Dexter MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Dexter, Michigan.
1. Border-to-Border Trail
RIVERFRONT CONNECTOR PATH
The Border-to-Border Trail is Dexter's signature multi-use trail, running along the picturesque Huron River and connecting the town with Dexter-Huron and Delhi Metroparks. Hiking here provides scenic vistas, rolling prairies, and lush woodlands, with ADA accessible segments and convenient access to downtown Dexter amenities. This well-maintained corridor is ideal year-round for walking, running, and wildlife observation.
2. Dexter-Huron Metropark Trails
RIVERSIDE WOODLAND WALK
Dexter-Huron Metropark Trails feature winding paths through mature hardwood forests and along the Huron River's edge. Hikers can enjoy tranquil riverside scenery, birdwatching opportunities, and picnic areas scattered throughout this protected parkland. The trails offer a refreshing, nature-rich escape just minutes from Dexter's downtown.
3. Hudson Mills Metropark Trails
PRAIRIE AND FOREST LOOPS
Hudson Mills Metropark Trails are known for a mix of wide, paved loops and rustic natural paths winding through prairies, wetlands, and old-growth woods. Visitors can spot deer, wild turkeys, and abundant songbirds while traversing this scenic landscape. The park is an excellent place for extended hikes, with picnic areas and river access along the route.
4. Pinckney Recreation Area - Potawatomi Trail
CLASSIC LOOP ADVENTURE
The Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area is a renowned 17-mile loop favored by hikers seeking quiet forests, rolling hills, and picturesque lakes. This trail offers varying terrain, giving hikers a chance to test their endurance and enjoy the serenity of remote woodlands. Its close proximity to Dexter makes it a local favorite for day-long outdoor adventures.
5. Delhi Metropark Trails
OAKS AND MEADOWS PATHS
Delhi Metropark Trails lie just southeast of Dexter, offering gentle paths along the Huron River amidst towering oaks and open meadows. Hikers experience peaceful riverscapes, frequent wildlife sightings, and access to canoe launches and picnic sites. The trails are popular for easy outings and family-friendly activities.
6. Mill Creek Park Trail
VILLAGE CENTER GREENWAY
The Mill Creek Park Trail runs right through downtown Dexter, following Mill Creek with boardwalks, bridges, and interpretive signage. This accessible trail seamlessly blends urban vibrancy with natural beauty, giving hikers glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers along a short, easy loop. Mill Creek Park serves as Dexter's green heart, perfect for a stroll before or after visiting local shops.
7. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
QUIET WOODS CIRCUIT
Located in the Pinckney Recreation Area, the Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail offers peaceful wooded paths perfect for both hiking and cross-country skiing. The moderate 5-mile loop features rolling hills, dense forests, and opportunities for solitude just a short drive from Dexter. Nature lovers enjoy seasonal wildflower displays and abundant birdlife in this tranquil setting.
8. Bluffs Nature Area
URBAN HIGHLAND REFUGE
Bluffs Nature Area in Ann Arbor provides a quiet, wooded getaway atop rolling hills just minutes from Dexter. Hikers can explore native tree groves, wildflowers, and expansive views over the city below on easy-to-moderate trails. It's a favorite for local walkers and nature photographers seeking a peaceful, natural escape.
9. River Trail (in Pinckney Rec Area)
SCENIC RIVER WOODLAND
The River Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area parallels rushing water through wetland forests and along quiet banks lined with spring wildflowers. This short, scenic trail is ideal for wildlife viewing and tranquil moments near the Huron River. It is a picturesque destination for hikers looking to explore natural waterways northwest of Dexter.
10. Island Lake Recreation Area - Yellow Trail Loop
LAKESIDE LOOP TREK
The Yellow Trail Loop in Island Lake Recreation Area offers a scenic hike around lakes, through pine forests, and over gentle hills. This well-marked loop is popular with hikers of all skill levels who want a true Michigan nature experience not far from Dexter. Miles of interconnected trails allow visitors to tailor their outing to the perfect length.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
SIGNATURE STATE HIKES
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the state's premier trails, spanning dramatic dunes, lush forests, and rolling hills across diverse parks. Hikers can explore places like the North Country Trail, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Porcupine Mountains, all offering unique scenic beauty and excellent trail systems. Exploring the best hiking trails in Michigan means discovering the incredible natural variety and adventure found across the state.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's unparalleled access to freshwater beaches and bluffs along the Great Lakes. Trails such as those at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, and Warren Dunes showcase sandy shores, dramatic cliffs, and stunning lake vistas. This category is ideal for hikers seeking the beauty of sand, surf, and sunsets on their journeys.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems offers hikers the chance to explore quieter, less-traveled paths ideal for nature immersion and wildlife observation. Destinations like the Hoist Lake Foot Travel Area, Nordhouse Dunes, and quiet forest preserves provide solitude and lush ecosystems. These trails are perfect for those seeking peace, seclusion, and a closer connection to Michigan's wild side.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ROUTES
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers some of the best fall color experiences anywhere, with trails winding through forests ablaze in gold, orange, and red. Places like Porcupine Mountains, Hartwick Pines, and the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail attract leaf-peepers every autumn. Hiking during Michigan's fall season is memorable for its crisp air, scenic overlooks, and stunning seasonal backdrops.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST UPPER PENINSULA WILDS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails through deep forests, lakes, rivers, and remote wilderness. Trails like the North Country Trail, Trap Hills, and Sturgeon River Gorge cater to both casual hikers and backpackers. The forest is celebrated for its rugged beauty, wildlife, and opportunities for true backcountry adventure.