Top Things to do in Michigan
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Things to do in Michigan, United States: The Best Hiking Trails
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
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1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.
Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States
Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.
2. Empire Bluff Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 294 reviews
Extending two miles in length, this picturesque point-to-point hiking trail is rated moderate in skill level.
Reviewed By amys91 - Bowling Green, United States
Nice hike along Lake Michigan. Great breeze and about 1 mile hike in the woods before you can see the lake.
3. Sutherland Nature Sanctuary
4. Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 195 reviews
Traverse Area Recreation & Transportation (TART) Trails is a system of paved and dirt trails for walkers, hikers, bikers, skaters and skiers in Northern Michigan. Trails are open year-round and available for many users and uses. Many of the paved trails offer access to local breweries, wineries, coffeehouses, restaurants and other area attractions such as lakes, rivers and beaches. Many of the dirt trails offer world class mountain biking and hiking opportunities for users of various skill levels. Numerous area bike shops offer rentals for any type of technical or recreational riders. Dogs are also welcomed on the trails and must be leashed and cleaned up after.
Reviewed By ChuckE976 - Detroit, United States
The TART Trail is excellent! It's well maintained, paved, and has an abundance of beautiful scenery. I'm not normally a bicycle ride or walk through nature type of person, but I really enjoyed these trails. My wife is a cyclist and she talked me into renting an eBike so we could ride together one day. We rode 26 miles and I really enjoyed it. The trails are well marked and nicely paved, they are plenty wide for "traffic" in both directions. There and a few parking areas, a bike repair station, and even some port-a-potties along the way. And there are a number of benches too if you wanted to stop for a snack or drink or just look at the scenery. We were there in early October and with the color change, it made for a very scenic ride. There were people of all ages on the trails from families with young kids, to "serious" cyclists, to seniors, walkers, rollerblades, eBikers, etc. I'll definitely go back again next year.
5. Chippewa Nature Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Rachel_Marie_Be - Midland, United States
The Chippewa Nature Center is a wonderful resource for people in the area and a fun attraction for visiting nature lovers. The Center includes acres of natural land to explore on your own, but they also host events (check their website!) if that's more your style. If you live nearby, I highly recommend their programs and summer camps for children. Your kids will have a blast and learn a lot about the natural world and Chippewa culture. If you're planning a visit, check out Maple Syrup Day (usually in February or March), where you can help craft maple syrup and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious pancake lunch!
6. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By mclaughc - Ann Arbor, United States
The National Park Service has done a great job here. Signage is perfect, the points of interest along the trail are noted, and the surface is very bikable. Scenery along Lake Michigan is awesome and made the most of here.
7. Betsie Valley Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By brianhH5461XT - Frankfort, United States
Built on the former Ann Arbor Railroad grade, the stretch between Frankfort and Beulah is a very pleasant ride. Starting at Cannon Park in Frankfort and ending in downtown Beulah, you get a small town tour, ride through meadows, forests, riverside, Crystal Lake and into downtown Beulah. Take the time to stop and explore and you will be rewarded with some of the most pleasant sights, smells and sounds of summer possible. The entire ride is only about 20 miles round trip, but it's mostly flat, with only the wind on the return trip to slow you down. A very peaceful, lovely ride.
8. Paint Creek Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By leiam415 - Rochester Hills, United States
We are fortunate to be walking distance to the trail- deer, birds, horses (as you go north) are plentiful. Sometimes, though, bikes outnumber people & it is a bit crowded. Don’t miss the mastedon by Adams Rd!
9. Canyon Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By witchbroomstick - Bay City, United States
Beautiful place to stretch your legs. The walking path has rocks, roots and loose boards. Lots of photo opportunities.
10. Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By debbybrzys - Bellaire, United States
Adjacent to the beautiful and friendly town of Bellaire. Our family visits weekly. I was intimidated by the trails several years ago since I can easily get "lost in the woods", yet they have been wonderfully marked and a map is available nearly every 1/2 mile or so. Miles and miles of paths to explore. I fell in love with Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation area in Milford and Brighton, Michigan more than 20 years ago. I thought I couldn't replace those places. I think I have.
