Onaway MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Onaway, Michigan.
1. Onaway State Park Trail
LAKEFRONT BLUFF LOOP
Onaway State Park Trail offers a scenic 3-mile loop that circles the park and provides excellent views from the bluffs above Black Lake. The trail features mixed hardwoods, diverse wildlife, and easy-to-moderate terrain, making it accessible for hikers of all abilities. Visitors can enjoy tranquil forest settings and picturesque overlooks just minutes from downtown Onaway.
2. Black Mountain Pathway
FORESTED LOOP NETWORK
Black Mountain Pathway boasts approximately 30 miles of interconnected loops winding through majestic pines and following the shoreline of Black Lake. This extensive trail system accommodates hikers, cross-country skiers, and mountain bikers, offering both peaceful solitude and panoramic lake views. The varying terrain and serene environment make it a favorite for longer treks and nature immersion.
3. 1 To 10 Trail
SINGLETRACK FOREST HIKE
The 1 To 10 Trail is a 1.5-mile green singletrack trail that traverses the scenic forested lands near Onaway. Suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, the trail offers gentle elevation changes and access to the Black Mountain area. Its location and easy accessibility make it popular for families and casual outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Bush Bay Hiking Trail (Narnia Trail)
SCENIC COASTAL WALK
Bush Bay Hiking Trail, nicknamed the Narnia Trail, is a 1.9-mile route offering captivating views of Lake Huron's shoreline, marshlands, and rich birdlife near Saint Ignace. Hikers are treated to peaceful waterside paths and vibrant landscapes teeming with flora and fauna. The trail's short distance and serene setting make it a rewarding day-trip destination from Onaway.
5. Leelanau Trail
VINEYARD TO SHORELINE
The Leelanau Trail stretches over 17.5 miles from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, winding through vineyards, forests, and open countryside. This multi-use trail is known for its gentle grades, scenic farmland vistas, and easy access to Lake Michigan. It's a favorite for hikers looking to experience northwest Michigan's iconic rural and lakeside scenery.
6. Hoist Lake Trail South
BACKCOUNTRY LAKE LOOP
Hoist Lake Trail South offers 8.2 miles of hiking through a remote, heavily forested backcountry dotted with small lakes and rolling hills. The trail provides an immersive wilderness experience for hikers seeking solitude and the opportunity to spot wildlife. Its primitive, natural setting is ideal for experienced hikers and backpackers.
7. North Country Trail: Eastern UP Segment
LONG-DISTANCE ADVENTURE
The North Country Trail's Eastern Upper Peninsula segment covers over 170 miles from St. Ignace, traversing forests, wetlands, and scenic vistas. This renowned national trail offers both short day hikes and challenging thru-hike opportunities. Hikers will find abundant wildlife, remote landscapes, and historic points of interest along the route.
8. Huron Sunrise Trail
LAKE HURON PATHWAY
Huron Sunrise Trail is a multi-use paved path that winds along the Lake Huron shoreline in Rogers City, connecting parks, beaches, and natural areas. Hikers can enjoy panoramic views, access to Hoeft State Park, and peaceful forested sections. Its easy accessibility and stunning lakeshore scenery make it a family-friendly hiking destination.
9. Hoeft State Park Trails
BEACH TO FOREST LOOPS
Hoeft State Park features a network of hiking trails winding through wooded dunes and along the sandy beaches of Lake Huron. The diverse terrain, from quiet forests to breezy shoreline, offers hikers a refreshing blend of environments. With easy to moderate options, it's ideal for both short strolls and day-long explorations.
10. Hanson Hills Trail
ROLLING HILLS ESCAPADE
Hanson Hills Trail, located in Grayling, offers a variety of loops over a rolling landscape ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or skiing. The 1.1-mile loop features gentle climbs and descents under a canopy of mature trees. Its accessible location and well-maintained paths make it a favorite for local outdoor enthusiasts.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the top-rated hiking trails across the state, ranging from dramatic dunes to dense forests and picturesque lakeshores. These popular trails offer a diverse hiking experience suitable for all skill levels, from casual walkers to seasoned trekkers. The state's varied landscapes ensure that every hiker finds a memorable adventure.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL PATHS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking encompasses the most beautiful beach and coastal trails, where hikers traverse sandy dunes, rocky bluffs, and lakeside forests. Trails along the Great Lakes provide breathtaking water views and opportunities to explore pristine beach ecosystems. These routes are especially popular in summer for their refreshing scenery and easy access to the water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems features less-traveled trails ideal for those seeking solitude, wildlife encounters, and quiet reflection in nature. These secluded paths often pass through remote forests, wetlands, or hilly terrain far from crowds. Hikers will discover rewarding wildlife observation and an immersive sense of tranquility.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the best places to view vibrant fall colors as maples, oaks, and aspens transform the landscape. Hiking during peak autumn provides a spectacular display of red, orange, and gold leaves across hills, forests, and lakeshores. These trails attract leaf-peepers from across the region for memorable seasonal adventures.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS EXPANSE TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails amid deep woods, wild rivers, and scenic waterfalls. The area is renowned for its expansive wilderness, diverse wildlife, and tranquil backcountry settings. Visitors can choose from short loops to multi-day treks, making it a premier destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.