Carleton MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Carleton, Michigan.
1. Will Carleton Park and Sunrise Meadows Trail
SERENE PARK TRAIL
Will Carleton Park and Sunrise Meadows Trail in Carleton offers a tranquil hike through scenic suburban landscapes. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained paths ideal for both casual walks and light hikes, making it a favorite spot for locals to unwind. The peaceful environment and easy access make it perfect for families and hikers seeking a relaxing outing close to town.
2. Border-to-Border Trail
REGIONAL PAVED ADVENTURE
The Border-to-Border Trail is a long, paved pathway connecting multiple parks and communities along the Huron River in Ypsilanti and beyond. Its routes pass through woodlands, parks, and urban green spaces, making it suitable for all skill levels. The trail's structure and diversity provide an excellent way to explore natural and urban environments via foot or bike.
3. Brownstown Township Trail
SHORT TOWNSHIP WALK
Brownstown Township Trail is a modest-length walking and biking trail weaving through the community. Its easy, mostly flat route is ideal for beginners, families, or anyone wanting a brief outdoor escape. The trail provides a pleasant setting for daily exercise and peaceful strolls in the township.
4. Kiwanis Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PATHWAY
Kiwanis Trail in Adrian offers a smooth, mostly flat pathway popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. The route is surrounded by greenery and follows an old railway corridor, making it both scenic and accessible. Its welcoming atmosphere caters to families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a leisurely outing.
5. Main and North Loop Trail
WOODLAND LOOP EXPERIENCE
Main and North Loop Trail winds through woodlands and open meadows, offering a peaceful hiking experience in Lenawee County. The loops are well-marked and provide plenty of opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. Suitable for all ages, the trail offers a mix of shade and sun along the scenic route.
6. South Trail - Thompson Memorial Park
PARKSIDE TRAIL TREK
South Trail at Thompson Memorial Park provides a pleasant hike through landscaped parklands and pockets of woodlands. The trail is gently rolling, making it accessible for most hikers, and includes benches and picnic areas for rest. Visitors enjoy its peaceful ambiance and convenient park amenities.
7. Hidden Lake - Pine Tree - Hiker's Loop Trail
SECLUDED WOODLAND LOOP
Hidden Lake - Pine Tree - Hiker's Loop Trail is nestled in Lenawee County, offering a short but immersive hike through dense woods and alongside calm waters. Wildlife sightings are common, and the trail's well-shaded path is perfect for hot, sunny days. Its tranquil setting provides a refreshing break from daily routines.
8. Taylor Roadside Park Loop
EASY ROADSIDE WALK
Taylor Roadside Park Loop presents an accessible, short trail perfect for a quick nature walk or stretching your legs on a road trip. The park's quiet environment and easy terrain appeal to visitors of all ages. Its convenient roadside location makes it a popular stop among locals and travelers alike.
9. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
ALL-SEASON FOREST TRAIL
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail spans the Pinckney area, featuring multi-use paths that wind through thick forests and gentle hills. Popular for both hiking in summer and skiing in winter, the trail offers year-round outdoor enjoyment. Its varied terrain attracts nature lovers and active recreation enthusiasts alike.
10. Milford Trail
SCENIC VILLAGE PATHWAY
Milford Trail connects parks, neighborhoods, and downtown Milford, making it easy to explore the area's scenic beauty on foot or bike. The paved trail offers gentle elevation changes and passes through wooded stretches and open spaces. Its family-friendly design and nearby amenities make it a local favorite.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most celebrated trails, from rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness to scenic Lower Peninsula parks. These trails showcase diverse terrain including deep forests, serene lakes, and open meadows, suitable for all experience levels. Hikers can enjoy a range of environments that define Michigan's outdoor adventure spirit.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
LAKESIDE AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features the best trails along the state's extensive Great Lakes coastlines, providing breathtaking views of sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Hikers can explore dunes, bluffs, and waterfront forests while enjoying cooling lake breezes and unique geological features. These coastal hikes offer a blend of natural beauty and tranquil water vistas.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURAL HAVENS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems spotlights out-of-the-way trails ideal for solitude, immersion in nature, and wildlife watching. These lesser-known paths traverse quiet forests, remote wetlands, and peaceful preserves where visitors can escape crowds and encounter the state's rich biodiversity. They are perfect for those who seek a quiet retreat amid Michigan's wild beauty.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKWAYS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's best trails for vibrant fall color, winding through hardwood forests aflame with reds, golds, and oranges. Hikers can witness the seasonal beauty along ridgelines, lakeshores, and scenic drives, with each trail offering unique panoramas of autumn splendor. It's a must-do experience for leaf peepers and photographers alike.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS NORTH ESCAPE
Ottawa National Forest near Ironwood offers miles of remote hiking trails through vast northern woodlands, pristine lakes, and roaring waterfalls. Visitors can choose from short walks to multi-day backcountry adventures, with abundant opportunities for wildlife observation and solitude. The forest's dramatic landscapes make it one of Michigan's premier hiking destinations.