Spend some time alone in nature at these stunning Michigan hiking trails within driving distance of Detroit

Hines Drive Ramble
Westland
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 Instagram user @nealiio, @nealaustinphotography

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, and a serene getaway from the city.
Photo via Instagram user @deanna_lynnn

Novi Tree Farm Trail
Novi
Novi Tree Farm is a popular destination for biking, but is spread out into a variety of trails. The vegetation is lush and the wildlife pleasing. Dogs are welcome and Novi residents get in for free. Photo via Instagram user @tiffsquire24

Potawatomi Trail
Pinckney Recreation Area
This 17.5-mile round-trip loop is great for a hike and features many streams and lakes, including Halfmoon Lake, Blind Lake, and Watson Lake. Photo via Instagram user @4boysandme_exploring

Lake Erie Metro Park Cherry Marsh Trail
Brownstown Charter Township
When you're not enjoying this nature center, beach, or any of the many other niceties offered there, you can 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 Instagram user @monsumomo

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 Instagram user @christinathetraveler

Nichols Arboretum Trails
Ann Arbor
There are two 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 has signs detailing 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 Instagram user @nvg_pix

Addison Oaks Mountain Bike Trail
Leonard
Adventure seekers, hike on over to this trail. Tie on your most comfortable hiking shoes, and pack your thermos of coffee, 'cause this trail is a whopper at 12.3 miles. Biker and hiker friendly, this trail has many bridges, hills, highlands, and low lands that will give you the hike of your life.
Photo via Instagram user @ajsoder

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 Instagram user @take_a_hike_brooke

Bog Trail
Waterloo, Chelsea
One of five trails of Waterloo Recreation Area, the Bog Trail makes for the most unique hike. At 1.5 miles in length, the Bog Trail leads hikers to a floating bog in Cedar Lake.
Photo via Instagram user @peterschriemer

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 Instagram user @meekphoto

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 Instagram user @roxyandavery

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 Instagram user @lisa_in_detroit

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 view of Lake Erie will surely make your Insta feed.
Photo via Instagram user @peterschriemer

Lake St. Clair Metropark
Harrison Twp.
Not only does this park have a one-mile boardwalk and seemingly 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 Instagram user @amanda.jane_k

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 Waterlook-Pinkney Trail for a combined hiking experience of almost 50 miles.
Photo via Instagram user @kfxb

Lyon Oaks County Park
Wixom
Maybe your pooch's new years resolution is to exercise more, too. The Lyon Oaks County Park has a 13-acre fenced in dog park so your dog can run free while you play fetch with it. There are roughly six miles of trails, too, where you can go for a cool down walk with your best fuzzy friend.
Photo via Instagram user @moment_capt_by_pj

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 a must, but the scenic views are well worth it. With multiple entrances in Richmond, Armada, and Shelby Twp. for parking, you can build your hike however you want.
Photo via Instagram user @kaydub1023

Maybury State Park Hiking Trail
Northville
This hiker-friendly trail is a gem for those wanting to escape suburbia. The four mile hike takes you through rolling hills and other trails in the park. If you get winded, there are picnic tables and restrooms clearly labeled and spread throughout the trail so you can stop and check out the beautiful scenery before it's winter again.
Photo via Instagram user @britts_pixels

Bluebird Loop Trail
Lake Orion
The Bluebird Loop Trail at Orion Oaks is a birdwatcher’s dream come true. Park vehicle permit is required for access to the trail, which are $30 for Oakland County residents and $48 for non-residents.
Photo via Instagram user @michael92279