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 bicycle. Wherever you are in the state there are trails that offer an amazing experience!
Browse our list of West Michigan trails in our Carefree Travel Guide here.
South West Michigan Trails & Biking
Harbor Country is home to the annual Apple Cider Century bike ride every September. Riders can choose to participate in a 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100-mile bicycle tour of the vineyards, orchards, forests, and fields of the area. If you enjoy riding, this is a bucket-list ride! Not only does the Three Oaks Spokes put on this marvelous event, but they also maintain the Backroads Bikeway trails, which include 20 self-guided tours on paved area roads ranging from 5 to 60 miles. Enjoy a stay at Garden Grove Inn with your own bike, or rent one for the duration of your trip! Explore the area the best way possible – on two wheels!
The 12th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride on Saturday, September 16th, “Is a Harvest for your senses.” Welcome to the one Michigan bike tour that lets you see, touch, smell, and taste the riches of this breathtaking region. The Lakeshore Harvest Ride guides you through the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan. You can visit wineries, cider mills, family farms, orchards, and art studios along the way. And there are individual bike routes for every rider, ranging from 15 to 62 miles in length. The Lakeshore Harvest Ride supports the construction of the Blue Star Trail.
Bike Buchanan is a weekly, all-level cycling group that meets on Tuesdays at River Saint Joe in Buchanan. With multiple speeds and terrains offered, Bike Buchanan has a group for everybody–kids are welcome too! Please arrive in the RSJ parking lot by 6:15 pm for muster, and wheels leave at 6:30 pm. After your ride, stick around and get dinner and drinks at the Brewery and enjoy meeting the rest of the riders! $1 off your first beverage for all BB participants.
Kalamazoo is right on one of the Lake to Lake Trails and the Kal-Haven Trail which makes it the perfect place to start your journey! Ride the 33.5 miles of path that connects Kalamazoo to South Haven!
Set in the middle of the US-12 Heritage Trail, Coldwater Country is a haven for relaxation and outdoor adventure. From hiking and biking trails to two chains of lakes, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the area trails. Take a hike on the paved trails at Heritage Park in Coldwater or on the gravel trails along the Sauk River.
Central West Michigan Trails & Biking
See all that West Michigan has to offer. An e-bike rental from Pedego Grand Rapids provides an opportunity to see more and do more on a bike than ever before. Located just east of Grand Rapids, you can ride from their shop and enjoy over 30 miles of paved trails. They offer hourly, daily, and multi-day rentals. For more information, call the shop.
Holland is an ideal hub for exploring nature, both by land and by water. Over 150 miles of bike trails spool out around the area, offering paved pathways for leisurely sightseeing and gritty dirt trails for off-road mountain biking. Other routes connect Holland to communities as near as Saugatuck and as far away as Indiana and Canada. For a slower pace, hike trails through 4,000 acres that meander through marshlands, wind through wooded glens, and climb over towering dunes. From the water, get a whole new perspective while kayaking the 5-mile Lake Macatawa Loop. Need gear? No worries. There are plenty of bike and water sport rentals available as well as The Outpost, one of the area’s best sporting outfitters.
Hike over miles of trails or bike the 1 mile of accessible trail at Blandford Nature Center! Committed to engaging the community in enriching nature experiences, the Blandford Nature Center is a great place to learn and discover more about Michigan wildlife. Participate in a number of experiences such as the Birds and Bagels hike. There are walks and experiences that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy!
Grand Haven is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities to explore nature. Whether you are a hiker, biker, or paddler, the area offers a variety of trails and waterways. Walking and biking trails include the Lakeside Trail, North Bank Trail, Spoonville Trail, Grand Haven Waterfront Trail, and Idema Explorers Trail, which offer uniquely stunning forest and waterfront views. Water trails include coastal trails from Hoffmaster State Park to Grand Haven state park, Spring Lake water trail, and Grand River Heritage Water Trail, which take you through numerous serene landscapes.
Ludington has long been a destination for hiking and biking. The Ludington School Forest, Memorial Tree Park, and Cartier Park trails – all connected by slow-moving streets – are easily accessible in Ludington. They are ideal for people of all ages. If you’re a kayaker, you might try the water trails at Ludington State Park. Find more information on trails and outfitters here!
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Trails & Biking
The new Woodlands Activity Center at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island will ‘brim’ with features that daring enthusiasts love! Having recently opened, the track will be a low-risk, high-fun environment geared to kids aged 6 to 12. Open to guests and visitors, the bike track includes approximately 400 feet of aggregate chip seal surface in a configuration designed for both safety and adventure.
Located near the top of the mitten, the trails that Charlevoix has to offer provides the community with unique northern Michigan experiences and stunning lakeshore views! Walk or ride the Lake to Lake trail from Lake Charlevoix to Lake Michigan! Or enjoy the Little Traverse Wheelway that connects Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs!
The Grayling area has many scenic hiking and biking trails, ranging from paved terrain to more difficult terrain. You can even enjoy the many horse trails that Grayling has to offer as well as ORV, skiing, and snowmobiling trails in the wintertime!
Explore countless hiking and biking trails scattered throughout the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula. From singletrack mountain biking trails that weave through forests and atop mountains to picturesque hiking trails that take you through wildlife sanctuaries and preserves – the Keweenaw Peninsula’s intricate systems of trails have something to offer for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
Hiking and biking trails are plentiful in the Petoskey area – something for every skill level. Looking for a group hike/walk? Check out the Bear River Valley Recreation Area in Petoskey that runs along the Bear River with a footbridge and a stairwell to help access uptown. Another great option is biking the Little Traverse Wheelway, which runs from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix.
Cadillac was named a Pure Michigan Trail Town in 2022! You will find many premier trails for hiking and biking in the greater Cadillac Area that will suit your needs year round! With over 200 miles of trails, you can choose if you’d like to take a short hike or a multi-day journey!
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville is home to miles of hiking and biking trails. Experience a hike like never before in the Michigan Legacy Art Park. The 2-mile loop winds through the forest featuring more than 50 pieces of artwork representing Michigan culture and history. Whether you’re looking for a casual bike ride or a thrilling downhill ride, Crystal has 12+ miles of biking trails ranging from easy to difficult. Bring your own bike or rent one at the resort. Plus, you can load your bike on their chairlift for an easy ride up and a fast pedal down!
With nearly 5,500 acres to explore, Northern Michigan’s Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire offers a variety of options just to get outside and play. Grab your hiking boots, walking shoes, or even a bicycle to enjoy the on-site trails at the resort. Or head just 3 ½ miles down the road from the resort to Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area. Enjoy the 750 acres that make up this combined trail system suited for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
Whether a beginner or expert cyclist hit the backroads and cruise along the endless bike trails that Marquette County has to offer. With routes such as the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, Marquette Mountains Downhill Bike Park and the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN), riders can coast through the scenic area on a series of trails perfect for every skill level. For those looking to travel on foot, the several scenic hiking trails throughout Marquette County offer endless family fun and incredible sights of the surrounding area. Enjoy several of Marquette’s local favorites, including the moderate Mount Marquette hike with views of Lake Superior and the city of Marquette.
