Petoskey MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Petoskey, Michigan.
1. Bear River Valley Recreation Area
SCENIC URBAN WILDERNESS
Bear River Valley Recreation Area offers a unique blend of forest, river, and bluff scenery right in the heart of Petoskey. The trail system features unpaved hiking paths, boardwalks, and river overlooks, making it perfect for hikers of all levels seeking natural beauty and water features. The area's ecological diversity and convenient location provide an immersive outdoor experience just steps from downtown.
2. Bay View Woods Hiking Trails
WETLANDS AND HARDWOODS
Bay View Woods Hiking Trails meander through 172 acres of wetlands and mixed hardwood forests on the edge of Petoskey. Boardwalks guide hikers through cedar-hemlock habitats rich with wildlife, including birds and the occasional fox. The well-marked trails make this a peaceful destination for a leisurely walk, wildflower spotting, or birdwatching.
3. Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve
TRANQUIL FOREST PATHS
Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve features 3.5 miles of trails winding through hardwood forests, meadows, red pine plantations, and a cedar swamp. Visitors enjoy diverse habitats and two convenient parking lots for easy access. It's an inviting spot for hikers seeking a quiet, natural escape just outside town.
4. Petoskey State Park
SAND DUNES AND SHORELINE
Petoskey State Park offers a picturesque mix of lakeshore trails and wooded dunes just northeast of town. Hikers can explore routes ranging from easy to challenging, all with beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The park's natural diversity makes it a favorite destination for both families and experienced hikers.
5. Bayfront Park
LAKEFRONT WALKWAYS
Bayfront Park boasts scenic walking trails along the shores of Little Traverse Bay in downtown Petoskey. The easy, paved paths are perfect for a lakeside stroll and offer lovely views of the water and marina. Families and birdwatchers alike enjoy this urban park's accessible trails and nearby amenities.
6. Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve
SERENE SPRING TRAILS
Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve is known for its gentle walking trails through wetlands and wooded areas dotted by natural springs. The preserve offers a tranquil setting ideal for wildlife observation and enjoying northern Michigan's peaceful landscape. Its flat, easy loop makes it suitable for families and casual hikers.
7. Little Traverse Wheelway
BAY TO BAY TRAIL
The Little Traverse Wheelway provides more than 20 miles of scenic, mostly paved trail along Lake Michigan, connecting Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs. Walkers and cyclists enjoy panoramic bay views, forested stretches, and plenty of access points. This multi-use trail is a must for anyone seeking a daylong adventure or a shorter, picturesque outing.
8. Bay View Greenway Trail
HISTORIC CAMPUS ROUTE
The Bay View Greenway Trail connects Petoskey's downtown with the historic Bay View community and its wooded campus. This paved and well-maintained route is lined with mature trees and features charming Victorian architecture along the way. It's perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or cycling trip between two of the area's most beloved neighborhoods.
9. Bear Creek Township Park Trails
WILDLIFE AND MEADOWS
Bear Creek Township Park Trails offer a network of easy walking paths through open meadows, stands of hardwoods, and along Bear Creek. The area is popular with families for its gentle terrain and playgrounds, as well as birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park provides a relaxed atmosphere for both short strolls and longer hikes near Petoskey.
10. North Country National Scenic Trail
EPIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The North Country National Scenic Trail passes directly through Petoskey, linking hikers to the longest continuous hiking trail in the United States. This section features river valleys, forests, and access to key natural sites like the Bear River Valley Recreation Area. Hikers can choose from short day hikes or set out for multi-day backpacking adventures.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking includes a diverse range of trails, from rugged Upper Peninsula paths to easy Lower Peninsula loops. These trails showcase Michigan's lakeshores, forests, dunes, and rivers, offering year-round adventure for all skill levels. Hikers will find everything from remote backpacking routes to accessible family-friendly hikes across the state.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACHFRONT TRAIL OPTIONS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking spans hundreds of miles along the Great Lakes, offering some of America's best beach and coastal trails. Hikers can explore sandy shores, dramatic dunes, rocky coastline, and sweeping lake views. These trails are ideal for those seeking fresh breezes, water vistas, and unforgettable sunsets.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are secluded paths tucked away in state forests, preserves, and quiet parks that provide excellent opportunities for solitude and wildlife observation. These lesser-known hikes take visitors off the beaten path, often leading to tranquil lakes, scenic overlooks, or wildflower-filled meadows. They're perfect for hikers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in natural beauty.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers spectacular opportunities to experience the region's rich colors as maple, beech, and oak trees blaze red, orange, and gold. The state's forests and parks transform into a patchwork of hues, making each hike a photographer's dream. Popular routes wind through hardwood forests, along ridges, and beside inland lakes for unforgettable fall scenery.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula encompasses nearly one million acres of pristine wilderness, offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Visitors experience dramatic waterfalls, old-growth forests, and rolling hills teeming with wildlife. With both easy walks and challenging backcountry routes, the forest is a premier destination for hiking and exploring Michigan's wild side.