Trek A New Path

Michigan's Trails

Out for adventure.

With thousands of miles of winter hiking, biking and cross country skiing trails—plus an extensive network of snowmobiling and equestrian 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.

Betsie Valley Trail

Distance: 0.43 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Biking, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Snowmobile Area, Cross Country Ski

The trail extends from Frankfort to Mesick along the former Ann Arbor Railroad. Trail users can enjoy views of Betsie Bay, the Betsie River and its surrounding marshlands in Elberta, and Crystal Lake in Beulah. The communities along the trail offer restaurants, ice cream, camping and overnight...

Fort Custer- Blue Trail

Distance: 0 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Biking, Dog Sledding, Equestrian, Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Ski

The 4-mile Blue Trail is open to both horseback and mountain back riders. It's rated moderately difficult. It circles Jackson and Whitford/Lawler lakes and winds past the park's cabins. The trail can be picked up at the Whitford Lake Picnic area or accessed via the Red Trail.

The...

Waterloo-Discovery Center Trail

Distance: 0.74 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Lake Mary Plains Pathway

Distance: 8.82 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

This pathway winds through the tall pines of Crystal Falls State Forest passing the tranquil waters of Glidden Lake. The pathway provides a prime setting for activities such as hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Along the pathway visitors may see a variety of birds...

Central River Raisin Water Trail

Distance: 9.4 miles

Trail Activities

Paddling

The Central River Raisin Water Trail transitions from a natural environment with wildlife viewing opportunities west of the city of Monroe to an urban environment within the city. There are several visitor sites along the trail, including the Navarre Anderson Trading Post and Country Store,...

Sterling-Marsh Trail

Distance: 7.22 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Biking, Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Tahquamenon-River Trail

Distance: 8.35 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Hiking

Many hikers come to Tahquamenon to tackle the infamous trail between the falls. This four-mile linear trail is rated difficult due to exposed roots, hilly terrain, and numerous staircases, but ranks as the most scenic trail in the park. A privately-operated shuttle is available Memorial Day to...

Craig Lake-North Country Trail

Distance: 7.69 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Hiking, Cross Country Ski

Waterloo-DTE Energy Foundation Trail

Distance: 3.56 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Hiking, Snowshoeing, Mountain Biking, Cross Country Ski

The DTE Energy Foundation Trail is a single-track, cutting-edge and sustainable trail located in southeast Michigan designed for mountain biking; however, running, hiking and cross-country skiing are allowed as well. Known as a "flow trail,” the surface of the trail is mechanically cut to create...

Thunder Valley Equestrian Trail

Distance: 6.28 miles(Permit Required)

Trail Activities

Equestrian

Towerman’s Watch Pathway

Distance: 3.84 miles

Trail Activities

Hiking

A new pathway in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, the Towerman’s Watch Pathway begins at the Pigeon River Country Headquarters. This 3 mile route is comprised of two loops and takes you through majestic pines and offers views of the Pigeon River. Visitors pass by the Witness Tree which was...

Michigan's Iron Bell Trail - Western Gateway Trail

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...

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Michigan's Upper Peninsula | Heart Rate

They say the perfect resting heartbeat is 60 beats per minute – we couldn’t agree more, most of the time.

Discover the Upper Peninsula

Isle Royale National Park Experience

Isle Royale National Park is where adventurers will find a unique, remote, wilderness experience. Join a group of three friends as they backpack their way across the island's scenic and rustic trails.

Discover Isle Royale National Park

Mountain Biking Trails

Professional MTB trail builder Aaron Rogers has built trails all across the country but he's proud to call Copper Harbor home. Join Aaron and Outdoor Magazine for a tour of Michigan's mountain biking trail systems.

Discover Biking in Michigan

Michigan Trails Week

When it comes to trails, there's no place like Michigan. Trails Week is the perfect time to hit the trails for the first time or try your hand (or feet) at a new trail adventure.

Learn More

Fat Tire Biker following off road vehicles down trail

North Country Trail

The North Country Trail Association's Andrea Ketchmark, sees hiking trails as an opportunity to get out and connect with nature. Michigan has more miles of the North Country Trail than any other state, join Andrea and Outdoor Magazine for a tour of the NCT.

North Country Trail | Upper Peninsula →
North Country Trail | Lower Peninsula →

Discover Hiking in Michigan

Kayaking Water Trails

Sea Kayak Specialist Sam Crowley builds paddling trails to re-establish a connection to water. Join Sam and Outdoor Magazine for a tour of Michigan's water trails on Lake Superior.

Discover Paddle Sports in Michigan

Open Road

The open road. It takes on many forms, from the scenic highways to the rugged trails. From the sand covered, to the well-traveled. They lead us to the beauty of nature and the beauty of simple pleasures. The open road is alive and well, and waiting to take us to Pure Michigan.

Experience Michigan Trails

Michigan offers more than 1,300 miles of biking and hiking trails, with trails for every skill level and season. Whether you're trekking the miles of the Upper Peninsula or charting the perfect path to to a Michigan sunset, there is an adventure awaiting for you in Pure Michigan. Check out all the trails Michigan has to offer and begin planning your trip.

Hike Manistee County

The North Country Trail access points are a great spot for hiking throughout Manistee County.

Hiker overlooking forest and river in summer

Sleeping Bear Dunes

You can hike about 100 miles of designated trails in the Lakeshore. There are thirteen trails on the mainland for hiking. Think you can hike all the trails in one year? Check out the Trail Trekkers Challenge.

Discover Sleeping Bear Dunes