Traveling past multiple small lakes and the Platte River, this scenic loop hike travels through the diverse and scenic landscape of Pere Marquette State Forest. The trail does have some elevation change as it travels along some higher bluffs and ridges and down to lower areas of small lakes and wetlands. There are a few other connecting trails in the area that can be used to customize a shorter trip or explore other parts of the area.

This unique and scenic loop hike located in Silver Lake State Park offers lots of diverse scenery as it travels over large sand dunes, through thick forests, and along the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. There are a few small climbs and lots of hiking on uneven, sandy terrain that does not have marked trail making the loop hike somewhat challenging. The views from the trail are excellent with Lake Michigan on one side, Silver Lake on another, and one section of trail that follows a small river. There is little shade or shelter for much of the hike so be prepared when hiking during hot or stormy weather.

This out-and-back trail is located along the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and leads to the edge of a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. The scenery along the trail varies from peaceful wooded terrain, large sand dunes, and great views of Lake Michigan below. The trail is fairly easy with some steep sections that utilize constructed steps and boardwalks, making the steepness very manageable for beginner hikers and young children.

Located in Isle Royale National Park, this loop hike follows the shoreline of a narrow finger of land that juts out from an island located on Lake Superior. The hike is almost entirely along forested shoreline of rocky cliffs that provide good views of Lake Superior and the nearby islands. The trail also leads to a trail junction that marks a short path up to a small cave. Hiking in Isle Royale National Park provides excellent opportunity for viewing wildlife including Moose which are known to inhabit the island. The trail does travel along exposed cliffs and rocky terrain so good footwear is advised. The island is accessible by ferry so be sure to know the schedules before setting out. There are multiple trails within the national park that can be combined to customize a longer day hike or an overnight trip on the island. Due to difficult accessibility during the winter, the national park closes completely during the winter months.

Located just 20 miles from downtown Chicago, this scenic hike leads through wooded terrain that follows the Salt Creek through Fullersburg County Forest Preserve. The area offers a natural setting in an busy suburban area with lots of opportunity for birdwatching and viewing wildlife. The crushed gravel trail leads to multiple islands, a historic watermill, and nature education center that provides information and displays about the history and wildlife of the preserve. There are fees to tour the mill and set operating hours for the mill and visitor center depending on the day and time of year.

The trail to Laughing Whitefish Falls is a short out-and-back hike to one of the most popular and scenic waterfalls in all of Michigan. The second part of the trail provides railing and stairs that help hikers navigate the descent down to a good viewpoint of the falls. The hike is not very long but the trail down to the falls is a little steep. There is a spur trail located at the midway point of the falls trail that hikers can take to add mileage and explore the area further north to a scenic canyon.

This trail located in Tahquamenon Falls State Park follows the river between the lower falls and upper falls providing some excellent views of the canyon below along the way. The trail can be hiked as either an out-and-back trip or a one-way trip by shuttling vehicles between parking lots. The hike leads through a heavily forested area that provides lots of shade, solitude, and opportunity for spotting wildlife. The trail has some ups and downs but no major climbs that are too challenging.

The trail out to Bare Bluff provides excellent views of Lake Superior from the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The trail is located in a nature sanctuary that is home to abundant birdlife and wildlife so visitors are asked to be respectful and pay attention to wildlife while visiting the area. The trail ends at an impressive lookout at the top of a high cliff that provides awesome views but also can be dangerous due to the exposed drop off so be cautious, especially with younger hikers.

This scenic island located on Lake Huron provides lots of beautiful scenery with its dramatic limestone cliffs that overlook the lake and thick forests that provide lots of solitude. The majority of the island is part of a the state park and automobiles are banned on the whole island making it a great place for outdoor recreation. The Tranquil Bluff trail is located along the eastern edge of the island and has lots of steep ups and downs along the island's edge providing great scenery. The trail is also popular for mountain bikers so expect to share the trail. The hike can be done as an out-and-back trip or a one-way trip by utilizing carriages or bicycles to shuttle between trailheads, and the route can be hiked in either direction. The turnaround point for this trip is Arch Rock, a natural rock arch formation that is a cool site to see. The trail does continue past Arch Rock further south for hikers wanting to add more mileage. The island is accessible by a ferry so be sure to check the ferry schedule when planning to visit the island. The island is open during the winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing but the access is more limited and may require higher fees.

This short out-and-back trail follows the canyon rim above the Sturgeon River to scenic lookouts of the lower and upper Canyon Falls. The scenery along the trail includes thick forest terrain with views of the rocky gorge and river below. The official trail only goes as far as the upper falls but there is rugged unmaintained trail that continues on to the lower falls for more experienced hikers looking for additional adventure and challenge.