Barryton MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Barryton, Michigan.
1. Big Rapids Riverwalk
SCENIC RIVERSIDE TRAIL
Big Rapids Riverwalk offers hikers a scenic, paved pathway winding alongside the Muskegon River. The trail is family-friendly, with easy accessibility and picturesque views of the river and surrounding forest. This tranquil setting is perfect for a leisurely stroll or jog, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
2. Fred Meijer Heartland Trail
MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail stretches over 40 miles, connecting several small towns with beautiful rural scenery. Hikers can enjoy a mix of paved and crushed limestone surfaces as the trail winds through forests, farmlands, and wetlands. Its gentle grade and well-maintained path make it ideal for long hikes, biking, and spotting local wildlife.
3. Chippewa Trail
WOODED ESCAPE ROUTE
Chippewa Trail is a serene, four-mile pathway that meanders through forested areas and alongside the Chippewa River. The trail provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching, wildflower spotting, and enjoying nature in a peaceful environment. It's especially favored for its relatively flat terrain and easy access to downtown Mount Pleasant.
4. Clam River Greenway
URBAN NATURE CORRIDOR
Clam River Greenway offers a paved urban trail that follows the lively Clam River through Cadillac. The greenway is perfect for a relaxing walk or gentle bike ride, with scenic bridges, pocket parks, and interpretive signs along the way. Visitors appreciate its central location and its ability to connect downtown Cadillac with natural areas.
5. Seidman Park Outside Loop
DIVERSE PARK LANDSCAPE
Seidman Park Outside Loop provides hikers with a varied landscape of woods, wetlands, and open meadows just minutes from Grand Rapids. The well-marked trails traverse rolling terrain, offering both easy and moderate hiking options. Nature enthusiasts rave about the park's tranquility, abundant birdlife, and seasonal wildflowers.
6. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
BLUFFS AND WOODLANDS
Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail leads hikers through dense woodland and up scenic bluffs above the Kalamazoo River. The trail features moderate elevation changes, rewarding visitors with panoramic river and forest views. It's a haven for those seeking a peaceful retreat and an immersive nature experience in Southwest Michigan.
7. Forestview Natural Area Trail
NATURAL AREA PRESERVE
Forestview Natural Area Trail is a quiet loop that highlights mature hardwood forests and diverse plant life near Traverse City. The trail is well-maintained and offers interpretive signs that provide insights into the area's ecology. It's a beloved spot for local hikers seeking solitude and an opportunity to observe wildlife in a protected setting.
8. Old Fishtown Trail — Water Tower Loop
HISTORIC COASTAL WALK
Old Fishtown Trail — Water Tower Loop combines a walk along Leland's historic waterfront with a gentle loop into surrounding woods and dunes. Visitors can explore Fishtown's preserved shanties, then hike toward the scenic water tower and views of Lake Michigan. The trail seamlessly blends natural beauty with regional history for a unique hiking outing.
9. Huron-Manistee National Forests
VAST FOREST EXPLORATION
Huron-Manistee National Forests feature an extensive network of trails weaving through one of Michigan's largest public lands. Hikers can explore diverse ecosystems, from dense pine stands to peaceful lakeshores and wild rivers. Popular trails like the Manistee River Trail offer stunning vistas, backcountry camping, and a true wilderness experience.
10. Mitchell State Park
LAKESIDE HIKING SPOT
Mitchell State Park provides access to multiple trails winding through hardwood forests and along the shores of scenic Lake Mitchell and Lake Cadillac. The park is ideal for families, birdwatchers, and anyone wanting to combine hiking with fishing or boating. In autumn, the trail system bursts with vibrant foliage, making it a favorite fall destination.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses a rich variety of trails, from rugged wilderness paths to family-friendly strolls through state parks. Hikers can discover stunning waterfalls, extensive forests, tranquil lakes, and dramatic sand dunes across the state. Michigan's diverse landscape ensures that everyone from casual walkers to seasoned backpackers can find memorable hikes.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND DUNE TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers some of the Midwest's finest beach and coastal adventure opportunities, featuring miles of sandy shoreline and rolling dunes. Trails like those at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore provide sweeping lake views and unique geological features. These hikes are perfect for beach lovers and those seeking dramatic Great Lakes scenery.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECRET WILDLIFE HAVENS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known trails offering remarkable seclusion, quiet forests, and excellent wildlife observation. These out-of-the-way paths provide a chance to connect with nature away from crowds, often revealing rare flora and tranquil water features. Ideal for solitude seekers, these hidden gems are scattered throughout Michigan's diverse regions.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULAR
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for showcasing dazzling displays of red, orange, and gold as the forests prepare for winter. The state's many scenic byways and forested trails, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula, offer breathtaking views of fall foliage. This season draws nature photographers and leaf-peepers from near and far for vibrant autumn adventures.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS FOREST TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres of remote wilderness in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Hikers can trek through old-growth forests, alongside rushing rivers, and past countless lakes and waterfalls. The forest's vast network of trails offers solitude, scenic beauty, and outstanding opportunities for backcountry exploration.