New Buffalo MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near New Buffalo, Michigan.
1. Galien River County Park
WETLAND BOARDWALK TRAIL
Galien River County Park features a boardwalk trail and an elevated canopy walkway, offering beautiful views of the Galien River wetlands. The park's scenic trails take visitors through lush forests and over marshy lowlands, making it a great spot for nature observation and photography. Easily accessible from downtown New Buffalo, it provides a peaceful escape into Michigan's unique riparian ecosystems.
2. Warren Dunes State Park
DUNE AND LAKE VIEWS
Warren Dunes State Park boasts more than six miles of trails winding through towering sand dunes and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Hikers can climb steep dune faces for panoramic lake views, and stroll through shaded forests that burst with wildflowers in spring. The park's diversity of habitats makes it a must-visit for families, nature lovers, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
3. Chikaming Township Park and Preserve
PEACEFUL WOODED TRAILS
Chikaming Township Park and Preserve offers serene, dog-friendly hiking trails connecting forest, prairie, and restored wetlands. The network of well-marked trails is perfect for easy walks or moderate hikes, and opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife abound. Located just north of New Buffalo, it's a quiet spot to immerse in Lake Michigan's natural beauty.
4. Harbert Road Preserve
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOREST LOOP
Harbert Road Preserve invites visitors to traverse its gentle woodland loop, home to native wildflowers and tall hardwoods. The easy terrain and short trail length make it a favorite for families and those seeking a peaceful escape into nature. Spring and summer bring lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning leaf color displays.
5. Warren Woods State Park
ANCIENT BEECH-MAPLE FOREST
Warren Woods State Park is renowned for its old-growth beech-maple forest and tranquil river floodplain. Its 3.5 miles of hiking trails immerse visitors in a peaceful woodland landscape, which changes dramatically with the seasons—from wildflower blooms in spring to vibrant fall foliage. The park's quiet beauty and rare trees make it a classic southwest Michigan hiking destination.
6. Turtle Creek Preserve
WILDLIFE-RICH WETLANDS
Turtle Creek Preserve is a hidden gem featuring trails that weave through wetlands, woodlands, and open meadows. The preserve is known for its abundant birdlife and peaceful, uncrowded paths perfect for contemplative walks. Its proximity to New Buffalo makes it a convenient and rewarding hiking option.
7. Nature Study Loop
LEARNING AND SCENIC HIKING
The Nature Study Loop offers 1.6 miles of trails showcasing the unique flora and habitats of southwest Michigan. Visitors enjoy the semi-primitive settings and opportunities for educational experiences about the area's natural history. It's ideal for casual walking, photography, and observing seasonal changes in the local ecosystem.
8. Bison Nature Trail
QUICK LOCAL NATURE WALK
Bison Nature Trail is a gentle 0.4-mile loop ideal for a quick hike, family outing, or introduction to local wildflowers and birds. The easy grade and accessible location near downtown New Buffalo make it a great choice for visitors short on time. Interpretive signs along the way help hikers learn about the natural features of the area.
9. Chikaming Open Lands – Robinson Woods Preserve
TALL TREES AND TRAILS
Robinson Woods Preserve presents a quiet, forested escape with diverse plant life, towering trees, and several interconnected trail loops. The well-maintained paths are inviting for hikers of all experience levels, and sightings of deer or woodland birds are common. Located in Lakeside, it's a top spot for anyone seeking seclusion and natural beauty near New Buffalo.
10. Grand Mere State Park
RARE DUNE ECOSYSTEMS
Grand Mere State Park spans over 1,000 acres of rugged sand dunes, woodlands, and interdunal ponds. Hiking here rewards visitors with sweeping lake views, wildflower carpets, and the chance to explore a rare and protected dune ecosystem. Located just a short drive north of New Buffalo, it's a must for adventurous hikers and nature enthusiasts.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the most acclaimed trails across the state, from the rugged Upper Peninsula to the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. These trails showcase Michigan's natural diversity, offering everything from steep climbs up sand dunes to peaceful forest strolls and riverside walks. Hikers can find unforgettable views, unique wildlife, and rewarding adventures at these top-rated destinations.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS AND BEACHES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers miles of scenic trails along the Great Lakes, with breathtaking views of sandy beaches, dunes, and clear blue waters. Many of these trails meander through state parks and nature preserves, letting hikers experience the best of the state's beach and coastal environments. These routes are perfect for sunset strolls, dune climbs, and wildlife spotting by the water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS & WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems spotlights lesser-known trails ideal for solitude and observing wildlife in peaceful, natural settings. From quiet forest paths to secret lakeside walks, these locations offer an escape from crowds and a closer connection to Michigan's flora and fauna. These secluded spots often surprise visitors with their tranquility and pristine beauty.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE VIEWPOINTS
Michigan Autumn Hiking features the most vibrant trails for witnessing the state's renowned fall colors. Hikers can explore hardwood forests that blaze with reds, oranges, and golds, with many popular sites offering panoramic overlooks and reflective lakes. These destinations are a favorite for photographers and anyone inspired by breathtaking autumn scenery.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, encompasses hundreds of miles of hiking trails winding through old-growth forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills. Outdoor lovers can explore remote backcountry routes or enjoy shorter scenic loops, with abundant opportunities for wildlife observation and solitude. This sprawling wilderness is a premier destination for hikers seeking adventure off the beaten path.