This article is sponsored by the Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau.
As the warm weather persists, now is the time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful nature trails that Michigan has to offer. Hike the pristine wooded trails and discover the wildlife that lives near you. Or ride miles of paved trails from lake to lake on a bicycle. Wherever you are in the state, some trails offer an amazing experience.
Unwind at The Morris Estate
- Set on 600+ wooded acres, The Morris Estate in southwest Michigan offers scenic paths, wildlife viewing, and river views. Stay overnight in a cabin, stroll through covered bridges, and soak in peaceful natural beauty.
Ride for a Cause: Lakeshore Harvest Ride
- The Lakeshore Harvest Ride on September 13 takes cyclists past farms, wineries, orchards, and art studios. Choose routes from 15 to 62 miles and help fund the Blue Star Trail.
Fort Custer Recreation Area: Battle Creek
- Located in southwest Michigan, Fort Custer offers 40 miles of hiking, biking, equestrian, and even dog-sled trails. Enjoy campgrounds, beaches, fishing spots, and a rentable track chair—all accessible with a Michigan recreation passport.
Lansing River Trail: Urban Meets Natural
- This award-winning 20+ mile trail in Lansing follows the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers. Stroll past museums, wetlands, and universities all in one scenic route. See why Lansing is a Trail Town
Harbor Country Adventure: Garden Grove Inn
- Located along the Red Arrow Trail, Garden Grove Inn in Union Pier is steps from the Marquette Greenway and stunning hikes. Ideal for cyclists and hikers alike.
Tour de Zoo at Binder Park Zoo
- Pedal through Binder Park Zoo during Tour de Zoo—a unique after-hours bike event featuring animal sightings, live music, a raffle, and more. Ride, explore, and enjoy a wild summer evening!
South Haven: Four Seasons of Outdoor Fun
- South Haven offers a trail lover’s paradise—48 miles of multi-use trails, 91 miles of paddling routes, and 770 acres of preserved nature. Enjoy the Kal-Haven Trail, Van Buren Trail, and serene nature loops year-round.
Saugatuck/Douglas: Dunes to Downtown
- Hike through Saugatuck Dunes State Park or the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area for coastal beauty and lake views. Bike-friendly routes connect scenic landscapes with artistic town charm. Explore more trails
Coldwater Country: Trails & Tranquility
- Located on the US-12 Heritage Trail, Coldwater Country offers paved and gravel paths along rivers and lakes. Hike or bike in Heritage Park or paddle the Coldwater Chain of Lakes. Perfect for a relaxing retreat.
Frederik Meijer Gardens: Beauty in Every Season
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids offers nearly 4 miles of paved trails through curated gardens and wetlands—ideal for year-round outdoor strolls.
Grand Haven Area: Trails with a View
- Hike the North Ottawa Dunes or stroll Olive Shores’ forested trails. For cyclists, the Lakeside Trail connects with the Grand River Greenway and Lakeshore Connector Path—linking Grand Haven to Holland’s scenic parks.
Pure Ludington: Outdoor Adventures for All
- Ludington’s connected trails—like Cartier Park and Memorial Tree Park—are perfect for hiking and biking. Paddle the Pere Marquette or Big Sable rivers, or explore Ludington State Park’s water trails.
Muskegon County: Outdoor Adventures for All Abilities
- Muskegon County makes the outdoors accessible to everyone. Use Mobi-Chairs and Action Trackchairs to explore sandy beaches and scenic trails at Pere Marquette Beach, Hoffmaster State Park, and Muskegon State Park.
Holland: Trails with Scenic Surprises
- Holland offers a network of nature trails perfect for hiking, biking, or paddling the Macatawa Water Trail. Discover Mt. Pisgah, hidden boardwalks, and local outfitters offering gear rentals for your lakeshore adventure.
Mt. Pleasant: Nature at Your Pace
- With over 1,000 acres of parkland, Mt. Pleasant is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike wooded trails, bike rugged paths, or kayak the Chippewa River with rentals from local outfitters. It’s mid-Michigan’s outdoor playground.
Explore Cadillac: A Pure Michigan Trail Town
- With 200+ miles of trails, Cadillac is perfect for late-summer adventure. Bike the Lake Cadillac Path, hike the Cadillac Pathway, or paddle the Manistee River. Equipment rentals make it easy to dive into Pure Michigan fun.
Traverse Nature at Bonobo Winery
- Sip, stroll, and savor at Bonobo Winery near Traverse City. Enjoy 25 acres of vineyard trails, perfect for a relaxing walk with a glass of wine—and your pup!
Paddle Antrim: Michigan’s Water Trail Gem
- The Chain of Lakes Water Trail spans 100+ miles of flatwater paddling through 12 northern Michigan lakes. Celebrate with fellow paddlers at the Paddle Antrim Festival, September 12–13.
Treetops Resort: Scenic Trails & Valley Views
- Treetops in Gaylord offers 3,300 acres of natural beauty and fresh air. Stroll rolling hills overlooking the Pigeon River Valley with their new property trail map—perfect for hikers of all experience levels.
Black Star Farms: Trails Among the Vines
- At Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay, hike or bike through vineyards, forests, and orchards. Ride the scenic TART Trail, join a Leelanau Wine Trail tour, or relax on the terrace with a glass of wine.
Houghton Lake Area: Northern Michigan’s Natural Playground
- Houghton Lake offers year-round outdoor fun with scenic trails perfect for hiking and biking. Explore nearby forests, paddle calm waters, or enjoy wildlife viewing. With easy access to Northern Michigan’s largest inland lake, adventure awaits at every turn.
Charlevoix: Northern Michigan’s Secret Gem
- Charlevoix offers unforgettable recreation—from lakeside hiking and biking to boating and sailing. Find rentals, guides, and outfitters to gear up for your outdoor experience in this charming Northern Michigan destination.
Petoskey Area: Trail Town Treasure
- Petoskey is a Pure Michigan Trail Town with access to the North Country Trail, nature preserves, and mountain biking parks. Ride the Little Traverse Wheelway or hike Avalanche Mountain for stunning views.
Shanty Creek Resort: Trail Central in Bellaire
- Near Traverse City, Shanty Creek offers 5,500 acres of outdoor fun. Hike or bike scenic trails at Glacial Hills and Grass River Natural Area—perfect for wildlife watching, nature walks, and peaceful outdoor escapes.
Marquette County: Biking & Hiking Paradise
- Ride through Marquette’s Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Marquette Mountain Bike Park, and 77 miles of RAMBA singletrack. Hike favorites like Mount Marquette or Thomas Rock Scenic Overlook for incredible Upper Peninsula views.
Drummond Island: Trails by Land & Lake
- Drummond Island Resort offers four on-site hiking trails and bike paths ideal for all ages. Guests enjoy complimentary bikes while exploring scenic coastal paths and island adventures.
Mackinac Island: A Trail Lover’s Dream
- Mackinac Island boasts 70+ miles of motor-free trails ideal for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. Explore this car-free paradise on foot or two wheels, and soak in lake views, historic sites, and peaceful forest paths.
Mackinaw City: Trail Gateway to the North
- Explore Mackinaw City’s scenic trails, including routes on the 75-mile North Western State Trail. Whether walking, biking, or connecting to nearby Petoskey, enjoy charming downtown vibes and unforgettable outdoor experiences along the way.
St. Ignace: Scenic Trails with Northern Charm
- St. Ignace features diverse hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Road cyclists and mountain bikers can enjoy scenic loops, while hikers will find peaceful nature paths with spectacular views of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
