Clare MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Clare, Michigan.
1. Pere Marquette Rail Trail
SCENIC PAVED PATHWAY
Pere Marquette Rail Trail offers a 30-mile paved, flat, and scenic path connecting Clare and Midland. The trail is renowned for its picturesque views, smooth surface ideal for biking or walking, and tranquil wooded stretches away from motorized traffic. It's a favorite for visitors seeking easy, year-round outdoor exercise and a peaceful experience through northern Michigan countryside.
2. Green Pine Lake Pathway
DIVERSE NATURAL LANDSCAPE
Green Pine Lake Pathway provides 13 miles of trails winding through lakes, woodland, and wetlands in Clare County. Hikers experience varied environments, including a self-guided interpretive segment from Mud Lake Campground, which offers educational insights on the region's ecology. This pathway is popular for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, catering to all skill levels and nature enthusiasts.
3. Mid-Michigan Community College Trail
CAMPUS WOODED TRAILS
Mid-Michigan Community College Trail in Harrison features a public trail system open year-round for walking, running, and biking. Surrounded by scenic woodlands and rolling hills, these well-maintained trails also support snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter months. Outdoor lovers enjoy the tranquility and accessibility of this campus-based natural escape.
4. McIreland Nature Trail
SHORT URBAN ESCAPE
McIreland Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile trail running from Stamina Stadium in Clare, crossing the Little Tobacco Drain and ending at Eastwood Drive. Four benches along the path provide rest stops and opportunities for bird and small wildlife viewing. This compact trail is plowed in winter, making it accessible for a variety of seasonal activities within city limits.
5. Budd Lake Trail
LAKESIDE LOOP WALK
Budd Lake Trail offers a leisurely 4.2-mile loop around Budd Lake in Harrison, with a combination of sidewalks and quiet streets. The route provides charming lakeside views, easy accessibility, and a peaceful setting for both walkers and cyclists. With its gentle terrain, it's ideal for those seeking a relaxing stroll or ride in a scenic lakefront environment.
6. CMU Neithercut Woodland Trail
EDUCATIONAL FOREST HIKE
CMU Neithercut Woodland Trail near Farwell is a 2.5-mile hike renowned for its vibrant woodland scenery and opportunities for cross-country skiing. Managed by Central Michigan University, this trail provides an immersive outdoor experience amidst tall trees and diverse plant life. It's a favorite among students, locals, and visitors for its educational value and peaceful setting.
7. City of Clare Trails
COMMUNITY TRAIL SYSTEM
The City of Clare offers several interconnected walking and biking trails that traverse residential areas and municipal parks. These well-maintained paths provide easy access for all ages and connect to larger networks like the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. Locals appreciate these routes for daily exercise, commuting, or simply enjoying a stroll through Clare's charming neighborhoods.
8. Lake Station Trailhead
ACCESS TO MAJOR TRAILS
Lake Station Trailhead serves as a gateway to the Pere Marquette Rail Trail and other regional paths, offering access to long stretches ideal for extended hikes or bike rides. This trailhead is a welcoming spot for tourists, with nearby businesses catering to outdoor enthusiasts. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the scenic corridor along Michigan's trail system.
9. Farwell Village Trail
SMALL-TOWN NATURE WALK
Farwell Village Trail follows the Pere Marquette Rail Trail route, passing through the heart of Farwell and connecting visitors to shops and amenities. The trail offers a blend of rural charm and convenient facilities, making it ideal for families and casual walkers. Its proximity to the village means easy access for both locals and trail travelers.
10. Evart Train Depot Trail
HISTORIC TRAILHEAD STOP
Evart Train Depot Trail provides a scenic entry point to the broader trail network, featuring historic railway buildings and adjacent parks. The depot area offers restrooms and picnic spots, making it a convenient rest stop for hikers passing through. It's a great place to start or conclude a hike while soaking in Evart's railroad heritage.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP-RATED TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the premier trails found throughout the state, featuring routes in forests, along lakeshores, and through rolling hills. Spots like the North Country Trail and Sleeping Bear Dunes offer scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and trails catering to all experience levels. Exploring Michigan's top hiking locations promises adventure, breathtaking viewpoints, and memorable nature experiences.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAIL ADVENTURES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's spectacular beach and coastal hiking trails, which provide stunning views of the Great Lakes. Iconic destinations like Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and Warren Dunes deliver sandy paths, dramatic bluffs, and the sounds of lapping waves. Beach hikers can explore unique terrain, climb dunes, and relax with panoramic water vistas.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURAL ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems guide adventurers to lesser-known trails where solitude and wildlife sightings abound. These quiet pathways wind through remote forests, wetlands, and preserves, offering a tranquil retreat from crowds. Explorers will appreciate the untouched beauty, opportunities for animal observation, and peaceful atmospheres tucked away from busier destinations.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SHOWCASE
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the best trails for viewing brilliant fall colors as the foliage transforms each year. From maple-draped hills to river valley paths, these routes are bursting with reds, yellows, and oranges, creating unforgettable autumn landscapes. Nature lovers and photographers flock to these trails for crisp air and vivid leaf displays.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, based around Ironwood in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, boasts extensive trail networks for hiking enthusiasts. With hundreds of miles through old-growth forests, along rivers, and by scenic lakes, hikers can explore remote backcountry and abundant wildlife. The forest is a haven for all seasons, offering serene escapes into the heart of Michigan's wilderness.