Pellston MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Pellston, Michigan.
1. North Western State Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE ROUTE
North Western State Trail stretches 32 miles from Petoskey to Alanson, following the historic Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad route. The trail offers scenic views of forests, lakes, and farmlands, providing an accessible path for both hikers and bikers through the picturesque northern Lower Peninsula. Trail users can enjoy a peaceful trek on a well-maintained corridor steeped in local history.
2. Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve
DIVERSE FOREST PRESERVE
Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve features 3.5 miles of woodland trails winding through hardwoods, red pines, meadows, and a cedar swamp. Visitors to this preserve can spot a wide variety of plants, birds, and wetland wildlife in a peaceful, natural setting. Two convenient parking areas provide easy access for hikers seeking a serene getaway near Petoskey.
3. Bay View Woods
SCENIC WOODED HAVEN
Bay View Woods offers nearly four miles of gently rolling trails through 168 acres of protected woodland and rare geological features. The area is home to a diverse population of flora, fauna, and birdlife, making it ideal for nature observation. Well-marked pathways provide an easy and enjoyable hiking experience suitable for all ages.
4. Bear River Valley Recreation Area
URBAN RIVER TRAILS
Bear River Valley Recreation Area showcases winding hiking trails along the picturesque Bear River in downtown Petoskey. Hikers can enjoy the sound of rushing water, scenic overlooks, and a mix of both wooded and open spaces just steps from the city center. This urban park blends natural beauty with accessibility for a quick outdoor escape.
5. Oden Island Nature Preserve
LAKESIDE FOREST TRAILS
Oden Island Nature Preserve features approximately one mile of hiking trails through old-growth forests and along tranquil lakeshores. Hikers are treated to striking water views, mature trees, and secluded benches for peaceful rest stops. The preserve's delicate wetlands and woodland habitats offer opportunities for wildlife spotting and quiet contemplation.
6. North Country Trail – Petoskey Area
ICONIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The North Country Trail traverses the Petoskey region, providing hikers with diverse routes through forests and along the Lake Michigan shoreline. This section of the nation's longest scenic trail offers both short day hikes and extended backpacking adventures. Scenic vistas, rolling terrain, and mixed habitats make it a highlight for both casual walkers and avid hikers.
7. Huron Sunrise Trail
LAKE HURON VIEWS
Huron Sunrise Trail showcases breathtaking views along the Lake Huron shoreline, stretching from Rogers City to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse. Its multi-use paved path is perfect for walkers and hikers wanting to experience fresh lakeside breezes and scenic vistas. The trail provides access to beaches, picnic areas, and several historic points of interest.
8. Cheboygan State Park Trails
STATE PARK NATURE WALKS
Cheboygan State Park offers a network of hiking trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and along beach areas with stunning views of Lake Huron and the distant lighthouse. Hikers can choose from several loop trails, ranging in length and difficulty, each delivering natural solitude and scenic beauty. The park is a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
9. Scenic Bluff Trail
DRAMATIC BLUFF VISTAS
Scenic Bluff Trail, near Mackinaw City, rewards hikers with elevated views of the Straits of Mackinac and surrounding woodlands. The well-maintained path meanders along bluffs that provide excellent photo opportunities and quiet spots to enjoy the panorama. It's an ideal hike for those looking for moderate elevation with rewarding sights.
10. 100 Steps Gorge
GEOLOGICAL GORGE TRAIL
100 Steps Gorge is a unique hiking destination located just south of Pellston along Route C-64, featuring a dramatic ravine and rustic woodland paths. Hikers navigate a series of natural steps that descend into the lush gorge, making for an adventurous and memorable trek. This site is a favorite for those interested in both geology and scenic solitude.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a diverse collection of the state's most outstanding trekking destinations, from the rugged Upper Peninsula to the sandy shores of the Great Lakes. Michigan offers trails through towering forests, dramatic dunes, and rolling hills, catering to both beginners and experienced adventurers. The state's extensive trail systems provide endless opportunities to explore natural beauty and regional heritage.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking celebrates the state's exceptional coastal trails tracing freshwater beaches, towering dunes, and striking bluffs along the Great Lakes. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking lake views, access to secluded beaches, and encounters with unique coastal plants and wildlife. The shoreline offers some of the region's most iconic and refreshing hiking experiences, especially in warm months.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails ideal for those seeking solitude and wildlife observation away from the crowds. These out-of-the-way paths traverse quiet forests, secret bogs, and remote wetlands, offering opportunities to spot deer, birds, and other native wildlife. They are perfect for hikers who cherish peace, discovery, and intimate experiences with Michigan's wild places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking features the finest trails to experience the vibrant fall colors that blanket forests across the state. During autumn, maples, oaks, and birches light up the landscape, making every hike a visual feast of reds, oranges, and golds. These routes range from easy walks through small preserves to challenging climbs that reward with sweeping autumn views.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS FOREST TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, located in the western Upper Peninsula, is renowned for its vast wilderness areas and over 196 miles of hiking trails through dense woodlands, waterfalls, and pristine lakes. Hikers can discover quiet solitude, abundant wildlife, and some of the most scenic backcountry experiences in Michigan. The forest's diverse trail system accommodates everything from short walks to multi-day treks deep into stunning northern landscapes.