Reading MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Reading, Michigan.
1. Shields Trail
FORESTED MULTI-USE PATH
Shields Trail is a popular hiking destination in Reading, Michigan, offering a scenic forested path ideal for walking, jogging, and biking. The trail winds through woodlands and open areas, providing gentle elevation changes suitable for all skill levels. Visitors enjoy peaceful surroundings and opportunities for birdwatching along this well-maintained route.
2. Old Sauk Trail
HISTORIC ROUTE EXPERIENCE
Old Sauk Trail in Reading traces a historic path once used by Native Americans and early settlers, now adapted for hiking and nature walks. The trail features shaded woods and glimpses of local wildlife, perfect for a leisurely outdoor adventure. Walkers appreciate the path's rich history and natural beauty blending seamlessly together.
3. River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE WALK
River Trail is a short but rewarding hiking option along the riverbanks in Reading, Michigan. The trail offers tranquil views of flowing water, lush greenery, and frequent wildlife sightings, making it a favorite for nature lovers. Its easy access and flat terrain cater to families and casual hikers looking for a peaceful stroll.
4. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
ELEVATED WOODS OUTLOOK
Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail features a combination of wooded paths and elevated lookout points near Reading. The trail winds through dense trees, eventually reaching an area with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Hikers appreciate the mixture of shade, natural sounds, and the rewarding vistas at the trail's upper points.
5. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
ALL-SEASON ADVENTURE
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail provides year-round recreational options for hikers in Reading. During the warmer months, the trail welcomes walkers and runners exploring its rolling terrain and wooded scenery, while winter transforms the area for cross-country skiing. The diverse habitat attracts various birds and wildlife, adding to the outdoor experience.
6. Chain O' Lakes State Park Trails
LAKESIDE HIKING ESCAPE
Chain O' Lakes State Park features a network of trails winding around its picturesque lakes, just outside Reading. Visitors enjoy hiking routes that skirt the shorelines, offering water views, fishing access, and picnic spots. The park's diverse habitats support a rich variety of plant and animal life, making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. North Country National Scenic Trail
EPIC LONG-DISTANCE ROUTE
The North Country National Scenic Trail, passing near Lowell, Michigan, is one of the nation's premier long-distance hiking routes. Spanning over 4,000 miles across multiple states, the Michigan section features forests, lakes, rivers, and rural landscapes. This trail is beloved for its diverse terrain and opportunities for extended backpacking adventures.
8. Michigan's Iron Belle Trail
STATE-SPANNING PATHWAY
Michigan's Iron Belle Trail is an ambitious 2,000-mile pathway that stretches from Detroit's Belle Isle to Ironwood, traversing both urban and wild landscapes. It offers two routes—one for hiking and one for biking—allowing visitors to experience Michigan's cities, forests, and farmlands. The trail is a unique way to see the state's variety and natural beauty up close.
9. Empire Bluffs Overlook Trail
ICONIC LAKE VIEWPOINT
Empire Bluffs Overlook Trail in Empire, Michigan, is a beloved short hike within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1.5-mile round trip trail rewards hikers with breathtaking, elevated views of Lake Michigan and brilliant sunsets. Its easy terrain and spectacular scenery make it one of the state's most photographed trails.
10. Ludington State Park Trails
COASTAL & FOREST PATHS
Ludington State Park in Ludington, Michigan, boasts an impressive network of trails that meander through sand dunes, hardwood forests, and lakeshores. Hikers can explore various loops, including the scenic Lost Lake, Ridge, Island, and Lighthouse Trails. The park is renowned for its diverse landscapes and access to Lake Michigan's stunning shoreline.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most celebrated trails, offering everything from rugged wilderness paths to accessible nature walks. These routes span old-growth forests, dramatic dunes, glacial lakes, and historic landmarks, providing something for every skill level. With a vibrant four-season climate, Michigan's top hikes deliver beauty and adventure year-round.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL TREKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers some of the best opportunities to walk along freshwater beaches, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque dunes bordering the Great Lakes. Trails like those found in Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore feature sandy stretches, bluff-top vistas, and access to secluded coves. These coastal hikes are perfect for those seeking the soothing sounds and sights of Michigan's waterfront.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE WALKS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails tucked away in state forests, preserves, and remote parks, perfect for those seeking solitude and wildlife observation. These quiet routes often weave through untouched habitats, providing chances to see deer, birds, and wildflowers in peaceful settings. The seclusion of these trails offers a tranquil escape from busy tourist paths.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's spectacular fall colors, drawing outdoor enthusiasts to forested trails and scenic overlooks each year. Favorites include routes through hardwood forests ablaze with reds, oranges, and golds in places like the Upper Peninsula and state parks. These hikes offer an immersive experience of Michigan's vibrant autumn landscape.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS HIKING HAVEN
Ottawa National Forest in Watersmeet, Michigan, is a vast expanse offering extensive hiking opportunities through old-growth forests, along rivers, and to scenic waterfalls. Trails range from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes, with abundant chances for wildlife watching and photography. The forest's remote beauty makes it a favorite among hikers seeking true wilderness adventure.