Port Sanilac MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Port Sanilac, Michigan.
1. Port Sanilac Nature Trail
SCENIC COASTAL PATHWAY
Port Sanilac Nature Trail offers hikers a peaceful journey along Lake Huron's shoreline, providing up-close views of the clear blue water and local flora. This easy-to-moderate trail weaves through wooded areas as well as open lakeside stretches, making it a favorite for both casual walkers and avid hikers. Benches and interpretive signs along the route help visitors appreciate the area's natural and historical significance.
2. Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park Trails
ANCIENT ROCK ART HIKE
Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park Trails let hikers combine recreation with cultural discovery in a unique forested setting. The trail system here leads to Michigan's only known ancient petroglyphs, carved centuries ago into sandstone. Shady woods and interpretive exhibits make this a memorable destination for families and history enthusiasts.
3. Forester Park Trails
WOODLAND AND BEACH HIKES
Forester Park features a variety of multi-use trails winding through mature forest and leading to Lake Huron's quiet beaches. Walkers can enjoy the shade of tall trees and the sounds of birds before emerging at scenic waterfront picnic spots. The park's well-marked paths make it easy to explore all corners of this tranquil recreational area.
4. Willow Tree Golf and Country Club Walking Paths
PEACEFUL COUNTRY WALKS
Willow Tree Golf and Country Club offers peaceful walking paths that wind around ponds and greens, open to the public when not in use for golf. These gentle trails provide a unique setting for birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying the manicured landscape. The quiet setting makes for a laid-back, low-stress hike close to Port Sanilac.
5. Huron Shoreline Trail
LAKESIDE VISTA TREK
The Huron Shoreline Trail stretches through Lexington and offers uninterrupted views of Lake Huron, making it a top spot for sunrise hiking. The trail is mostly flat and paved, suitable for all skill levels, with ample opportunities to spot waterfowl and native wildflowers along the way. Rest stops and park amenities are available within walking distance of downtown Lexington.
6. Lumberjack Trail
HISTORIC FOREST WALK
The Lumberjack Trail in Port Sanilac runs through second-growth woods once central to Michigan's historic lumber industry. Informative signs tell the story of the area's logging past while the shaded trail provides a cool retreat on hot summer days. It's an accessible, easy hike for visitors of all ages seeking a bit of history and nature.
7. Thums Park Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY NATURE PATH
Thums Park Trail is a short, well-maintained path in Sandusky, ideal for families and those looking for a relaxed outing in nature. The loop trail circles a pond and travels through open parkland, with benches for rest and observation of local wildlife. Playgrounds and picnic facilities nearby make it a full-day destination for outdoor enjoyment.
8. Black River Nature Trail
RIVERSIDE SCENIC HIKE
The Black River Nature Trail follows the winding course of the Black River through Jeddo, offering a tranquil hike with both river and forest views. Interpretive markers along the route highlight native plants, animal habitats, and the region's ecology. It's an excellent place for spotting herons, turtles, and deer away from the crowds.
9. Mill Creek County Park Trails
CREEK AND WOODS WANDER
Mill Creek County Park Trails in Avoca provide an easy escape into hardwood forest and along a gentle, babbling creek. Families love the accessible paths while experienced hikers can enjoy the park's quieter side trails for wildlife spotting. Bridges and picnic spots round out this peaceful retreat from daily life.
10. Lexington County Park Trail
SHORELINE PARK EXPLORER
Lexington County Park Trail loops through shaded woods and along the Lake Huron shoreline, providing picturesque spots for hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing by the water. Lookouts offer sweeping views of the lake, while access paths lead down to rocky beaches and picnic areas. The park is just minutes from downtown Lexington, making it a convenient and scenic destination.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
ICONIC TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking showcases the state's most celebrated trails, from forested paths in the Upper Peninsula to sandy ridges along the Great Lakes. Hikers will find everything from easy day hikes to challenging backcountry routes, often featuring dramatic overlooks, waterfalls, and unique ecosystems. These classic trails highlight Michigan's rich natural diversity and are must-visits for any hiking enthusiast.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking invites adventurers to explore the state's scenic lakefront trails, which stretch along the vast coastlines of Lake Michigan, Huron, and Superior. These hikes often traverse sandy beaches, towering dunes, and windswept bluffs, offering stunning views of freshwater horizons and easy access to swimming or beachcombing. Popular shoreline destinations combine natural beauty with opportunities for sunrise and sunset walks along the water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE WALKS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems spotlights lesser-known trails perfect for those seeking solitude and a chance to observe wildlife in pristine environments. These off-the-beaten-path hikes wind through forests, wetlands, and untouched beaches, often offering peaceful encounters with deer, birds, and other native species. Ideal for those craving a quiet escape, these gems reveal the secret side of Michigan's outdoor offerings.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULAR
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for vibrant fall foliage, transforming trails into breathtaking corridors of color. Hikers can enjoy routes lined with fiery maples, golden birches, and deep-red oaks, especially in October's peak season. These autumn hikes provide crisp air, scenic overlooks, and unforgettable photo opportunities that make the most of Michigan's changing seasons.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS UPPER PENINSULA
Ottawa National Forest in Ironwood, Michigan, encompasses vast stretches of wild forests, waterfalls, and more than 500 miles of scenic trails. Popular routes traverse old-growth woods, pass rushing streams, and lead to remote lakes, all teeming with wildlife. The forest's diverse trail system appeals to hikers of all abilities, offering both short day hikes and rugged backcountry adventures.