Alpena MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Alpena, Michigan.
1. Alpena Bi-Path Trail
URBAN SCENIC PATHWAY
Alpena Bi-Path Trail offers a unique urban hiking experience within the City of Alpena. This paved, 18.5-mile loop winds through scenic parks, neighborhoods, and waterfront views, making it ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. Trail users will find ample opportunities to spot wildlife, enjoy local landmarks, and access the beauty of the Lake Huron shoreline.
2. Norway Ridge Pathway
FORESTED MULTI-USE TRAIL
Norway Ridge Pathway in Alpena County is a 7-mile network of trails that winds through quiet forests. Popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers, the pathway offers a peaceful escape into nature with well-marked routes and abundant wildlife. The serene wooded environment creates an inviting retreat for outdoor enthusiasts in every season.
3. Huron Sunrise Trail
LAKE HURON SHORELINE
Huron Sunrise Trail in Rogers City features a scenic route along the Lake Huron coast, connecting beaches, parks, and lighthouses. The paved trail offers stunning lake views, easy access to the water, and a peaceful atmosphere for both casual walkers and long-distance cyclists. Trail highlights include the picturesque 40 Mile Point Lighthouse and stretches of wooded shoreline.
4. North Eastern State Trail
RURAL RAIL TRAIL
The North Eastern State Trail spans from Alpena through rural communities, following a historic railroad grade across northeast Michigan. Hikers travel through scenic farmland, wetlands, and forests, offering chances for birdwatching and glimpses of small-town history. The gentle, well-maintained surface makes it perfect for both day trips and longer adventures.
5. Alpena to Hillman Trail
SCENIC WOODED PATH
Alpena to Hillman Trail, also known as the Paxon Spur, is a former rail corridor transformed into a rustic path ideal for hiking and biking. The trail meanders through woods, fields, and small towns, offering tranquility and the chance to spot wildlife. Its natural surface and rural setting provide a quiet getaway for those seeking solitude and scenery.
6. Island Park and Wildlife Sanctuary
NATURE OBSERVATION OASIS
Island Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Alpena invites hikers to explore a series of looping trails through wetlands, woods, and waterways. Boardwalks, observation platforms, and interpretive signs enhance opportunities for birdwatching and nature study. Visitors enjoy a peaceful atmosphere ideal for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a connection to local wildlife.
7. Thomson Park Trails
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Thomson Park offers accessible hiking trails that run alongside the Thunder Bay River within the city limits of Alpena. Shaded paths, picnic areas, and riverfront viewpoints make this a favorite destination for a relaxing stroll or enjoying a day outdoors. Its convenient location and family-friendly facilities create a welcoming green space close to downtown.
8. Rockport Recreation Area
QUARRY & LAKESHORE HIKING
Rockport Recreation Area, just outside Alpena, features a variety of rugged hiking trails through forests, rocky quarries, and along the Lake Huron shoreline. Hikers explore fossil beds, limestone formations, and quiet beaches, discovering hidden natural wonders at every turn. The park's expansive setting offers adventure and solitude in a unique geological landscape.
9. Besser Natural Area
OLD-GROWTH COASTAL FOREST
Besser Natural Area preserves a rare coastal forest ecosystem just north of Alpena, with short hiking loops under tall pines and along sandy Lake Huron beaches. Interpretive signs tell the story of Bell, a vanished shoreline village, adding historical depth to the walk. The area is prized for its tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful hike.
10. Negwegon State Park Trails
PRIMITIVE WILDERNESS FOOTPATHS
Negwegon State Park, southeast of Alpena, entices hikers with miles of minimally developed trails through dense woods, rolling dunes, and remote sandy beaches. Its rugged terrain is ideal for adventurers seeking quiet solitude and chances to spot wildlife. Primitive campsites and undeveloped shorelines offer a raw, immersive wilderness experience along Lake Huron.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking showcases the diversity of trail experiences available throughout the state, from challenging forested climbs to gentle lakeshore walks. Michigan is renowned for its expansive trail network, offering hikers access to waterfalls, sand dunes, and wild woodlands. Whether seeking adventure or relaxation, every region promises routes filled with natural beauty and discovery.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS & BEACHES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers access to some of the finest beach and coastal walking experiences along the Great Lakes. Trails wind past sand dunes, historic lighthouses, and dramatic cliffs, providing hikers with unmatched lake vistas and the soothing sound of waves. These coastal routes are perfect for combining scenery, sun, and the restorative power of water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights remote and lesser-known trails where hikers can experience solitude, observe wildlife, and escape the crowds. These quiet paths wind through untouched forests, marshes, and peaceful landscapes, offering a deeper connection to the natural world. Explorers seeking tranquility and exceptional wildlife viewing will appreciate these off-the-beaten-path adventures.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAIL VIEWS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is a celebrated experience, with trails that traverse forests ignited by brilliant reds, oranges, and golds during peak fall color. From state parks to national forests, hikers can immerse themselves in the spectacle of autumn leaves while enjoying crisp air and scenic vistas. These seasonal hikes are perfect for photography, family outings, and savoring the beauty of Michigan's changing landscape.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHWOODS WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest, headquartered in Ironwood in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, spans nearly one million acres of remote wilderness. The forest's extensive trail system leads hikers through old-growth forests, past sparkling lakes and waterfalls, and into areas rich with wildlife. With abundant opportunities for backcountry exploration and solitude, it stands out as a premier destination for hiking adventure in Michigan.