Posen MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Posen, Michigan.
1. Mystery Valley Karst Preserve and Nature Sanctuary
UNIQUE KARST LANDSCAPES
Mystery Valley Karst Preserve and Nature Sanctuary offers visitors a fascinating landscape of sinkholes, caves, and unique karst features nestled near Posen. Hiking trails wind through forests and open areas, allowing exploration while learning about the region's distinctive geology and rare plant life. It is an excellent stop for those seeking an educational and scenic hiking experience close to the village.
2. Stevens Twin Sinks Preserve
NATURAL SINKHOLE TRAILS
Stevens Twin Sinks Preserve features hiking paths surrounding two dramatic sinkholes formed by underground water action, providing a glimpse into northern Michigan's dynamic geology. The quiet woodlands around the sinks make for a peaceful, nature-filled walk ideal for wildlife viewing. Its location in Posen makes it easily accessible for both local and visiting hikers.
3. Thompson's Harbor State Park
COASTAL FOREST HIKING
Thompson's Harbor State Park is renowned for its remote and diverse coastal forest hiking opportunities just east of Posen, near Millersburg. With over 7 miles of trails winding through cedar groves and fragile dunes along Lake Huron, it offers outstanding birding and wildflower viewing. The park's pristine shorelines and rustic atmosphere make it a favorite for those seeking solitude in nature.
4. Norway Ridge Pathway
SCENIC WOODED PATHWAYS
Norway Ridge Pathway is a popular trail system south of Posen in Alpena, known for its well-marked, rolling loops through red pine and hardwood forests. Hikers enjoy tranquil scenery with abundant wildlife, and seasonal wildflowers are a highlight in spring and summer. The pathway accommodates a range of skill levels, making it well-suited for families and casual hikers.
5. Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area
BACKCOUNTRY FOREST HIKING
Hoist Lakes Foot Travel Area, located southwest of Posen near Glennie, provides approximately 20 miles of looped backcountry hiking trails through mature hardwood forests and past numerous inland lakes. Hikers can embark on short strolls or overnight backpacking trips, enjoying remote, undeveloped terrain and possible encounters with resident wildlife. This area is a favorite for those seeking a wilderness escape not far from Posen.
6. North Eastern State Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The North Eastern State Trail runs right through Posen as part of its 71-mile route between Alpena and Cheboygan, following a historic railroad corridor. The mostly flat, crushed limestone surface is ideal for both hiking and biking, passing through scenic countryside, forest, and quiet rural towns. It's a perfect choice for longer day hikes and multi-use outdoor recreation.
7. Huron Sunrise Trail
LAKESHORE SCENIC WALK
The Huron Sunrise Trail begins in nearby Rogers City and stretches for over 11 miles along Lake Huron's shore, offering breathtaking views of the water and Rogers City's historic limestone quarry. The paved trail accommodates both hikers and cyclists, with easy access to beaches, parks, and the city's lighthouse. It's especially beautiful at sunrise, living up to its name for early-morning explorers.
8. Rockport State Recreation Area
QUARRIES AND LAKEFRONT
Rockport State Recreation Area, north of Alpena and easily accessible from Posen, features miles of rugged trails through forests, historic quarries, and along the Lake Huron shoreline. Hikers can explore fossil beds, sinkholes, and even a small bat cave, making for a diverse and adventurous day trip. The area's undeveloped character and variety of landscapes appeal to nature enthusiasts and geology fans alike.
9. Marl Lake Trail System
PEACEFUL LAKESIDE TRAILS
The Marl Lake Trail System near Grayling offers loops of varying lengths around the serene Marl Lake within South Higgins Lake State Park. Trails wind through mixed hardwoods and pine forests, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and tranquil lake views. It's a peaceful destination for those willing to explore a little farther from Posen.
10. Bush Bay Hiking Trail (Narnia Trail)
COASTAL FOREST ADVENTURE
Bush Bay Hiking Trail, also known as the Narnia Trail, is located in the Les Cheneaux area near Cedarville and provides a whimsical forest hike with coastal views of Lake Huron. The relatively short but scenic trail traverses lush woodlands and offers glimpses of wildflowers and shoreline wildlife. Its enchanting atmosphere and lake vistas make it a favorite for families and casual hikers.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP MICHIGAN TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most celebrated trails, from the sweeping dunes of Sleeping Bear and Pictured Rocks to the expansive forests of the Upper Peninsula. Hikers will discover everything from gentle interpretive loops to challenging backcountry adventures, with breathtaking vistas, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness settings. No matter the region, Michigan's top trails guarantee memorable treks for all experience levels.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers access to countless miles of hiking along the Great Lakes, with highlights including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks, and Warren Dunes. These coastal routes feature sweeping lake views, sandy beaches, and dramatic bluffs, perfect for hikers seeking the calming sounds of the surf and shorebirds. Michigan's shoreline trails are some of the most scenic in the Midwest, ideal for summer adventures.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems showcases the state's lesser-known trails, offering peaceful escapes and abundant opportunities for wildlife observation. From remote forest paths in the Upper Peninsula to quiet nature preserves in the Lower Peninsula, these trails immerse visitors in Michigan's wildest and most tranquil landscapes. Ideal for those who prefer solitude, these hidden gems reward hikers with untouched beauty and serenity.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE VIEWS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's vibrant fall foliage along diverse trail networks from the Porcupine Mountains to the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Hikers can experience a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and golds as they meander through hardwood forests and rolling hills. The crisp air and colorful scenery make autumn the perfect season for hiking and nature photography in Michigan.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest, situated near Watersmeet in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offers over 500,000 acres of wild lands with a network of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. Majestic waterfalls, old-growth forests, and pristine lakes provide endless opportunities for exploration and wildlife encounters. This vast forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking Michigan's authentic wilderness experience.