Tustin MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Tustin, Michigan.
1. Arcadia Marsh Trail
WILDLIFE WETLANDS WALK
Arcadia Marsh Trail offers a unique hiking experience along a beautiful boardwalk through a restored wetland. Hikers can spot a variety of birds and native wildlife while taking in pristine waterside views. This short trail is perfect for a peaceful, educational outing in the Arcadia area.
2. Betsie Valley Trail
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL PATH
Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile rail-trail hiking and biking path winding from the shores of Lake Michigan to Thompsonville. The trail passes through forests, wetlands, and the charming town of Beulah, giving hikers a scenic immersion in northwest Michigan terrain. Its flat surface and varied scenery make it ideal for all skill levels.
3. Big M Recreation Area / Trail
FORESTED LOOP SYSTEM
Big M Recreation Area features a network of trails winding through the Manistee National Forest, known for rolling hills and dense woodlands. It offers various loops, making it popular among both hikers and mountain bikers seeking a challenge. The area is renowned for its solitude, wildlife, and stunning autumn colors.
4. Manistee River Trail
RIVER BLUFF HIKING
The Manistee River Trail is a 12-mile scenic path running along the bluffs of the Manistee River, offering panoramic river views and lush woodlands. Hikers enjoy waterfalls, rustic footbridges, and well-maintained backcountry campsites along this famed trail. Its connection with the North Country Trail allows for popular loop backpacking trips.
5. Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
STATE LONG-DISTANCE TRAIL
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park is a 92-mile multi-use trail stretching from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, with an access point near Tustin. The trail travels through forests, farmlands, and small towns, offering a relaxing and scenic hiking experience. Its proximity to Tustin makes it a convenient adventure for locals and visitors alike.
6. Mitchell State Park Trails
LAKESIDE NATURE PATHS
Mitchell State Park offers several short trails along Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac, surrounded by hardwood forests and wetlands. These easy-access paths are perfect for families, bird watchers, and those looking to enjoy lakeside views. The park is renowned for its rich wildlife habitats and connections to the broader Cadillac trail system.
7. Big Rapids Riverwalk
URBAN WATERFRONT TRAIL
Big Rapids Riverwalk is a paved multi-use path running for over 2 miles along the Muskegon River in downtown Big Rapids. The route features park benches, interpretive signs, and scenic river views, making it a popular urban hiking option. It's an excellent choice for an accessible walk or run with a waterfront ambiance.
8. Forestview Natural Area Trail
LOCAL NATURE PRESERVE
Forestview Natural Area Trail offers a quiet escape just outside Cadillac, with nearly a mile of looping paths in a protected woodland setting. The area features a variety of native flora and is a haven for birdwatchers and hikers seeking tranquility. Its easy trail makes it accessible year-round for nature lovers.
9. Boardman Lake Loop Trail
LAKESIDE URBAN LOOP
Boardman Lake Loop Trail circles Boardman Lake in Traverse City, offering a 4-mile multi-use path that's both scenic and close to downtown amenities. Hikers enjoy views of the water, public art installations, and access to parks along the loop. Its flat, mostly paved route makes it popular for walkers and families.
10. Scenic Bluff Trail
RIDGE-TOP VISTAS
Scenic Bluff Trail provides a modest hike with rewarding elevated views over the Grand Traverse region. The trail winds through mature forest, leading to bluffs that offer a sweeping panorama of the landscape below. Its short distance and impressive scenery make it a favorite for quick hikes near Traverse City.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP-CHOICE STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the premier hiking experiences across the state, from the rugged Porcupine Mountains to the serene shores of the Great Lakes. Michigan's diverse landscapes offer trails for every skill level, showcasing dense forests, dramatic dunes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Adventurers can discover award-winning routes such as those in the Upper Peninsula and famous state parks, perfect for year-round exploration.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS & DUNES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers some of the best beach and coastal hiking in the Midwest, featuring miles of sandy trails along Lakes Michigan, Huron, and Superior. Hikers can traverse towering dunes, explore lakeshore forests, and enjoy breathtaking views of clear blue waters. Destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are standout spots for memorable waterfront adventures.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems showcases under-the-radar trails perfect for solitude and wildlife observation. These lesser-known routes wind through deep woods, wetlands, and remote parts of the state, providing an intimate experience with nature. Hikers can expect encounters with diverse birds, wildflowers, and peaceful landscapes away from crowded paths.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAIL VIEWS
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers hikers some of the best opportunities to admire fall foliage as forests burst into vibrant colors. Regions like the Upper Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, and state parks deliver stunning displays, with crisp air and leaf-carpeted trails. It's an ideal season for scenic photography, peaceful reflection, and immersive hikes in colorful woods.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHWOODS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula spans nearly one million acres and features a vast network of hiking trails through pristine forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Hikers can explore renowned routes such as the North Country Trail, Black River Harbor, and wilderness areas teeming with wildlife. This forest is a destination for multi-day treks, backcountry solitude, and breathtaking natural beauty in all seasons.