Scottville MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Scottville, Michigan.
1. Scottville Riverside Park Trail
RIVERSIDE NATURE WALK
Scottville Riverside Park Trail is a scenic pathway winding through riverside woodlands in the heart of Scottville. The trail offers a peaceful hike with frequent opportunities for wildlife spotting, river views, and seasonal wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy the amenities of Riverside Park, making this trail ideal for families and casual walkers.
2. Manistee River Trail
RIVER VALLEY HIKING
Manistee River Trail is renowned for its dramatic river vistas and tranquil forest pathways, located just outside the city of Manistee. Hikers can traverse a diverse landscape featuring waterfalls, footbridges, and abundant wildlife across a well-marked 12-mile loop. This trail is a favorite among backpackers seeking an immersive overnight hiking experience.
3. Leelanau Trail
SCENIC COUNTRYSIDE PATH
Leelanau Trail stretches between Traverse City and Suttons Bay, offering a beautiful paved route through rural farms, forests, and vineyards. Cyclists and hikers alike enjoy gentle grades and impressive views of rolling countryside and Lake Michigan on the horizon. The trail is a popular choice for leisurely day hikes and family outings.
4. Old Baldy Trails
DUNES AND FOREST LOOPS
Old Baldy Trails invite hikers to climb sand dunes and explore shaded forest paths near Arcadia. The viewpoint atop Old Baldy offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding countryside. These trails are popular for short, challenging hikes and are exceptionally beautiful at sunset.
5. Blue Lake Township Trails
PEACEFUL WOODLAND ROUTES
Blue Lake Township Trails offer a quiet and serene forest hiking experience just north of Scottville. The network of short loop trails winds through mature woods, providing excellent birdwatching and opportunities to encounter local wildlife. These trails are perfect for a relaxed stroll in nature away from crowds.
6. Dunes Trail
SAND AND LAKE VIEWS
Dunes Trail in Empire takes hikers through the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, where towering dunes meet sweeping lake views. The landscape is both dramatic and diverse, with trails extending through forests, open sand, and shoreline. This is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Michigan's famed dune scenery.
7. Pickerel Lake Loop
LAKEFRONT FOREST SCENERY
Pickerel Lake Loop in Rockford circles the shoreline of Pickerel Lake, offering tranquil water views throughout the hike. Well-maintained paths meander through hardwood forests and wetlands, making it popular for wildlife observation. Boardwalks and benches provide pleasant rest spots for visitors of all ages.
8. Seidman Park Outside Loop
EXPANSIVE URBAN PARK TRAILS
Seidman Park Outside Loop, located in Ada, features extensive trails through meadows, forests, and wetlands. Hikers will find this park an ideal escape close to Grand Rapids, with gentle terrain and abundant natural beauty. The loop is suitable for year-round hiking and is a favorite for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
9. Rosy Mound Hike
DUNES AND BEACH TREK
Rosy Mound Hike near Grand Haven leads visitors through a dramatic series of dunes and forests before opening out to Lake Michigan's sandy shoreline. The well-maintained path includes stairs, boardwalks, and scenic overlooks. It's a rewarding hike for those seeking a blend of shaded woods and lakeside scenery.
10. Kohler Dunes Cordwalk
BOARDWALK THROUGH DUNES
Kohler Dunes Cordwalk in Montague offers a unique boardwalk hiking experience over fragile dunes and through picturesque coastal landscapes. The trail helps protect the natural environment while guiding hikers to scenic viewpoints over Lake Michigan. This accessible walk is ideal for families and photographers.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE ADVENTURES
Best Michigan Hiking spans the state, from the deep forests of the Upper Peninsula to the dramatic dunes of the west coast. Michigan's top trails offer breathtaking scenery, varied terrain, and unique geological features for all skill levels. Hikers can experience everything from waterfalls and vistas to serene lakes and rugged wilderness.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's vast freshwater coast, featuring miles of sandy beach trails and rocky bluffs along the Great Lakes. These routes are perfect for those who enjoy lakeside breezes, sweeping water views, and access to scenic beach parks. Popular shoreline hikes showcase Michigan's extraordinary coastal beauty throughout the year.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems offer hikers a chance to explore less-traveled paths, perfect for solitude and wildlife viewing. These hidden treasures are tucked away in remote forests, quiet preserves, and under-the-radar parks. They provide a unique opportunity to experience Michigan's wild side away from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is all about vibrant fall colors, with trails winding through hardwood forests blanketed in reds, oranges, and yellows. The state's varied topography and extensive forested regions make it a premier destination for autumn hikers. Peak foliage season offers a truly picturesque hiking experience across Michigan.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS ADVENTURES
Ottawa National Forest in Ironwood encompasses hundreds of miles of hiking trails through northern hardwoods, rivers, and waterfalls. Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in vast wilderness, offering opportunities for backpacking, day hikes, and wildlife encounters. The forest's diverse landscapes ensure a memorable experience in every season.