Portage MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Portage, Michigan.
1. Portage Creek Bicentennial Park
SCENIC CREEK TRAILS
Portage Creek Bicentennial Park is a favorite destination in Portage, offering over 8 miles of hiking and biking trails that wind alongside the scenic Portage Creek. The park provides several opportunities for wildlife viewing and peaceful outdoor recreation, making it a local staple for walkers and nature lovers. The well-maintained pathways are accessible and ideal for relaxed outings or energizing hikes.
2. Bishop's Bog Preserve
UNTOUCHED BOG WILDERNESS
Bishop's Bog Preserve is Portage's largest 'relict' bog in Southern Michigan, spanning 152 acres of rare ecosystem. Boardwalks and natural trails let visitors immerse themselves in the unique plant life, including rare orchids and carnivorous plants. This preserve is cherished for its tranquility and undisturbed natural beauty, providing a true wilderness experience within city limits.
3. Al Sabo Preserve
DIVERSE FORESTED TRAILS
Al Sabo Preserve, just north of Portage in Kalamazoo, offers over 25 miles of multi-use trails through forests, wetlands, and open fields. The area is rich with wildlife and boasts scenic overlooks, providing plenty for hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers to enjoy. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it one of the most popular hiking destinations in the region.
4. Lillian Anderson Arboretum
BOTANICAL FOREST OASIS
Lillian Anderson Arboretum in Oshtemo Township, just west of Portage, features 140 acres of rolling hills, woods, meadows, and wetlands. The looped trail network gives visitors a chance to explore native Michigan plants and enjoy quiet reflective walks. This arboretum is an educational and serene escape for both experienced hikers and families.
5. Schrier Park
FAMILY WOODLAND WALKS
Schrier Park in Portage invites hikers to enjoy its well-kept, family-friendly woodland trails. The park features a loop trail through mixed hardwood forests and provides picnic spaces, playgrounds, and restrooms. It's a great spot for a leisurely afternoon trek or group hike close to home.
6. West Lake Nature Preserve
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE PATHS
West Lake Nature Preserve offers scenic walking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and along the tranquil West Lake shoreline. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching, water views, and a boardwalk trail that's especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset. The preserve is a quiet haven for those seeking natural beauty near the city.
7. Celery Flats Historical Area
HISTORIC PARK TRAILS
Celery Flats Historical Area blends local history, parkland, and accessible paved trails for walkers and hikers of all ages. The park offers connections to other trail networks, scenic picnic spots, and restored historic buildings to explore. It's popular for educational outings and relaxing strolls in a charming setting.
8. Atwater Millpond Park
URBAN NATURE LOOP
Atwater Millpond Park in Portage features a paved loop trail with views of a peaceful millpond and open green spaces. The area is ideal for short, scenic walks, watching waterfowl, or simply enjoying the serene environment close to town. It's a convenient and picturesque destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
9. Fort Custer Recreation Area
ADVENTURE IN THE FOREST
Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta, a short drive from Portage, boasts over 25 miles of varied trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park includes forest, prairie, and lake environments, with diverse wildlife and scenic vistas along every trail. This expansive area is perfect for both day hikes and more challenging adventures.
10. Kalamazoo Nature Center
EDUCATIONAL NATURE TRAILS
The Kalamazoo Nature Center in Kalamazoo offers a wide range of interpretive hiking trails through woods, prairies, and marshes. Educational signage and visitor programs make it an engaging destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Its well-managed paths offer beautiful scenery year-round, making it an essential hiking stop near Portage.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATE'S TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking covers some of the most acclaimed trails throughout the state, offering spectacular natural diversity. From lush forests and sand dunes to expansive lakeshores, hikers of all levels can find adventures suited to their abilities. These top-rated trails showcase the best of Michigan's natural beauty, attracting both locals and visitors from afar.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL BEACH TRAIL VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers unforgettable treks along the state's picturesque beaches and coastal dune systems. Hikers are treated to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and unique ecosystems only found along the shoreline. These trails are famous for their sandy paths, wildflowers, and dramatic sunsets over the water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems offer secluded trails ideal for solitude and wildlife observation, far from the busiest parks and crowds. These lesser-known spots wind through old-growth forests, quiet wetlands, and protected habitats. Perfect for hikers seeking immersion in undisturbed nature and peaceful settings, these gems reveal a quieter side of Michigan's wild places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for its vibrant fall colors, with trails winding through forests blazing in red, orange, and gold. These routes are best experienced during peak foliage, providing dramatic backdrops for hikers and photographers alike. Leaf-peeping adventures here celebrate Michigan's natural transformation each autumn.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest in Ironwood is a premier hiking destination in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, featuring hundreds of miles of trails through pristine forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Visitors can choose from short nature walks to challenging backcountry treks in a landscape teeming with wildlife and solitude. The forest offers a true northern adventure for those seeking Michigan's wildest outdoor experiences.