Plymouth MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Plymouth, Michigan.
1. Township Park at McClumpha
SCENIC FAMILY PARK TRAILS
Township Park at McClumpha provides a variety of paved walking paths set amidst beautiful parkland in Plymouth. The well-kept loops range from short strolls to nearly a mile, making it an excellent option for families and casual hikers. Visitors enjoy picturesque ponds, open fields, and easy access to playgrounds and picnic areas.
2. Lake Pointe Soccer Park
NEIGHBORHOOD LOOPED PATHS
Lake Pointe Soccer Park offers several compact walking loops ideal for a quick hike or jog within Plymouth. The paved trails wind through open green spaces, soccer fields, and recreational areas, providing a peaceful suburban retreat. The park is suited for those seeking a casual walk, especially for families with children.
3. Maybury State Park
EXPANSIVE WOODED TRAILS
Maybury State Park features a diverse network of hiking trails that traverse rolling hills, meadows, and mature forest. Located just west of Plymouth, it is popular for both beginner and experienced hikers seeking a more immersive nature experience. The park also offers equestrian trails, mountain biking paths, and a working farm for visitors to explore.
4. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
MULTI-SEASON FOREST LOOPS
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail is known for its scenic woodland routes, ideal for hiking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter. Multiple interconnecting loops allow hikers to select routes of varying length and difficulty through dense forest. The tranquil setting provides both a workout and a peaceful escape from city life.
5. West Bloomfield Trail
RAIL-TRAIL THROUGH SUBURBIA
West Bloomfield Trail is a popular rail-trail conversion running through the heart of its namesake township near Plymouth. The flat, crushed-stone path is perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. Lined with wetlands, woodlands, and vibrant greenery, the trail is accessible year-round and frequented by outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.
6. Shields Trail
PEACEFUL WOODED PATHWAYS
Shields Trail provides a gently rolling hike through quiet woodland just west of Plymouth. Its well-marked dirt paths are ideal for those seeking a peaceful, nature-immersed experience without significant elevation changes. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the prevalence of native animals along the trail.
7. Proud Lake Recreation Area
LAKESIDE AND FOREST TRAILS
Proud Lake Recreation Area offers extensive hiking trails along the Huron River and through scenic woods in Commerce Township. The network includes both easy and challenging routes, with picturesque riverside vistas and tranquil lakes. The area is popular for fishing, picnicking, and observing local wildlife in addition to hiking.
8. Oakwoods Metropark
RIVER TRAILS AND PRAIRIE
Oakwoods Metropark features miles of interconnected trails along the Huron River, including paved paths and natural surfaces. Hikers can explore hardwood forests, open meadows, and restored prairies teeming with wildlife. The park also boasts an excellent nature center and is a birding hotspot, especially during spring and fall migrations.
9. Wildwing Trail
NATURE PRESERVE LOOP
Wildwing Trail loops through wetlands and hardwood forests in the Indian Springs Metropark, a short drive from Plymouth. The trail is known for its elevated boardwalks, wildlife blinds, and beautiful fall scenery. It offers a moderate hike suitable for all skill levels in a rich, natural setting.
10. Novi North Park - Tree Farm
URBAN WOODLAND HIKING
Novi North Park, also called the Tree Farm, features quiet, wooded hiking trails amid urban surroundings in Novi. Shady canopies, wildflowers, and rolling terrain make this location a favorite for a quick nature escape. It is especially popular with local families and dog walkers seeking a peaceful outing.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATE'S TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the premier hiking trails across the state, from the rolling hills of the Lower Peninsula to the rugged wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. Highlights include challenging routes along the Porcupine Mountains, scenic pathways through state parks, and serene walks in old-growth forests. These top-rated destinations offer diverse experiences for hikers of every skill level.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
TRAILS ALONG THE LAKES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's most breathtaking beach and coastal trails, following the edges of the Great Lakes. Walkers can traverse sandy dunes, dramatic cliffs, and quiet harbors while enjoying sweeping lake views. From Sleeping Bear Dunes to Pictured Rocks, these routes are ideal for those seeking sun, waves, and the sound of lapping water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS PATHS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are quiet, lesser-known trails perfect for solitude and observing wildlife in natural habitats. These secluded paths run through tranquil forests, remote wetlands, and protected preserves across the state. Hikers who prefer peaceful exploration and a chance to spot native animals will find these trails especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLOR ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers unforgettable trails for experiencing the state's legendary fall foliage. Hikers can wander through forests ablaze with red, gold, and orange leaves, especially in classic destinations like the Upper Peninsula and Huron-Manistee National Forest. These trails are best enjoyed from late September through October when autumn colors reach their peak.
15. Ottawa National Forest
REMOTE UPPER PENINSULA HIKES
Ottawa National Forest offers extensive hiking opportunities in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, featuring dense forests, sparkling lakes, and rushing waterfalls. Trails such as the North Country National Scenic Trail provide options for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures. It is a favorite among nature lovers seeking rugged terrain and abundant wildlife.