Onekama MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Onekama, Michigan.
1. Arcadia Marsh Trail
COASTAL WILDLIFE SCENERY
Arcadia Marsh Trail invites hikers to explore a scenic boardwalk through restored coastal wetlands close to Onekama. This trail offers outstanding birdwatching, with sweeping views over the marsh and opportunities to spot waterfowl and native plants. The short, accessible path is perfect for a peaceful stroll surrounded by nature.
2. Betsie Valley Trail
LAKESIDE MULTI-USE PATH
Betsie Valley Trail is a popular crushed-stone path stretching over 20 miles from Frankfort near Lake Michigan through forests, wetlands, and small towns. Hikers will experience a blend of lakeside views, tranquil woodlands, and historic railroad heritage along this accessible route. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and is enjoyed year-round for its scenery and peaceful atmosphere.
3. Big M Trail
DENSE FOREST LOOPING
Big M Trail offers a network of multi-use loops through the Manistee National Forest, renowned for its lush woodlands and rolling terrain. Hikers can choose from several loop distances, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced adventurers. The trail is shaded in summer and vibrant in fall, providing a secluded experience with frequent wildlife sightings.
4. Onekama Village Park Trail
EASY DOWNTOWN WALKWAY
Onekama Village Park Trail is a short, well-maintained loop centrally located in Onekama for casual walks and family outings. The paved path winds through green spaces, past playgrounds, and offers convenient access to Portage Lake. It's a great choice for travelers seeking a quick, relaxing stroll within town limits.
5. Manistee River Trail
RIVERSIDE SCENIC TREK
Manistee River Trail is highly regarded for its stunning river views, bluff overlooks, and backcountry camping opportunities in the Manistee National Forest near Manistee. The 11-mile trail links with the North Country Trail to create a popular 20-mile loop for overnight backpacking. Hikers enjoy diverse landscapes, from hardwood forests to wildflower meadows, offering beauty in every season.
6. Orchard Beach State Park Trail
BLUFFTOP LAKE VISTAS
Orchard Beach State Park Trail allows visitors to hike atop bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan with panoramic water views near Manistee. The forested trails wind through mature trees and lead to stairways descending to a sandy beach along the lakeshore. This state park is especially popular during sunset for its dramatic skyline and gentle breezes.
7. Catamount Trail
MODERATE FOREST HIKE
Catamount Trail is a 3.6-mile moderately difficult loop weaving through hilly forest terrain in the Wellston area. The trail challenges hikers with gentle climbs and descents beneath a canopy of hardwoods and pines. It's a favorite among locals for its peacefulness and occasional glimpses of wildlife.
8. Sky Pilot Trail
SHORT SCENIC DESCENT
Sky Pilot Trail is a 1.8-mile trail known for its relatively steep descent, offering hikers a brisk adventure through mixed woodlands. The trail is ideal for those seeking a shorter outing with rewarding forest and creek views not far from Onekama. Trail users appreciate its quietness and natural beauty, especially in spring and fall.
9. Leelanau Trail
VINEYARD COUNTRYSIDE PATH
Leelanau Trail stretches over 17 miles between Traverse City and Suttons Bay, running through farmland, vineyards, and shaded woods. This multi-use trail is paved and well-maintained, providing pleasurable day hikes or bike rides in Michigan's scenic wine country. Hikers enjoy the tranquil rural setting and easy access to local shops and tasting rooms.
10. Dunes Trail
SAND DUNE ADVENTURE
Dunes Trail offers an exhilarating trek across the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore near Empire, featuring dramatic sand dunes and sweeping Lake Michigan views. The hike is challenging but rewarding, allowing visitors to experience Michigan's iconic dune landscapes firsthand. Summer months offer wildflowers and cool lake breezes, making it a memorable hiking destination.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS IN STATE
Best Michigan Hiking showcases a collection of premier trails throughout the state, ranging from rugged forest routes to gentle lakeside paths. Hikers can experience everything from dramatic overlooks and ancient forests to serene rivers and inland lakes. Michigan's diverse hiking destinations promise something for every skill level and interest, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL PATHS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best beach and coastal trails along the Great Lakes, offering hikers sandy paths, lighthouse vistas, and refreshing breezes. These hikes provide access to dramatic dunes, peaceful coves, and vibrant sunsets over the water. Whether on Lake Michigan or Lake Superior, shoreline hiking promises memorable scenery and a unique connection to the state's freshwater coasts.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS SPOTS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems celebrates the state's lesser-known trails, prized for seclusion, tranquility, and wildlife sightings. These hidden routes wind through quiet forests, remote wetlands, and peaceful nature preserves where solitude reigns. Perfect for hikers seeking a serene escape, these gems reveal Michigan's wild side beyond popular destinations.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers exceptional fall adventures as hardwood forests burst with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. The state's parks and forest trails become canvases of color, drawing leaf peepers and photographers. These hikes are renowned for their breathtaking scenery and crisp autumn air, making autumn a favorite season for exploring Michigan's outdoors.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE NORTHWOODS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest features vast trail systems through remote forests, scenic rivers, and sparkling lakes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Hikers here enjoy over 196 miles of trails, from wilderness backpacking routes to family-friendly day hikes. The area is prized for its raw natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and tranquility in every season.