DeWitt MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near DeWitt, Michigan.
1. Richard A. Padgett Natural Area
SERENE WOODLAND PATHS
Richard A. Padgett Natural Area offers tranquil wooded trails for hikers looking to escape into nature. This 70-acre preserve features multiple looping paths through mature forest, providing a peaceful atmosphere just minutes from town. Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts will find this area especially rewarding for quiet exploration.
2. DeWitt Township Trail
CONNECTING COMMUNITY TRAIL
DeWitt Township Trail links together local parks and neighborhoods, making it ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike. The trail passes scenic green spaces and is easily accessible from Granger Park or Valley Farms Park. Its paved surface and gentle grades accommodate visitors of all ages and fitness levels.
3. Riverside Park and Trails
RIVERSIDE BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE
Riverside Park and Trails feature riverside walks and charming boardwalks, perfect for families and nature lovers. The winding trail leads visitors over bridges, past playgrounds, and offers seasonal views of the Looking Glass River. With easy access and plenty of shaded spots, it's great for a leisurely stroll or picnic.
4. Schavey Road Path
SCENIC NEIGHBORHOOD ROUTE
Schavey Road Path winds through fields and neighborhoods, delivering a blend of rural and suburban scenery. This accessible trail is popular with locals for walking, running, or biking, with a dirt path and designated parking for easy access. The path's flat terrain and quiet surroundings make it enjoyable year-round.
5. Forestview Natural Area Trail
WOODLAND NATURE WALK
Forestview Natural Area Trail is a short, easy hike through lush forest, perfect for beginners and those pressed for time. The trail's gentle loop showcases native trees and provides plenty of shade in summer. It's an excellent spot for a peaceful walk close to home.
6. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
VERSATILE YEAR-ROUND TRAIL
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail offers 5.1 miles of versatile paths suited for hiking in warm months and cross-country skiing in winter. Its varied elevation and forested beauty attract both casual walkers and outdoor fitness enthusiasts. The trail challenges and rewards with peaceful, natural scenery throughout.
7. Shields Trail
CHALLENGING HIKING ROUTE
Shields Trail is a 4.7-mile path featuring moderate elevation change and wooded stretches. It's a favorite among local hikers looking for a more extended outing without leaving the area. The trail's rural charm and occasional wildlife sightings make each visit unique.
8. Bluffs Nature Trail
ELEVATED SCENIC VIEWS
Bluffs Nature Trail provides a short yet rewarding hike with elevated views across surrounding landscapes. The 1.1-mile loop includes gentle climbs and descents, making it accessible to most visitors. Its peaceful setting and occasional overlooks are ideal for photography and quiet reflection.
9. Delta East/West Trail
DUAL FORESTED PATHS
Delta East/West Trail presents a pair of 2-mile trails winding through tranquil woods and natural habitats. The routes offer an easy escape for those seeking solitude or a relaxing nature walk. Both trails are accessible and well-loved by local residents.
10. Beech Tree Loop
SHORT FOREST LOOP
Beech Tree Loop is a compact 0.9-mile trail looping through a beautiful stand of beech trees. This forested path is perfect for a quick dose of nature, birdwatching, or introducing children to hiking. Its gentle terrain suits walkers of all ages and abilities.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most renowned trails, ranging from long-distance routes to breathtaking day hikes. Visitors can find everything from rugged wilderness treks to family-friendly nature walks across Michigan's parks and preserves. Each trail highlights Michigan's diverse scenery and changing seasons, making the state a premier destination for hikers.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features stunning routes along the edge of the Great Lakes, offering sandy beaches, dramatic dunes, and scenic vistas. Hikers can enjoy the sound of waves, unique dune ecosystems, and the chance to spot migrating birds or lighthouses along the way. These coastal trails deliver some of the best beach hiking experiences in the Midwest.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE PATHS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are off-the-beaten-path trails known for their solitude, unspoiled scenery, and exceptional wildlife observation. These lesser-known routes wind through quiet forests, wetlands, and meadows, often rewarding patient hikers with sights of deer, birds, and other native species. Perfect for those seeking a tranquil experience away from crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's best trails for vibrant fall foliage viewing. From hardwood forests to rolling hillsides, these routes blaze with color in September and October, creating a spectacular setting for a hike. Photographers and leaf-peepers will appreciate the diverse autumn hues across Michigan's trail network.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS ADVENTURE ZONE
Ottawa National Forest offers over 500,000 acres of remote wilderness laced with extensive hiking trails, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. Visitors can trek short nature paths or embark on multi-day backpacking trips, immersed in pristine Upper Peninsula landscapes. The forest is renowned for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere.