Michigan's Trails
Out for adventure.
With thousands of miles of hiking, biking and kayaking trails—plus an extensive network of equestrian and ORV riding trails—it's easy to see why Michigan is considered the #1 trail state in the nation.
Tucked among the natural beauty of Michigan is a vast system of trails covering all corners of the state. Start with the Iron Belle, the nation's longest designated state trail, as well as the growing Michigan’s Dragon trail. Then, try some of the countless "out-and-backs" throughout the state. You will soon see that Michigan has plenty of places to hike, whether it's backpacking trails, casual walking trails or running trails that carry you over diverse terrains and through abundant ecosystems.
Michigan also boasts more than 2,700 miles of rails-to-trails and is home to the International Mountain Biking Association Silver Level Ride Center in Copper Harbor. If that's not enough, Michigan also has 3,000+ miles of water trails for kayaking or canoeing, more than a thousand miles of state-designated equestrian trails, and 3,000+ miles of off-road vehicle trails for you to discover. So the question is, are you ready to go out for an adventure in Pure Michigan?
Michigan Trail Finder
Select a Michigan region below to discover your trail adventure.
Trail Activities
Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski
Michigan's Iron Belle Trail starts (going East) and ends (going West) in Downtown Ironwood at beautiful Depot Park! Enjoy hiking and biking along the miles of trail that run from Ironwood to Bessemer. And, while you are enjoying “mile 0” of the trail, stop into the historic Ironwood Depot Museum or...
Distance: 16.81 miles(Permit Required)
Trail Activities
Equestrian
The Yankee Springs Recreation Area, near Hastings, offers several trails for a variety of activities. Their equestrian trail system is quite extensive as it is made up of 3 different loops, varying in length. 4-mile, 6-mile and 9-mile loops are available, making it a great place for all levels of...
Distance: 2.61 miles(Permit Required)
Trail Activities
Hiking
The Cedar Creek Trail is located in Highland Recreation Aea in southeast Michigan. The trail is 2.75 miles long and winds past the Cedar Creek and the Haven Hill lake. The terrain on the trail is relatively moderate and features forests, marshes and wetland areas. The trailhead can be found at the...
Distance: 3.77 miles(Permit Required)
Trail Activities
Equestrian
The Bass River Recreation Area is located near Grand Haven, Michigan near the Grand River. The multi-use, 3.9-mile trail located in the park allows for hiking, trail running, nature viewing, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail winds through deep forested land and consists of open...
Distance: 22.7 miles
Trail Activities
Biking, Equestrian, Hiking, Snowmobile Area, Cross Country Ski
The William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park runs for 22 miles through the forest and hills from Hart to Montague. William Field turned the old, dismantled railroad in the 1980s into what is now a recreational trail. A trail rich in history, winds through farms, orchards and forests...
Distance: 0.47 miles(Permit Required)
Trail Activities
Hiking
The 0.75-mile trail is located on the west side of the day-use parking area in Port Crescent State Park along the coast of the Saginaw Bay. The trail was once a fitness trail in the 1970s, but now there are interpretive stops along the trail that feature information on the area's unique dune...
Distance: 63 miles
Trail Activities
Biking, Equestrian, Hiking, Snowmobile Area
The North Central State Trail extends for 62 miles and connects Gaylord to Mackinaw City, Michigan. The trail is primarily made up of crushed limestone and asphalt and allows for hiking, biking and horseback riding year-round. However, visitors should be aware that the trail does allow...
Distance: 70.22 miles
Trail Activities
Biking, Equestrian, Hiking, Snowmobile Area
The North Eastern State Trail extends for 71 miles along the former Detroit and Mackinac Railway. The trail provides a solitary experience as it takes you through wetlands, farmlands, forests and small towns. Picnic tables are located frequently along the trail so visitors can take in the natural...
Distance: 16.81 miles
Trail Activities
Biking, Equestrian, Hiking, Cross Country Ski
Van Buren Trail State Park is located on the coast of Lake Michigan between Harford and South Haven. The trail stretches 14 miles between these two cities and offers a wide variety of unique opportunity. Along the trail, you may see deer, rabbit, fox and eagles, all native to the area, which...
Distance: 33.98 miles
Trail Activities
Biking, Equestrian, Hiking, Snowmobile Area, Cross Country Ski
The 33-mile former railroad bed has a limestone/slag surface. Linking the city of South Haven to the city of Kalamazoo the trail crosses over bridges, passes through small towns and by points of historical interest.
...
Distance: 1.12 miles
Trail Activities
Biking, Hiking
The Bridge to Bay Trail extends 37.5 miles from St. Clair County's northern border; under the Blue Water Bridges; through Port Huron, Marysville, St. Clair, Marine City and Algonac; past state and municipal parks, museums, gazebos and lighthouses. It starts in Algonac State Park and ends with...
Distance: 0.84 miles(Permit Required)
Trail Activities
Hiking
The White Birch Nature Trail is located inside Young State Park in Charlevoix. The short, 1.5-mile trail winds past Lake Charlevoix, providing easy access to the water. The trail also offers scenic views of Boyne City, Avalanche Peak and the surrounding wilderness. The White Birch trail is perfect...
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