Michigan has one of the most beautiful landscapes in North America. While many Michigan residents head south for winter sports, snowshoeing, and other winter activities, native hikers wait all year to hike some of the nation's finest trails.
Residents of Liv Multifamily apartments not only have access to beautiful grounds with plenty of amenities, but they're also close to Michigan's amazing hiking trails. No amount of luxury can beat the beauty that Michigan's backcountry and its natural glory can offer.
This list of trails features something for every type of hiker, from those urban explorers who are just looking for a short walk to the more seasoned backcountry adventurers.
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Time from Traverse City: 7 hours, 20 minutes
Time from Ludington: 8 hours, 30 minutes
The Belle Isle Loop is one of the best trails in Michigan for hikers who want to stay close to the city. The loop is located on a small island in the Detroit River and features beautiful scenery, views of the river, and great views of Detroit.
The loop is about five and a half miles long and has no significant climbs, making it ideal for beginning hikers.
Spending an afternoon strolling around Belle Isle Loop is a delightful way to spend some time if you're in Detroit. You may have the opportunity to meet other outdoor enthusiasts who are enjoying pursuits such as fishing, birding, or biking.
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Time from Traverse City: 40 minutes
Time from Ludington: 1 hour, 30 minutes
For a small time and effort investment, the Empire Bluff Trail is an excellent option for families looking for a scenic hike through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
The Empire Bluff Trail can be completed in less than an hour, is only 1.5 miles long, and is less than an hour away from Traverse City.
Traverse City is known as a four-season playground, making it an appealing place to live for families. The Empire Bluff Trail has year-round appeal, with hikers who reach the top of the Bluff in the summer greeted by stunning vistas of Lake Michigan, and winter trekkers can enjoy taking to the trail in their snowshoes.
As with all hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, carefully study all warning signs since steep drops are especially perilous in winter when ice and snow melt making footing less secure.
3. Scoville Point via Stoll Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Time from Traverse City: varies based on transportation method, roughly 4-7 hours
Time from Ludington: varies based on transportation method, roughly 5-9 hours
If you're ever in the Michigan area, be sure to head over to Scoville Point for an amazing hike. This particular path in Isle Royale National Park gives hikers a stunning 360-degree view of Lake Superior that can be enjoyed without feeling too overwhelmed by the journey.
The Stoll Trail is approximately five miles long and can be finished in an hour and a half. Even though you won't have the same peace and quiet as other backcountry areas because of how popular the trail is, Scoville Point has plenty of birdwatching and wildlife-viewing chances.
Despite its unrivaled splendor, visitors frequently overlook Isle Royale because it can only be reached by seaplane, private boat, or ferry. It may take a bit of extra work, but if you are willing, transportation to the park can be straightforward.
Travel times will vary depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation, but you can learn how to plan your excursion at the National Park Service's website.
Level of Difficulty: Hard
Time from Traverse City: 7 hours, 20 minutes
Time from Ludington: 8 hours, 30 minutes
The Escarpment Trail is a difficult hike that every Michigan resident should add to their list. This out-and-back route is 8.5 miles long and has over 1,500 feet of elevation change, making it a challenging workout for the most dedicated hiker.
The loop is located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, and it is mostly along a ridge with views of Lake of the Clouds and the Upper Carp River.
Three trailheads provide access to the route, which may be shortened by hikers who want to save time.
5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Time from Traverse City: 4 hours
Time from Ludington: 5 hours, 20 minutes
If you're ever near the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, do yourselves a favor and hike the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail. It's one of the most gorgeous sections of trail in not just Michigan, but also the entire North Country National Scenic Trail.
The Grand Marais to Munising via North Country Trail, located in the eastern Upper Peninsula, provides all a visitor needs from a Michigan trek: rushing waterfalls, towering cliffs, dunes, and expansive lake views.
This section of the path is 42 miles point-to-point and should be covered in several days. To visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you'll need a Backcountry permit, and hikers are only allowed to camp at designated campgrounds.
Although this wilderness area is more difficult to access and requires permits for camping, hikers have a better chance of being alone.
Enjoying Everything Michigan's Nature Has to Offer
The Great Lakes State is a popular destination for tourists from all around the country, and Michigan's most remote wilderness zones can be reached in under a day.
If you're a first-time hiker, pick an easy trek like the Belle Isle Loop Trail to build your confidence. More advanced hikers may appreciate the Escarpment Trail or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail, which offer spectacular views and are both moderately difficult.
No matter which of these hikes you pick, the views will be beautiful.
