Suttons Bay MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Suttons Bay, Michigan.
1. Leelanau Trail
SCENIC PAVED TRAILWAY
Leelanau Trail offers a beautiful 17-mile paved path stretching from Traverse City to Suttons Bay. Travelers pass through rolling countryside, vineyards, forests, and wetlands, making it ideal for hikers seeking peaceful landscapes and accessible walking. The trail provides multiple trailheads and is known for its year-round maintenance and scenic vistas.
2. Leo Creek Preserve
NATURE PRESERVE EXPERIENCE
Leo Creek Preserve is a serene natural space in Suttons Bay featuring woodland, creek, and agricultural settings for outdoor learning and exploration. Hikers can enjoy peaceful trails along the creek, observe diverse plant life, and take part in educational programs about ecology and conservation. The preserve highlights the connections between people and nature within a welcoming, community-focused environment.
3. Stites Natural Area
RIDGE-LINE FOREST HIKING
Stites Natural Area invites hikers to explore its 70 acres of ridge-line views, majestic hardwoods, and vibrant fall colors. The preserve's rolling terrain, carved by ancient glaciers, offers trails through forests that bloom with wildflowers in spring and showcase spectacular foliage in autumn. Wildlife sightings are common, making this area a favorite for nature lovers and photographers.
4. TART Trail Connector
TRAIL NETWORK LINK
The TART Trail Connector links Suttons Bay to a broader network of recreational trails throughout the Traverse City region. This connector allows hikers to easily transition between local trails and explore miles of scenic routes in the area. With its paved surface and well-maintained pathways, it offers accessibility for hikers of all ages and abilities.
5. Arcadia Marsh Trail
WETLANDS WALKWAY
Arcadia Marsh Trail offers visitors a gentle, flat trail through the unique and vital marshlands near Lake Michigan. Boardwalks and observation areas provide an immersive experience in local wetland ecosystems, where birdwatching and wildlife viewing are highlights. The trail's tranquil setting makes it perfect for families and those seeking a peaceful nature outing.
6. Empire Bluff Trail
ICONIC BLUFF VIEWS
Empire Bluff Trail is renowned for its dramatic views of Lake Michigan and rolling dunes in Empire, MI. A moderately short hike leads to a high bluff overlooking the water, providing panoramic vistas that are especially popular at sunset. The well-marked trail traverses fragrant woods and open spaces, making it one of the region's must-see hikes.
7. Sleepy Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
SAND DUNE ADVENTURES
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses some of Michigan's most varied and scenic hiking opportunities, including dune climbs, forest trails, and beaches. Hikers can explore picturesque overlooks, historic sites, and extensive networks of trails that cater to all levels. The park is famous for its vast sand dunes, stunning lake views, and unique natural beauty.
8. Pyramid Point Trail
ELEVATED LAKE VIEWS
Pyramid Point Trail offers a relatively short but rewarding hike to a high bluff with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands. The well-tended path winds through forested areas and open meadows before reaching the spectacular overlook. It's a favorite for hikers seeking striking photo opportunities and a moderately challenging ascent.
9. Boardman Lake Loop Trail
URBAN LAKE CIRCUIT
Boardman Lake Loop Trail circles picturesque Boardman Lake in Traverse City, offering walkers and runners a scenic, urban natural setting. The paved and gravel paths pass through parks, wetlands, and wooded sections, with multiple access points and amenities nearby. This trail is a convenient choice for those seeking an accessible and lively lakeside hike.
10. Good Harbor Bay Trail
COASTAL FOREST PATH
Good Harbor Bay Trail is a quiet loop through forest and wetlands near the Lake Michigan shoreline, located in Maple City. The easy-to-follow trail meanders through diverse habitats and features a peaceful beachfront area. Nature lovers appreciate this less crowded hike, which offers excellent opportunities for solitude and wildlife spotting.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATE'S TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most celebrated trails, from forests and lakeshores to rugged wilderness. Iconic routes like the North Country Trail, the Porcupine Mountains, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes showcase diverse landscapes, challenging terrain, and abundant natural beauty. Hikers of all skill levels will find rewarding experiences and unforgettable vistas throughout Michigan's celebrated trail systems.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TREK PARADISE
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights some of the state's finest hiking along the scenic Great Lakes coasts. These routes feature sandy beaches, dramatic bluffs, lighthouses, and crystal-clear waters, with options ranging from gentle walks to challenging treks. Popular destinations include Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering hikers unforgettable waterfront exploration.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems refers to lesser-known trails that offer seclusion, tranquility, and rich wildlife encounters across the state. These hidden paths often wind through quiet forests, wetlands, and remote natural areas away from crowded tourist routes. Hikers seeking solitude and a deeper connection with Michigan's diverse ecosystems will find these gems especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the breathtaking beauty of fall with trails renowned for spectacular foliage displays. Hikers can stroll through forests of vibrant maples, oaks, and birches in destinations like the Upper Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, and Porcupine Mountains. The crisp air and colorful landscapes create a memorable seasonal hiking experience for all ages.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers an extensive network of trails winding through pristine forests, rivers, and wilderness areas. Hikers can explore towering pines, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil lakes across more than 990,000 acres of public lands. The forest's diverse habitats and scenic beauty make it a premier destination for adventurers seeking remote trekking and immersive nature experiences.