Grosse Pointe Park MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan.
1. Grosse Pointe Park Waterfront Park
SCENIC LAKEFRONT WALKING
Grosse Pointe Park Waterfront Park offers residents and their guests a scenic place to walk along the edge of Lake St. Clair, with sweeping water views and landscaped paths. The park features paved paths ideal for strolls or light hikes, with benches and grassy areas to relax along the way. It's a popular spot for families and walkers looking for a peaceful outdoor experience right in the heart of Grosse Pointe Park.
2. Elworthy Field Park
URBAN GREEN SPACE TRAIL
Elworthy Field Park is a beloved neighborhood park providing pleasant walking paths and green lawns for gentle hikes or dog walking. Its shady mature trees and playground areas create a family-friendly atmosphere, ideal for an afternoon hike or peaceful break from the city's bustle. The park is conveniently located within Grosse Pointe Park for accessible outdoor exercise.
3. Patterson Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR SPACE
Patterson Park offers a welcoming outdoor setting with trails for walking and jogging along landscaped grounds. It features athletic fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it suitable for casual hikers of all ages. Visitors enjoy the quiet ambiance and convenient access to green open space in Grosse Pointe Park.
4. Windmill Pointe Park
WATERFRONT HIKING PATHS
Windmill Pointe Park features a lakeside walking path perfect for hiking, jogging, or an evening stroll along the shoreline of Lake St. Clair. The park is well-equipped with recreational amenities and peaceful spots for visitors to enjoy nature and waterfront views. Its paved paths and manicured grounds make it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Grosse Pointe Park.
5. The Greenway on Mack Avenue
COMMUNITY WALKING TRAIL
The Greenway offers a pedestrian-friendly trail stretching along Mack Avenue, connecting neighborhoods and providing space for walking, jogging, and light hiking. Its landscaped route encourages active recreation and creates a green corridor through the city. This urban trail is a convenient way for residents to enjoy a bit of nature and fresh air within the city limits.
6. Belle Isle Park
ISLAND NATURE TRAILS
Belle Isle Park is a sprawling island park located just west of Grosse Pointe Park, featuring miles of hiking and walking trails through woodlands, wetlands, and along the Detroit River. Hikers can explore scenic routes past historic attractions, wildflower meadows, and marina views. Its diverse landscapes make it a top destination for nature lovers in the Detroit metro area.
7. Detroit RiverWalk
URBAN WATERFRONT TRAIL
The Detroit RiverWalk offers a paved, multi-mile trail running along the riverfront in downtown Detroit, accessible from Grosse Pointe Park. Hikers enjoy panoramic water views, landscaped gardens, and plenty of public art along the trail. It's a vibrant spot for walking, biking, or jogging while taking in Detroit's skyline and river scenery.
8. Stony Creek Metropark
EXPANSIVE WOODLAND TRAILS
Stony Creek Metropark is a favorite destination for hikers seeking a variety of trails through forests, wetlands, and meadows. The park features more than 27 miles of hiking paths, from short loops to longer, more challenging routes. Its tranquil setting around Stony Creek Lake offers abundant wildlife viewing and picnic areas, just a short drive from Grosse Pointe Park.
9. Lake Erie Metropark
BIRDING & MARSH TRAILS
Lake Erie Metropark offers hikers miles of scenic trails through marshlands, woodlands, and along the Lake Erie shoreline. It is renowned for birdwatching opportunities and its boardwalks that wind through tranquil wetland habitats. The park provides a peaceful escape with easy to moderate hiking options south of Detroit.
10. Point Pelee National Park
CANADIAN LAKESHORE HIKING
Point Pelee National Park in Ontario is a short drive and border crossing from Grosse Pointe Park, offering exceptional hiking along Lake Erie's sandy spit. Trails wind through marshes, forests, and out to the tip of the park for dramatic water views and excellent migratory birdwatching. Its unique geography and natural diversity make it a bucket-list hiking destination for the region.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE HIKING HIGHLIGHTS
Best Michigan Hiking includes an array of scenic trails spanning lush forests, rolling dunes, and picturesque lakeshores across the state. Hikers can explore iconic routes like the Empire Bluffs Trail, Porcupine Mountains, and North Country Trail, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking vistas. From easy day hikes to multi-day adventures, Michigan's trails are celebrated for their diversity and natural beauty.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH & COASTAL TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking features some of the most spectacular coastal and dune trails along the Great Lakes, including routes in Ludington State Park, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail. Hikers enjoy sandy beaches, towering dunes, and endless water views, with opportunities for swimming and beachcombing along the way. These trails are perfect for those seeking the fresh air and beauty of Michigan's lakeshores.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS & WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlight lesser-known trails that offer solitude and pristine nature for adventurous hikers. These secluded paths, often found in less-traveled state parks or national forest lands, are ideal for wildlife observation and quiet reflection. Such locations let visitors discover Michigan's untouched beauty away from the crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAIL VIEWS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is synonymous with vibrant displays of fall foliage along many of the state's forested trails. Hikers flock to destinations like the Porcupine Mountains, Waterloo Recreation Area, and Tunnel of Trees to witness spectacular colors and crisp air. The season offers a perfect blend of scenic beauty and ideal hiking temperatures throughout Michigan.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS FOREST HIKES
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula near Ironwood, features over 500,000 acres of pristine woodlands, rivers, and waterfalls. The forest's extensive trail network offers hikers opportunities to explore dense forests, quiet lakes, and dramatic overlooks, with options for both easy walks and challenging backcountry treks. It's a premier destination for those seeking a true wilderness hiking adventure.