Are you a nature-lover looking to get lost down winding trails, marvel at a treelined expanse and grab some breathtaking photos of waterfalls? Michigan has got you covered, there are beautiful hiking all across the mitten.

Bird Hills Trail Ann Arbor Ann Arbor’s largest park and maybe the most densely forested. It’s a hilly trail with plenty of wonderful views. It is a serene getaway from the city. Photo via IG user @sethrichter77
Black River Harbor Recreation Area Ironwood Whether you have a penchant for waterfalls or the deep woods, the Black River Harbor Recreation Area offers a great variety. There are five short trails headed to waterfalls accessible from the parking lots, a six-mile challenge that travels along the Black River and even a trail across a suspension bridge. Photo via IG user @tlcrampton
Border-to-Border Trail Ann Arbor This extensive trail goes on for about ten miles, following the Huron River. The trail connects Hudson Mills metro park to downtown Dexter. Along the way, you’ll see great views of the river, bikers, hikers and joggers, and walk by University of Michigan’s medical campus. Photo via IG user @jessica_as_letaw
Cherry Island Marsh Trail and Trapper’s Run Loop Brownstown Charter Township When you’re not enjoying their nature center, their beach, or any of the many other niceties offered there, take a hike on their marsh trail. Lake Erie Metro Park is more meadow-y than most of the areas listed here and is a popular bird-watching location. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the city. Photo via IG user @caitlinonodi
Stony Creek Metropark Shelby Township Stoney Creek is probably among the more popular metroparks in Michigan. When hiking on one of the parks many trails, you might run into a fellow hiker or two. Just dress breezy and start hiking! Daily fee: $10 per vehicle. Photo via IG user @puremittigan
Clinton River Trail Northern Oakland County The Clinton River Trail is LONG, precisely 16 miles long and pretty much passes through every major city in northern Oakland County. Another cool thing about this trail is that it connects to other ones in the area including the Paint Creek Trail and Macomb Orchard Trail so you can hit three of the trails on this list, if you’re brave enough that is. Photo via IG user @britster91
Copper Harbor Bike Trail System Copper Harbor Mountain biking enthusiasts, this one’s a special pick for you. 35 miles of forest perfect for trekking on two wheels, and the chance to get a gorgeous glimpse of Lake Superior. There’s even a 501c3 Copper Harbor Trails Club dedicated to advocating for, developing and maintaining this treasure. Photo via IG user @thebassmaster8
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge Grosse Ile Located along the western shoreline of Lake Erie, this wildlife refuge features many hiking trails that allow visitors to be immersed in nature. The beautiful partial view of Lake Erie will surely make your Insta feed. Photo via IG user @mittenang
Hines Drive Ramble Northville The park Hines Drive runs through is a soothing retreat in an urban area. There are both paved and unpaved paths, and plenty of places to hang out in this sprawling park. Be careful not to go after a super rainy day! Photo via IG user @jessacolaa
Graham Lakes Trail Lake Orion Also known as the Orange Loop, this trail goes on for 3.6 miles. This trail is the biggest out of the Bald Mountain Recreation Area’s trails. Hikers can expect to see six gorgeous lakes and trek over many hills and ridges, one of the highest points reaching 60 feet. Photo via IG user melissarenee.photo
Isle Royale Greenstone Ridge Trail Isle Royale For those not in the know, Isle Royale is an island in Lake Superior that is home to the Michigan’s only national park. It’s accessible by boat in 3 spots–one in Canada, one in Michigan and one in Wisconsin. The ecosystem there is truly something to admire. You can witness foxes, moose and even elusive gray wolves (a few have come there by crossing a frozen Lake Superior) in the wild. Photo via IG user @highkicktravel
Algonac State Park Marine City This park is 1,500 acres and has lots of densely wooded and very lush trails, as an added feature this park has breathtaking views of the St. Clair River. Photo via IG user @michiganfishinggirl
Lake St. Clair Metropark Harrison Township Not only does this park have a one-mile boardwalk and endless trails through marsh and wetlands, but it is a fun place to bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun. If you’re delicate enough, you might get extra lucky and catch a glimpse of a deer. Photo via IG user @annetteeaazar
Macomb Orchard Trail Northern Macomb County Another huge trail! For those who live in Richmond or Shelby Township, you need to hit up this trail. Clocking in at 24 miles(!!!) comfortable shoes and high stamina are required on this super scenic trail. With multiple entrances in Richmond, Armada, and Shelby Twp. for parking, you can build your hike however you want. Photo via IG user @althaiea
Maybury State Park Northville The Maybury State Park hiking trail offers vibrant, expansive stretches of rolling woods. It’s a marked four-mile loop with parking, picnic tables and plenty of paths to enjoy wandering down. Photo via IG user @mike_tokarz_photo
Nichols Arboretum Trails Ann Arbor There are 2 trails at Nichols Arboretum, both of which offer their own experience. The first is the informative Clean Water Trail, which passes by the Huron River and details how water gets polluted and how it is prevented at the Arboretum. The Laurel Ridge Trail is populated by beautiful and carefully-preserved flowers, shrubs and trees. Photo via IG user @filmbyhal
North Bay Trail Ypsilanti Good for all things water-related, North Bay Park’s trail is super relaxing and leisurely, having water on either side of the loop. The park includes fishing spots and a boardwalk as well. Photo via IG user @back2bassix
North Manitou Island Loop Leland Township This 13.3-mile trail along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is prime for more experienced outdoor explorers seeking out the breathtaking views of Michigan wilderness. Hikers who are looking to camp must keep in mind, a backcountry permit and fee payment is required on North Manitou Island. Photo via IG user @kat.eegam
Novi Tree Farm Trail Novi Novi Tree Farm is a popular destination for biking, but is spread out into a variety of trails for walkers and runners too. The vegetation is lush and the wildlife pleasing. Dogs are welcome and Novi residents get in for free. Photo via IG user @tiffsquire24
Paint Creek Trail Rochester This trail is 8.9 miles long and was the first Non-Motorized Rail-to-Trail in the state of Michigan. It used to be a rail for trains, but was converted into a nice trail for runners or people who want to walk their dogs. The trail is gorgeous and goes through Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Lake Orion. Photo via IG user @michigan_amour
Park Lyndon County Park Lyndon Township One of southeastern Michigan’s finest natural area preserves, this hilly terrain has a great view of Lake Genevieve. The trail connects to the state’s Waterloo-Pinckney Trail for a combined hiking experience of almost 50 miles. Photo via IG user @greatlakestategirly
Pictured Rocks Lakeshore Trail Munising Pictured Rocks is an essential Michigan nature destination and its hiking trail is gorgeous and comprehensive. It takes most 4 days to fully traverse it, with campgrounds positioned along the way. The trails winds along the southern shore of Lake Superior. Photo via IG user @puremittenpride
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Ontonagon Embracing the ever-picturesque Lake of the Clouds, the beloved ‘Porkies’ are fan favorite scenic destination that offers a number of hiking trails for varying skill levels that will take you up the mountains, overlooking waterfalls, through secluded woods and more. Photo via IG user @puremittenpride
Potowatomi Trail Pinckney This trail is gnarly (in a good way). Lots of elevation changes, roots, and rocks so be wary but have fun on this nearly-18-mile loop because it is quite a workout. Photo via IG user @kpat919
Tahquamenon Falls—Upper to Lower Falls Trail Paradise Tahquamenon Falls actually constitutes two separate waterfalls, but there’s a hiking trail that runs between them. Observing the falls is calming and maybe puzzling–the water is naturally tea-colored from the swamps they drain. Sufjan Stevens wrote an instrumental song of the same name. Photo via IG user @puremichigan

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