Nothing gets the juices going like a restorative hike. Thing is, sometimes you don’t have all day to travel to that epic hiking trail. Or maybe you’ve got kids or your elderly parents in tow and aren’t necessarily up for a super technical, long journey by foot. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a shorter trip to occupy yourself – both body and mind. Simply check out one of the following 10 Michigan hikes under five miles.
- Detroit RiverWalk
Detroit RiverWalk/Facebook The transformation of Detroit’s riverfront is unbelievable. Spanning some 3.5 miles, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride from Hart Plaza to Gabriel Richard Park across from Belle Isle (about 2.5 miles). The trail combines urban and natural settings in the heart of downtown. For more information, click here.
- Escarpment Trail in the Porcupine Mountains
Justin Meissen/Flickr This 4-mile trail curves right around the ridge of the picturesque Lake of the Clouds, which you could just gaze upon for hours. For more information, click here.
- Grand Haven Waterfront Trail
gobzik photography/Flickr This route takes you from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Grand River. Along the way, you’ll encounter a mix of small town charm, boats, and scenic areas - all on a 2.5-mile paved hike between the lakeshore and Coho Drive. For more information, click here.
- Lake Erie Metropark (Brownstown)
Lake Erie Metropark/Facebook Here, you’ll have a couple of easy, no-muss trail options. There’s the Cherry Island Marsh Trail that’ll take you alongside the Detroit River, with views of Lake Erie, Sugar Island, Grosse Ile, and more. There’s also a 0.5-mile, shorter stroll - the Big Turtle Shortcut Trail - and the 1-mile Trapper’s Run Trail. All are suitable for hikers of all levels. For more information, click here.
- McCormick Wilderness
Robert Emperley/Flickr Come here for some peace and quiet. This remote hiking area will provide you with a prime, unspoiled piece of nature. Featuring a 3-mile trail from the parking lot to White Deer Lake, you’ll encounter (like these little guys) pristine rock formations. For more information, click here.
- Rolling Hills County Park (Ypsilanti)
Rolling Hills Park/Facebook Bring Fido with you on this dog-friendly, 1.5-mile walking path. Or for the little tykes in your life, there’s the 0.25-mile long Woodland Trail that will introduce the kiddos to wildlife. For more information, click here.
- Rosy Mound (Grand Haven)
jimflix!/Flickr It’s just over half of a mile each way on this hiking trail, but it includes some 1,000 feet of steps that lead you up and down the sandy dunes. It’s a nice little workout with gorgeous views. For more information, click here.
- Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Holland)
Jason W Lacey/Flickr Here, you’ll find four hiking trails to choose from and about 2.5 miles of shoreline to explore. For more information, click here.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes (Leelanau and Benzie Counties)
jimflix!/Flickr At only 4.5 miles round trip, this may seem like an easy jaunt by the beach, but it’s actually quite a challenging journey, with steep dunes to traverse on your way to Lake Michigan. Whether you complete the trip or not, it’s still a worthwhile test in physical endurance. For more information, click here.
- Tahquamenon Falls (Paradise)
Missie/Flickr This rolling, 4.5-mile trail takes you along one of Michigan’s most worthwhile waterside hikes. You’ll have a front row view of the falls and be taken in by their stunning beauty. For more information, click here.
So, did you know about these Michigan hikes under five miles? Ever embarked on any of the treks mentioned? Did we miss your favorite short hike? Tell us!
Detroit RiverWalk/Facebook
The transformation of Detroit’s riverfront is unbelievable. Spanning some 3.5 miles, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride from Hart Plaza to Gabriel Richard Park across from Belle Isle (about 2.5 miles). The trail combines urban and natural settings in the heart of downtown. For more information, click here.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
This 4-mile trail curves right around the ridge of the picturesque Lake of the Clouds, which you could just gaze upon for hours. For more information, click here.
gobzik photography/Flickr
This route takes you from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Grand River. Along the way, you’ll encounter a mix of small town charm, boats, and scenic areas - all on a 2.5-mile paved hike between the lakeshore and Coho Drive. For more information, click here.
Lake Erie Metropark/Facebook
Here, you’ll have a couple of easy, no-muss trail options. There’s the Cherry Island Marsh Trail that’ll take you alongside the Detroit River, with views of Lake Erie, Sugar Island, Grosse Ile, and more. There’s also a 0.5-mile, shorter stroll - the Big Turtle Shortcut Trail - and the 1-mile Trapper’s Run Trail. All are suitable for hikers of all levels. For more information, click here.
Robert Emperley/Flickr
Come here for some peace and quiet. This remote hiking area will provide you with a prime, unspoiled piece of nature. Featuring a 3-mile trail from the parking lot to White Deer Lake, you’ll encounter (like these little guys) pristine rock formations. For more information, click here.
Rolling Hills Park/Facebook
Bring Fido with you on this dog-friendly, 1.5-mile walking path. Or for the little tykes in your life, there’s the 0.25-mile long Woodland Trail that will introduce the kiddos to wildlife. For more information, click here.
jimflix!/Flickr
It’s just over half of a mile each way on this hiking trail, but it includes some 1,000 feet of steps that lead you up and down the sandy dunes. It’s a nice little workout with gorgeous views. For more information, click here.
Jason W Lacey/Flickr
Here, you’ll find four hiking trails to choose from and about 2.5 miles of shoreline to explore. For more information, click here.
At only 4.5 miles round trip, this may seem like an easy jaunt by the beach, but it’s actually quite a challenging journey, with steep dunes to traverse on your way to Lake Michigan. Whether you complete the trip or not, it’s still a worthwhile test in physical endurance. For more information, click here.
Missie/Flickr
This rolling, 4.5-mile trail takes you along one of Michigan’s most worthwhile waterside hikes. You’ll have a front row view of the falls and be taken in by their stunning beauty. For more information, click here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Detroit Riverwalk, Detroit, MI, USAAddress: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, 33303 Headquarters Rd, Ontonagon, MI 49953, USAAddress: Grand Haven, MI, USAAddress: 32481 W Jefferson Ave, Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48173, USAAddress: Michigamme, MI 49861, USAAddress: Rolling Hills, 7660 Stony Creek Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USAAddress: Rosy Mound, Grand Haven Charter Township, MI 49417, USAAddress: Saugatuck Dunes State Park, 6575 138th Ave, Holland, MI 49423, USAAddress: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor Township, MI 49636, USAAddress: Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 41382 W M-123, Paradise, MI 49768, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Michigan Hikes Under Five Miles May 06, 2021 Daniella DiRienzo Are there any other spectacular short hikes in Michigan? There are plenty of spectacular short hikes in Michigan, including the Old Growth Forest Trail in Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling. Not only is the loop trail just 1.25 miles in length, but it’s paved, making for an easy trek that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. Though short, the trail is definitely not lacking in great sights, as it meanders through 49 acres of an old-growth forest comprised of 400-year-old pines. Several interesting buildings, including the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center, Chapel of the Pines, and Logging Museum, can also be found along the trail. What are some other easy hikes in Michigan? Easy hikes are just as plentiful as short hikes in Michigan. When it comes to easy hikes that shouldn’t be missed, the network of trails at Post Crescent State Park in Port Austin definitely ranks high on the list. Deemed among the most scenic treks in Michigan’s thumb, the 2.5-mile trail system offers amazing vistas of Saginaw Bay, Pinnebog River and Channel, sand dunes, and the remnants of an old lumbering community. Great hiking isn’t all Post Crescent State Park has to offer, though. The park boasts plenty of other perks, including a dark sky preserve, campground, and opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hunting. What are some other options for outdoor recreation in Michigan? When it comes to outdoor recreation in Michigan, the possibilities are virtually endless. If you’re craving some thrilling fun, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Frankenmuth Aerial Park. Taking fun to new heights, the park boasts several aerial courses, ranging from beginner to expert. In addition to ziplines, the courses feature a variety of obstacles, including ladders, bridges, and climbing elements. A great choice for adventurers of all proportions, the self-guided courses do not require any previous climbing experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Michigan Hikes Under Five Miles
May 06, 2021
Daniella DiRienzo
Are there any other spectacular short hikes in Michigan? There are plenty of spectacular short hikes in Michigan, including the Old Growth Forest Trail in Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling. Not only is the loop trail just 1.25 miles in length, but it’s paved, making for an easy trek that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. Though short, the trail is definitely not lacking in great sights, as it meanders through 49 acres of an old-growth forest comprised of 400-year-old pines. Several interesting buildings, including the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center, Chapel of the Pines, and Logging Museum, can also be found along the trail. What are some other easy hikes in Michigan? Easy hikes are just as plentiful as short hikes in Michigan. When it comes to easy hikes that shouldn’t be missed, the network of trails at Post Crescent State Park in Port Austin definitely ranks high on the list. Deemed among the most scenic treks in Michigan’s thumb, the 2.5-mile trail system offers amazing vistas of Saginaw Bay, Pinnebog River and Channel, sand dunes, and the remnants of an old lumbering community. Great hiking isn’t all Post Crescent State Park has to offer, though. The park boasts plenty of other perks, including a dark sky preserve, campground, and opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hunting. What are some other options for outdoor recreation in Michigan? When it comes to outdoor recreation in Michigan, the possibilities are virtually endless. If you’re craving some thrilling fun, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Frankenmuth Aerial Park. Taking fun to new heights, the park boasts several aerial courses, ranging from beginner to expert. In addition to ziplines, the courses feature a variety of obstacles, including ladders, bridges, and climbing elements. A great choice for adventurers of all proportions, the self-guided courses do not require any previous climbing experience.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are plenty of spectacular short hikes in Michigan, including the Old Growth Forest Trail in Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling. Not only is the loop trail just 1.25 miles in length, but it’s paved, making for an easy trek that’s suitable for all ages and abilities. Though short, the trail is definitely not lacking in great sights, as it meanders through 49 acres of an old-growth forest comprised of 400-year-old pines. Several interesting buildings, including the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center, Chapel of the Pines, and Logging Museum, can also be found along the trail.
What are some other easy hikes in Michigan?
Easy hikes are just as plentiful as short hikes in Michigan. When it comes to easy hikes that shouldn’t be missed, the network of trails at Post Crescent State Park in Port Austin definitely ranks high on the list. Deemed among the most scenic treks in Michigan’s thumb, the 2.5-mile trail system offers amazing vistas of Saginaw Bay, Pinnebog River and Channel, sand dunes, and the remnants of an old lumbering community. Great hiking isn’t all Post Crescent State Park has to offer, though. The park boasts plenty of other perks, including a dark sky preserve, campground, and opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hunting.
What are some other options for outdoor recreation in Michigan?
When it comes to outdoor recreation in Michigan, the possibilities are virtually endless. If you’re craving some thrilling fun, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Frankenmuth Aerial Park. Taking fun to new heights, the park boasts several aerial courses, ranging from beginner to expert. In addition to ziplines, the courses feature a variety of obstacles, including ladders, bridges, and climbing elements. A great choice for adventurers of all proportions, the self-guided courses do not require any previous climbing experience.
