Westland MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Westland, Michigan.
1. Applewood Trail
SHORT URBAN NATURE WALK
Applewood Trail offers a gentle, 1.8-mile pathway through a mix of wooded patches and residential neighborhoods in Westland. The smooth, mostly flat route is ideal for a relaxing stroll or a brief nature break close to home. Visitors can enjoy light wildlife encounters and peaceful surroundings just minutes from downtown.
2. Bicentennial Park Pathway
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK LOOP
Bicentennial Park Pathway features a 2.8-mile loop that winds through the main city park in Westland, providing walkers with shaded segments and open views. The trail connects to playground areas and sports fields, making it well-suited for families or groups seeking both nature and recreation. Its paved surface and gentle grades cater to all ages and abilities.
3. Black Creek Nature Trail
SCENIC CREEK-SIDE WALK
Black Creek Nature Trail is a 1.7-mile route that follows the tranquil banks of Black Creek in Westland, offering calming views and abundant greenery. The easy walking path is a favorite for birdwatchers and anyone seeking a quick escape into nature. With shaded portions and peaceful vibes, it's an inviting spot for a mid-day hike.
4. Maybury State Park Hiking Trail Loop
WOODLAND STATE PARK ESCAPE
Maybury State Park Hiking Trail Loop provides a 3.5-mile trek through rolling woodlands and lush meadows on the outskirts of Northville. The park's network of trails appeals to hikers of all skill levels, with well-marked routes and picnic areas for rest. Wildlife sightings are common, making this a beloved destination for exploring Michigan's natural beauty.
5. Lakeview Trail – Newburgh Pointe Recreation Area
WATERFRONT URBAN TRAIL
Lakeview Trail at Newburgh Pointe Recreation Area in Livonia offers an easy, scenic walk along the edge of Newburgh Lake. The paved path circles the shoreline, providing sweeping views of the water and opportunities for birdwatching and fishing. The setting is peaceful, making it a favorite for both morning joggers and leisurely afternoon hikers.
6. Oakwoods Metropark Trails
DIVERSE FOREST AND PRAIRIE
Oakwoods Metropark Trails, located in New Boston, offer a variety of paved and natural-surface routes winding through forests, prairies, and along the Huron River. Interpretive signage and wildlife viewing platforms let visitors learn about local ecosystems while enjoying the tranquil setting. With miles of interconnected trails, it's a gateway to the broader Huron-Clinton Metroparks network.
7. Novi North Park - Tree Farm
WOODSY NATURE PRESERVE WALK
Novi North Park, known locally as the Tree Farm, presents a peaceful hiking environment among tall trees and grassy fields in Novi. Its well-maintained trails are favored for both short strolls and longer hikes, especially during wildflower season. The area is a hidden natural retreat just beyond the suburbs.
8. Milford Trail
CONNECTION TO METROPARKS
Milford Trail links the Village of Milford to Kensington Metropark via a 4.2-mile, paved pathway. The winding route passes through shaded woodlands and open fields, offering scenic stops and picnic opportunities along the way. It's popular among hikers seeking a peaceful setting and access to extensive park facilities.
9. Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park
LONG MULTI-TOWN JOURNEY
Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park stretches 38 miles from Whitmore Lake to Jackson, following a historic rail corridor through forest, wetland, and charming towns. This multi-use trail allows for a customizable hiking experience, from short walks to full-day treks. Its varied scenery and gentle grades appeal to both casual hikers and long-distance explorers.
10. North-South Connector Trail
RIVER AND TOWN LINK
The North-South Connector Trail runs 3.5 miles between Gibraltar and Trenton, featuring stretches along the Detroit River and entry to the Detroit International Wildlife Refuge. This trail is perfect for peaceful river views and spotting local wildlife, while providing easy access to local parks. It serves as a great introduction to the region's natural and urban sights.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP RANKED STATE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses iconic state trails like the North Country Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park. These premier destinations offer hikers the chance to explore waterfalls, ancient forests, and dramatic lake vistas. Michigan's diverse trails suit every level of adventurer, from day hikers to experienced backpackers.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's stunning Great Lakes beaches, including trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Warren Dunes, and Ludington State Park. Walkers can follow sandy paths through dunes, along bluffs, and beside freshwater waves. These routes offer spectacular sunset viewing and opportunities to cool off at pristine, public beaches.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE RETREATS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems guide hikers to lesser-known trails such as Porcupine Mountains Wilderness, Sleeping Bear Dunes backcountry, and Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. These off-the-beaten-path locations provide solitude, rich wildlife encounters, and untouched scenery. Adventurers will appreciate tranquil surroundings ideal for quiet observation and reflection.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULARS
Michigan Autumn Hiking highlights trails renowned for vivid fall color displays, including those in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Hartwick Pines, and Huron-Manistee National Forest. Hikers can stroll beneath blazing canopies of maples, aspens, and oaks during the crisp autumn months. These vibrant routes become extraordinary destinations for photography and leaf peeping.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHWOODS EXPLORING
Ottawa National Forest, based near Ironwood, features hundreds of miles of trails through rugged wilderness, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Hikers can traverse remote backcountry, visit hidden waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic overlooks throughout the forest's diverse terrain. It's a premier destination for those seeking unspoiled northern landscapes and true adventure.