Sterling MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sterling, Michigan.
1. Sterling State Park Nature Trail
NATURE AND WATER VIEWS
Sterling State Park Nature Trail in Monroe offers hikers a scenic pathway through marshlands and along the Lake Erie shoreline. The trail features observation decks perfect for bird watching and spotting local wildlife, as well as access to sandy beaches. Visitors enjoy well-marked routes and ADA-accessible paved sections suitable for all skill levels.
2. Forestview Natural Area Trail
PEACEFUL WOODED LOOPS
Forestview Natural Area Trail near Oscoda draws hikers with its gentle, forested loops ideal for a peaceful stroll. The wooded setting offers shade and serenity, making it a favorite spot for casual walkers or families. Wildflowers and local birds are common sights along its well-maintained 0.9-mile path.
3. Hoist Lake Trail South
BACKCOUNTRY FOREST HIKING
Hoist Lake Trail South in Mikado provides an immersive experience through dense forests and around peaceful inland lakes. The 8.2-mile trail is popular among experienced hikers seeking a longer, more rugged adventure. Wildlife sightings and remote scenery are highlights along this lesser-traveled loop.
4. Egypt Valley Trail
SCENIC HILLS AND VALLEYS
Egypt Valley Trail in Ada traverses rolling hills, wooded valleys, and open meadows within the Cannonsburg State Game Area. Hikers appreciate the varied terrain and excellent opportunities to see deer, wild turkeys, and songbirds. The trail is well-marked and suitable for both short walks and longer hikes.
5. Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path
COASTAL LAKE HURON PATH
Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path in East Tawas hugs the Lake Huron shoreline, offering beautiful views of the bay and plenty of lake breezes. The paved trail is popular for walking, running, and biking, connecting parks, beaches, and downtown attractions. Multiple access points and amenities make it family-friendly for all ages.
6. Pere Marquette State Trail
SCENIC RAIL TRAIL
Pere Marquette State Trail in Clare follows a converted rail corridor, delivering flat and easy hiking through forests, wetlands, and small towns. This multi-use trail is well-marked, with rest areas and picturesque bridges over rivers and streams. Local wildlife and diverse plant life flourish along this 55-mile pathway.
7. Marl Lake Trail System
LAKESIDE PINE FORESTS
Marl Lake Trail System in Roscommon loops around tranquil Marl Lake, winding through red pine forests and wetlands. Smooth, flat trails provide easy access for beginners or families, while frequent benches offer rest with lakeside views. The peaceful setting is perfect for spotting herons, turtles, and a variety of waterfowl.
8. Frank N. Anderson Nature Trail
URBAN WOODLAND RETREAT
Frank N. Anderson Nature Trail in Cadillac is an urban escape within the city, featuring a 1.5-mile trail through mature woodlands and along a babbling creek. The well-maintained path includes interpretive signage about local flora and fauna, making it educational as well as scenic. Benches and boardwalks add to the accessibility and charm.
9. Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
LONG DISTANCE MULTI-USE
Saginaw Valley Rail Trail in Saginaw provides over 11 miles of paved pathway through woodlands, wetlands, and fields. Popular with both cyclists and hikers, the trail is well-marked and accessible, with multiple parking lots and rest facilities. Beautiful bridges and scenic overlooks offer picturesque stops along the route.
10. Thomas Township Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GREENWAY
Thomas Township Trail in Thomas Township is a beautifully maintained, meandering route connecting tree farms, schools, and neighborhoods. Its smooth surface and clear signage make it ideal for walkers, joggers, and families with strollers or bikes. The trail's peaceful atmosphere and shaded stretches ensure a relaxing outdoor experience.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
MICHIGAN'S TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the state's most acclaimed hiking destinations, encompassing a variety of landscapes from pristine forests to sparkling lakeshores. Many of these top trails provide outstanding scenery, easy access to nature preserves, and opportunities for both short strolls and multi-day adventures. Hikers can explore majestic dunes, rugged mountains, and tranquil wetlands across Michigan's diverse regions.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best beach and coastal trails along the state's extensive Great Lakes coastline. These trails provide breathtaking vistas of freshwater beaches, towering sand dunes, and dramatic cliffs, ideal for both relaxation and adventure. Popular shoreline hikes often combine lake breezes, swimming opportunities, and birdwatching in unique coastal ecosystems.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE PATHS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems showcases lesser-known trails perfect for hikers seeking solitude and immersion in nature. These secluded paths wind through quiet forests, remote wetlands, and protected wildlife habitats, making them excellent for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Explorers often find peace, tranquility, and a deep connection with Michigan's wild side on these hidden routes.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers the state's most picturesque trails for witnessing vibrant fall foliage. These routes traverse colorful hardwood forests, bluffs, and river valleys bursting with reds, oranges, and golds during peak autumn months. Hikers can enjoy crisp air, scenic overlooks, and a truly magical seasonal experience across Michigan's forested landscapes.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest near Watersmeet offers a vast network of hiking trails through old-growth forests, pristine rivers, and rolling hills. Hikers can choose from short interpretive walks to challenging backcountry routes with opportunities for wildlife sightings and panoramic views. The forest's natural beauty and tranquil settings make it a premier destination for outdoor lovers in Michigan.