Buckley MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Buckley, Michigan.
1. Manistee River Trail Loop
SCENIC RIVER LOOP
Manistee River Trail Loop is a picturesque hiking destination near Mesick, featuring a 21-mile circuit that winds along the Manistee River and crosses rolling terrain and dense forests. The trail offers hikers a mix of riverside vistas, suspension bridges, and plentiful opportunities for backcountry camping. This popular loop is suitable for multi-day hikes and is known for its beautiful overlooks and abundant wildlife.
2. Hike the Rollways on the North Country Trail
ELEVATED FOREST VIEWS
Hike the Rollways on the North Country Trail offers a 4-mile trek in Kingsley, showcasing dramatic overlooks from the High Rollway Observation Deck. The route features well-maintained wooden platforms and panoramic views of the Manistee River Valley, ideal for photography and nature appreciation. This segment of the North Country Trail is a local favorite for a rewarding day hike close to Buckley.
3. Backpack the Manistee River Trail
MULTI-DAY ADVENTURE
Backpack the Manistee River Trail in Mesick provides 17.6 miles of classic Michigan wilderness, starting from the Red Bridge River Access Area. Hikers traverse lush forests, vibrant riverbanks, and cross well-marked North Country Trail sections with numerous campsites along the route. The backpacking experience here is renowned for its pristine scenery, wildlife sightings, and tranquil riverside camping.
4. Leelanau Trail
RAILS-TO-TRAILS PATH
Leelanau Trail stretches from Traverse City to Suttons Bay, providing a gentle, paved path through rural countryside, forests, and vineyards. The trail is popular for both casual walkers and cyclists, offering easy access to picturesque farmland and Lake Michigan views. This rails-to-trails conversion is ideal for family outings and peaceful strolls in a scenic northern Michigan setting.
5. Forestview Natural Area Trail
QUIET FOREST LOOP
The Forestview Natural Area Trail in Traverse City is a serene, wooded loop that immerses hikers in mature forests and quiet glades. This lesser-known trail offers visitors a peaceful environment for nature walks, bird-watching, and gentle exploration. With well-marked paths and minimal elevation changes, it's well-suited for hikers seeking tranquility close to town.
6. Scenic Bluff Trail
DYNAMIC BLUFF OVERLOOKS
Scenic Bluff Trail near Empire offers dramatic vistas from the top of rolling dunes and forested bluffs within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Hikers enjoy panoramic views across Lake Michigan, wildflower-filled meadows, and the famous sandy cliffs. The trail provides a quintessential northern Michigan hiking experience with rewarding scenery at every turn.
7. Old Baldy Trails
ICONIC SAND DUNE HIKE
Old Baldy Trails in Interlochen feature a network of sandy paths leading to one of the area's tallest dunes, offering exceptional views of surrounding forests and lakes. The hike is moderately challenging due to the shifting sand and elevation, making the summit all the more rewarding. This trail is beloved for its peaceful setting and classic up-north ambiance.
8. Catamount Trail
WOODED WILDLIFE PATH
Catamount Trail in Traverse City winds through hardwood forests and gentle hills, offering an immersive nature experience for hikers of all skill levels. The trail is a haven for birdwatchers and those hoping to spot deer, foxes, and other local wildlife. Its peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained paths make it perfect for both short strolls and longer treks.
9. Lost Lake Trail
SECLUDED LAKESIDE WALK
Lost Lake Trail in Interlochen provides a tranquil journey around a small, pristine lake surrounded by quiet forest and wetlands. The relatively flat trail is accessible for most hikers, appealing to families and those seeking a peaceful escape. Its calm waters and abundant wildlife create a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection.
10. Sky Bridge Trail
SUSPENSION BRIDGE VIEWS
Sky Bridge Trail in Boyne Falls is known for its impressive suspension footbridge that spans a scenic ravine, offering breathtaking views of the forest canopy below. The trail is a fun, adventurous outing suitable for families and those seeking a unique Michigan hiking experience. The combination of well-marked paths and the stunning sky bridge makes this trail a memorable highlight.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
MUST-DO STATE HIKES
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses some of the most renowned trails across the state, from rugged Upper Peninsula treks to the scenic paths of the Lower Peninsula. Hikers can experience dramatic sand dunes, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and old-growth woodlands, reflecting Michigan's diverse natural beauty. Whether looking for challenging backcountry routes or family-friendly walks, Michigan offers some of the best hiking in the Midwest.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS & BEACHES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's spectacular beach and coastal trails along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. Hikers enjoy sandy beaches, towering dunes, beachgrass meadows, and broad lake vistas, with options ranging from easy strolls to challenging dune climbs. These shoreline trails are ideal for combining hiking adventures with swimming, sunbathing, and wildlife observation.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED & WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems refers to the state's lesser-known trails ideal for solitude and wildlife encounters, tucked away in forests, wetlands, and remote preserves. These hidden gems offer peaceful escapes from crowds, with excellent opportunities for bird-watching, photography, and observing deer, beavers, and rare plant species. Adventurous hikers seeking tranquility and connection with nature will find these trails unforgettable.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking draws enthusiasts to vibrant fall color displays across the state, with trails winding through hardwood forests and overlooking scenic lakes and rivers. Maple and oak canopies burst into fiery reds, oranges, and golds, creating some of the Midwest's finest leaf-peeping experiences. These hikes are especially popular from late September through October, offering crisp air and unforgettable views.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Watersmeet encompasses nearly one million acres of pristine wilderness, with hundreds of miles of trails for all experience levels. Hikers can explore old-growth hemlock forests, sparkling lakes, and cascading waterfalls, often without encountering crowds. The expansive network of trails here offers both day hikes and rugged backcountry adventures for every nature enthusiast.