Best Trails in Michigan

Trying to find the best trails in Michigan? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Michigan, Otsego County

00 :53 hrs
2.7 mi
22.27002 ft
Moderate

Trail for hike, run, ski on rolling hills from Shaggy Bark Court to abandoned ski hills in Michewaye.

2

Michigan, Benzie County

01 :05 hrs
3.1 mi
19.479767 ft
Moderate

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.

3

Illinois, Lake County

04 :49 hrs
9 mi
11.093002 ft
Easy

This section of the Des Plaines River Trail travels along the northern section of the trail between the Russell Road parking area just south of the Wisconsin/Illinois border to the Kilbourne Road parking area south of Highway 41. The trail follows the path of the Des Plaines River past multiple lakes and ponds, forest preserves, wetland areas, and natural areas that are home to abundant scenery, wildlife, and plantlife. The trail follows mostly flat terrain that is easy to follow making it a good option for riders of all skill levels. The trail is crushed limestone and dirt surface and is multi-use so watch out for other users along the route. The trail can be done as an out-and-back route or one-way route by shuttling vehicles between the many access areas along the trail.

4

Illinois, Geneva

01 :01 hrs
10.2 mi
12.263763 ft
Easy

This section of the Fox River Bike Trail is a popular route that explores both sides of the Fox River as it travels through multiple forest preserves, parks, and residential neighborhoods. The ride provides lots of good resting spots at historical sites, nature centers, parks, and other points of interest located along the bike trail. The trail is mostly all paved surface, well-marked, and flat making it a great option for riders of all skill levels. The trail continues on for many more miles to the north for riders looking to add some more mileage.

5

Michigan, Westland

02 :07 hrs
10.7 mi
50.746765 ft
Moderate

Edwards Hines Drive follows the scenic and historic Middle Rouge River through the suburbs of Detroit, providing lots of diverse scenery along the way. This popular ride starts from the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center and runs northwest up to the Township of Northville. The route passes through multiple parks and green spaces along the river as well as some historic and charming towns and villages that provide nice resting spots and food stops. The terrain is mostly flat and the shoulder is wide enough for cyclists but traffic can get busy so use caution. Edward Hines Drive starts 6 miles east of Nankin Mills Interpretive Center, providing riders with the option of lengthening the trip substantially if desired.

6

Michigan, Greenville

02 :36 hrs
13 mi
23.258347 ft
Hard

This section of the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail starts at the western end in the city of Greenfield and travels through rural farmlands, open green space, and wooded terrain to the city of Stanton. This section of trail is one of the most popular but is still very peaceful and remote. The trail continues on for many more miles past Stanton providing riders with the option of adding mileage to their ride. The ride has minimal elevation change and is paved making it a good option for riders of all skill levels.

7

Michigan, Oceana County

02 :25 hrs
7.1 mi
27.035965 ft
Hard

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.

8

Michigan, White Lake Township

02 :30 hrs
9.6 mi
44.14972 ft
Hard

This long loop trail is located in the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area and travels through the wooded terrain located just north of Pontiac Lake. The narrow singletrack trail passes over rolling terrain with some nice hilltop views, passing multiple small lakes and ponds along the way. The trail has lots of moderate climbs and descents making for a fast and exciting ride. The trail is also rugged in spots and requires some technical riding skills making it a good option for intermediate to advanced riders.

9

Wisconsin, Baraboo

05 :55 hrs
59.6 mi
124.701065 ft
Extreme

This tour visits an area with many geological quartzite remnants that date back to prehistoric times and offers many scenic challenges. You will follow the river to the west and then coast down to a town that is home to the Mid-Continental Railway Museum. Next, ride below the ridge and travel along the southern cliffs of Devil’s Lake State Park and then cruise down to the Wisconsin River and enjoy free passage across it by ferry. Across the river, take a tour around Gibraltar Rock and then cross the river again. The end of the challenge will demand your energy as you climb up the ridge, passing a Scottish estate before a rolling descent back to the start. For a 26-mile ride, turn left off of Sky High Road onto State Highway 123, turn right onto County Road DI, and then left onto State Highway 113.

10

Michigan, Leelanau County

00 :41 hrs
0.8 mi
26.687164 ft
Easy

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.

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