Ypsilanti MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Ypsilanti, Michigan.
1. Rolling Hills Park Trails
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WOODLAND PATHS
Rolling Hills Park Trails in Ypsilanti provide an inviting network of pathways through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows, suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The park's trails are well-marked and maintained, winding past scenic ponds and seasonal wildflowers. Hikers can enjoy peaceful nature walks or combine their visit with family-friendly amenities found throughout the greater Rolling Hills Park.
2. Superior Township Nature Preserve Trails
PEACEFUL PRAIRIE EXPLORATION
Superior Township Nature Preserve Trails near Ypsilanti feature mowed grassy paths meandering through restored prairie, wetlands, and forested patches. Visitors will find ample opportunities for birdwatching and quiet solitude as they traverse the preserve. The varied habitats offer seasonal color and glimpses of native wildlife for hikers all year long.
3. Ford Lake Park Trail
LAKESHORE URBAN HIKE
Ford Lake Park Trail in Ypsilanti hugs the shoreline of Ford Lake, linking several parks and recreation areas via a mostly paved multi-use path. Hikers can enjoy beautiful waterfront views, fishing piers, and picnic areas as they walk. The accessible route makes it a popular choice for families, runners, and cyclists as well.
4. LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve
WILDLIFE HABITAT WALKS
LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve in Superior Township offers a peaceful retreat with natural trails winding through mature forest, wetlands, and scenic overlooks of open fields. Managed by a local land conservancy, this preserve is known for frequent wildlife sightings, including deer, songbirds, and migrating waterfowl. Interpretive signs along the route share insights about the preserve's diverse habitats.
5. Border-to-Border Trail (B2B)
REGIONAL CONNECTOR PATHWAY
The Border-to-Border Trail (B2B) is an ambitious regional project spanning multiple communities, including Ypsilanti, as it follows the Huron River. Hikers can experience stretches of peaceful riverside scenery, charming parks, and convenient access points in town. With both urban and natural segments, the B2B is ideal for walkers seeking variety and connection to surrounding areas.
6. Nichols Arboretum
BOTANICAL GARDEN TRAILS
Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, just minutes from Ypsilanti, features a winding network of trails through diverse plant collections and natural woodlands bordering the Huron River. The Arboretum is especially popular in spring for blooming peonies and in autumn for vibrant foliage displays. Visitors can wander grassy slopes, riverside paths, and quiet glens in a tranquil natural setting.
7. Ann Arbor's Bird Hills Nature Area
FORESTED HILLSIDE TRAILS
Ann Arbor's Bird Hills Nature Area, the city's largest natural area, invites hikers to explore a rugged web of trails over steep, wooded hills and lush ravines. Dense forests provide cooling shade in summer and stunning views in fall. It's a favorite for those seeking more challenging terrain and a natural escape close to the city.
8. Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
BACKCOUNTRY FOREST HIKING
The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, stretching through Waterloo and Pinckney State Recreation Areas near Chelsea, offers over 30 miles of scenic backcountry hiking. Hikers encounter glacial lakes, dense oak-hickory forests, and rolling hills along this extensive route. Multiple access points and campgrounds make it ideal for both day hikes and overnight backpacking adventures.
9. Hudson Mills Metropark Trails
RIVERSIDE PARK ADVENTURES
Hudson Mills Metropark Trails, located in Dexter, follow the Huron River and meander through lush woods, open meadows, and manicured parklands. The paved and natural-surface trails offer a relaxed setting for hikers, bikers, and wildlife watchers alike. With picnic areas and kayak access, visitors can enjoy a full day of outdoor activities beside the water.
10. Heritage Park Nature Trails
WETLANDS AND PRAIRIE LOOPS
Heritage Park Nature Trails in Canton feature a variety of short, looping paths through wetlands, restored prairie, and forested groves. Interpretive signs highlight the area's natural and cultural history, making it a popular spot for educational outings. The tranquil setting is perfect for an easy afternoon stroll, birdwatching, or photography.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS ACROSS STATE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses award-winning trails that showcase the state's natural diversity, from dense forests and impressive waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula to sweeping dunes and inland lakes in the Lower Peninsula. Hikers can experience iconic routes like the Empire Bluffs Overlook Trail and challenging forested hikes in state parks. Whether seeking panoramic views, hidden lakes, or wild rivers, Michigan offers some of the finest hiking experiences in the Midwest.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SPECTACULAR COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking provides some of the best beach and coastal hiking opportunities in the state, where trails wind along sandy dunes, lakeshores, and bluffs with breathtaking Lake Michigan views. Highlights include Ludington State Park's rolling dunes, the challenging steps at Mount Baldhead in Saugatuck, and tranquil stretches at Rosy Mound Natural Area. These hikes are renowned for their scenic beauty, unique dune environments, and access to pristine beaches.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED AND WILDLIFE-RICH
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlight lesser-known trails that offer hikers a chance for true seclusion, tranquility, and close encounters with wildlife. Trails such as the Otter Creek Loop near Esch Beach, Bay View Trails at Port Oneida, and Leelanau State Park provide peaceful settings away from crowds. These special spots delight nature lovers seeking quiet reflection and the sights and sounds of Michigan's wild places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TREASURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking is celebrated for its vibrant fall colors that transform forests, bluffs, and lakeshores into a spectacular natural canvas. Popular routes like the Ridge Loop at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Bird Hills Nature Area, and state park trails draw visitors seeking stunning foliage and crisp autumn air. Fall hikers find endless opportunities to wander beneath fiery maples, golden aspens, and brilliant oaks.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS TRAILS IN THE U.P.
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula spans nearly one million acres and features hundreds of miles of scenic hiking trails through dense forests, past rivers, and along sparkling lakes. Trails like the North Country Trail and wilderness routes offer hikers a rugged, backcountry experience with excellent wildlife viewing. This vast forest is a destination for those seeking pristine wilderness, waterfalls, and a true escape into nature.