North Branch MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near North Branch, Michigan.
1. Applewood Trail
LOCAL CONNECTOR PATH
Applewood Trail offers a quaint local hiking experience in North Branch. This trail serves more as a connector, providing residents a pleasant route through parks and alongside sports fields, with gentle terrain and a flat, smooth surface. Hikers will appreciate its easy accessibility and the occasional scenic break provided by boardwalks and small lakes.
2. Bay County Riverwalk/Bangor Rail Trail
EXTENSIVE RIVER TRAIL
Bay County Riverwalk/Bangor Rail Trail is a scenic 17.8-mile route popular for both hiking and biking in Bay City. The trail follows a former railroad corridor along the Saginaw River, presenting diverse views of waterways, wetlands, and woodlands. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a mostly flat path perfect for extended hikes and riverfront exploration.
3. Bay-Zil Rail Trail
QUIET RAIL TRAIL
Bay-Zil Rail Trail provides a 7-mile stretch of tranquil hiking along an old railway in Bay City. Lined with native trees and seasonal wildflowers, the trail offers a peaceful escape ideal for walkers seeking a calm nature experience. The route is well-suited for family outings and casual hikers.
4. Vassar Rail Trail
SMALL TOWN GREENWAY
Vassar Rail Trail traverses the historic rail-line corridor through the heart of Vassar. This accessible, mostly flat trail guides hikers through parks, across rivers, and by remnants of local history. Ideal for a short day hike, it connects outdoor and community attractions for visitors of all ages.
5. Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
MULTI-USE NATURAL TRAIL
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail offers over 11 miles of paved pathways through woodlands, farmland, and across the scenic Tittabawassee River. This popular multi-use trail is perfect for those seeking gentle terrain and beautiful landscapes. Facilities like rest areas and interpretive signs make it a welcoming option for hikers and families alike.
6. North Branch Clinton River Trail
RIVERSIDE FOREST PATH
North Branch Clinton River Trail in Ray Township is a green singletrack trail running alongside the Clinton River. The trail winds through lush forest, offering moments of seclusion and frequent wildlife sightings. Its moderate length and natural setting provide an enjoyable day excursion just outside metropolitan areas.
7. Wolcott Mill Metropark North Branch Trails
METROPARK WOODLAND HIKING
Wolcott Mill Metropark North Branch Trails wind through forests, fields, and alongside the North Branch of the Clinton River in Ray Township. These interconnected trails allow hikers to explore a variety of habitats while spotting everything from deer to rare birds. The park's trails are well-marked and popular for both active recreation and relaxed strolls.
8. Macomb Orchard Trail
LONG-DISTANCE URBAN TRAIL
Macomb Orchard Trail stretches 23.5 miles from Richmond to Shelby Township and includes a segment in Romeo. Featuring a paved route surrounded by woods, farmland, and suburban areas, the trail is suitable for both short hikes and longer treks. Visitors enjoy its accessible surface and picturesque bridge crossings.
9. Falling Waters Trail
WETLANDS & LAKESIDE WALK
Falling Waters Trail is a 10.5-mile paved path linking Jackson and Concord, celebrated for its lakes, springs, and wetland views. Hikers cross the Kalamazoo River and can relax at scenic Lime Lake, enjoying ever-changing seasonal beauty. The trail's natural setting makes it a favorite for wildlife watchers and photographers.
10. Gerald N. Donovan Park Trails
SUBURBAN NATURE TRAILS
The Gerald N. Donovan Park Trails offer a network of easy walking paths through a mix of wooded and open spaces in North Branch. These community trails are family-friendly, perfect for a leisurely hike or enjoying a morning jog. They provide a local getaway immersed in greenery while being close to town.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses premier trails throughout the state, from forested paths to lakeshore promenades. Michigan offers hikers an incredible variety of terrains, including rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness, gentle Lower Peninsula woodlands, and iconic routes like the Porcupine Mountains and Pictured Rocks. Adventurers can find trails suited to every skill level, promising memorable outdoor experiences year-round.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
LAKESHORE & COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking stands out for its breathtaking routes along the Great Lakes, offering access to sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and cliff-top views. Hikers can explore legendary trails along Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, such as those in Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. These coastal hikes are perfect for combining woodland treks with refreshing lake breezes and spectacular sunsets.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails scattered across the state, ideal for those seeking solitude and wildlife encounters. These quiet routes wind through pristine forests, bogs, and nature preserves, often away from crowds and development. Hikers can enjoy long stretches of tranquility, birdwatching, and chances to spot deer, foxes, and a diverse array of native species.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ROUTES
Michigan Autumn Hiking is a spectacular way to experience the state's vibrant fall colors, with trails passing through hardwood forests ablaze in crimson and gold. Popular routes in regions like the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula provide panoramic leaf-peeping vistas at their peak. Autumn brings crisp air and dramatic scenery, making these hikes a seasonal highlight for locals and visitors alike.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS HIKING DESTINATION
Ottawa National Forest covers a vast expanse in the western Upper Peninsula near Ironwood, offering hundreds of miles of remote hiking trails. Visitors can traverse old-growth forests, roaring waterfalls, and quiet lakeshores, with trails designed for both short walks and multiday backpacking adventures. The forest's solitude and scenic splendor make it a must-visit for dedicated hikers and nature lovers.