. The forest is a haven for backpackers and day hikers alike, with a variety of well-marked trails catering to all experience levels. Visitors can expect peaceful solitude, abundant wildlife, and some of Michigan's most pristine wilderness environments.