East Lansing MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near East Lansing, Michigan.
1. Northern Tier Trail
CITY-SPANNING GREENWAY
The Northern Tier Trail offers nearly six miles of paved pathways that wind through East Lansing, connecting eight parks and recreation areas. Visitors enjoy diverse scenery featuring wetlands, woods, flowers, and opportunities for wildlife observation year-round. The trail's wide, accessible route is perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching in every season.
2. Lansing River Trail
RIVERFRONT URBAN ESCAPE
The Lansing River Trail features over 20 miles of paved paths along the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, winding through parks, woodlands, and downtown Lansing. The trail is ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting, offering access to recreational sites like Potter Park Zoo and Michigan State University. Its scenic boardwalks and connections make it a local favorite for urban outdoor activity.
3. MSU Red Cedar Trail
CAMPUS-TO-RIVER PATH
The MSU Red Cedar Trail meanders through the picturesque Michigan State University campus, following the Red Cedar River. Hikers can enjoy tree-lined routes, campus landmarks, and plenty of green space for relaxing walks or longer treks. The trail is popular with students, locals, and anyone seeking a tranquil stroll in the heart of East Lansing.
4. Meridian Township Trails
COMMUNITY NATURE NETWORK
Meridian Township Trails offer a collection of looped and linear routes through parks, wetlands, and natural preserves in Okemos. Hikers can explore varying habitats, from wooded uplands to marshy lowlands, with abundant wildlife viewing possibilities. These well-maintained trails serve as peaceful green corridors within the growing Meridian community.
5. Hawk Meadow Trail
GRASSLAND AND RIVER WALK
Hawk Meadow Trail features a loop and offshoots passing through grasslands, shrub habitats, and along the picturesque Grand River. Visitors enjoy a mix of crushed gravel and paved paths, as well as a scenic marsh boardwalk, making this site attractive to hikers and birdwatchers alike. Located near the Capital City Bird Sanctuary, it offers a serene outdoor experience close to Lansing.
6. The Ledges
ROCK FORMATION TREKKING
The Ledges at Grand Ledge invite hikers to traverse trails that wind amid ancient sedimentary rock formations and along the Grand River. Three parks—Fitzgerald Park, Lincoln Brick Park, and Oak Park—feature looped trails offering unique views of the dramatic stone outcrops. This area is especially striking during autumn when the foliage contrasts with the stone cliffs.
7. Delta Township Trail
WOODLANDS & RIVERBANKS
The Delta Township Trail starts at Delta Mills Park and runs adjacent to the river, transitioning from open, sunny stretches into shaded woodlands. Hikers can enjoy river views, gentle terrain, and tranquil settings ideal for a peaceful walk. The trail is accessible and family-friendly, with amenities like boat launches and picnic areas nearby.
8. DeWitt Township Trail
RURAL RETREAT PATHWAYS
The DeWitt Township Trail provides a quiet escape with well-maintained paved and unpaved paths traversing fields, woodlots, and residential edges. Its gentle gradients and wide lanes make it suitable for leisurely hikes, jogging, and family outings. The scenic route highlights rural Michigan's beauty, just a short drive north of Lansing.
9. Saginaw Valley Rail Trail
RAIL-TO-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Saginaw Valley Rail Trail repurposes historic rail lines as a scenic, multi-use trail running through forests, wetlands, and farmlands south of Saginaw. Hikers can explore over 11 miles of easy, level terrain ideal for spotting wildlife and enjoying peaceful surroundings. Shelters, benches, and interpretive signage along the trail enhance the outdoor experience.
10. Fred Meijer Flat River Trail
RIVERSIDE FOREST TREK
The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail follows the Flat River through woodlands, city parks, and the heart of Greenville. This accessible trail provides scenic bridges, river overlooks, and frequent wildlife sightings. Its combination of natural landscapes and proximity to town amenities makes it a favorite in west-central Michigan.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE SCENIC TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most iconic and rewarding hiking experiences, from the Upper Peninsula's rugged paths to Lower Peninsula lakefronts. Michigan's vast network of state parks and forests offers trails suited for every adventurer, from beginners to seasoned trekkers. Visitors can expect a rich mix of forests, wetlands, cliffs, and lakeshore scenery showcasing the best of Michigan's outdoors.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking explores the top coastal and beach trails along the state's Great Lakes, offering dramatic views and fresh lake breezes. Trails meander over sand dunes, through pine forests, and along bluffs with panoramic water vistas. Hikers can experience Michigan's unique combination of freshwater coasts and lush inland landscapes year-round.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDLIFE HAVENS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems uncovers lesser-known trails perfect for hikers seeking solitude and unmatched wildlife encounters. These trails wind through quiet state game areas, remote forests, and off-the-beaten-path parks, ideal for birdwatching and peaceful reflection. Nature lovers can discover unspoiled beauty, vibrant ecosystems, and rare species in tranquil settings statewide.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's best trails for experiencing spectacular fall colors, from dense hardwood forests to rolling countryside vistas. Vibrant reds, oranges, and golds paint the landscapes each autumn, drawing hikers to famous foliage destinations and hidden groves alike. These seasonal hikes offer crisp air, scenic overlooks, and unforgettable photo opportunities during Michigan's leaf-peeping peak.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS NORTHWOODS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest offers some of Michigan's most pristine wilderness hiking, with hundreds of miles of trails through dense forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills. Adventurers can explore remote backcountry routes or shorter interpretive hikes, all rich in natural beauty and solitude. The forest's expansive trails support a variety of experiences, from day hikes to challenging backpacking journeys.