Harbor Springs MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Harbor Springs, Michigan.
1. The Highlands Hiking Trails
SCENIC RESORT TRAIL NETWORK
The Highlands Hiking Trails in Harbor Springs offer visitors a variety of woodland routes set amid the rolling hills of a four-season resort. Hikers can wander peaceful covered woods, climb scenic slopes, and enjoy panoramic views of northern Michigan. The trails are easily accessible from the resort and provide options for both light strolls and more challenging hikes, making them perfect for all experience levels.
2. Pond Hill Farm Trails
FARM VIEWS & FAMILY FUN
Pond Hill Farm Trails take hikers on a picturesque 1.5-mile loop through vineyards and farmland, providing year-round opportunities for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing. Adventurers can partake in the whimsical Gnome House Hunt, a favorite for families and kids. The scenic setting offers varying terrain and beautiful vistas in every season, ensuring a unique experience with each visit.
3. North Country Trail - Harbor Springs Chapter
NATIONAL SCENIC TRAILWAY
The North Country Trail – Harbor Springs Chapter offers miles of forested trails, including the Sturgeon Bay Loop, which meanders through sand dunes, ridges, and valleys. This segment of the national long-distance trail system is maintained by local volunteers and features regular hikes and seasonal wildflower viewing. It is ideal for those seeking both short outings and extended backpacking adventures in varied northern Michigan landscapes.
4. Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
COASTAL NATURE EXPERIENCE
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve provides daily access to peaceful woodland and shoreline trails just west of Harbor Springs. Visitors can explore paths through forest and dune habitat, observe diverse plant and animal life, and enjoy beach access with stunning Lake Michigan views. The preserve is ideal for wildlife observation, photography, and immersive nature walks.
5. Offield Family Viewlands
RECLAIMED GOLF COURSE TRAILS
Offield Family Viewlands features over four miles of trails winding through a repurposed golf course, offering sweeping hilltop vistas and open grasslands. Visitors enjoy a mix of gentle and moderate hikes with panoramic views of Little Traverse Bay. The area is especially popular for sunset walks, birding, and fall color viewing.
6. Boyne Valley Trailway
MULTI-USE VALLEY TRAIL
The Boyne Valley Trailway extends 6.3 miles from Boyne City toward Boyne Falls, following a scenic corridor through forests, meadows, and small communities. This well-maintained pathway is popular with hikers, bikers, and cross-country skiers year-round. It offers easy access for all ages and abilities, connecting with several local parks and recreation areas.
7. Grass River Natural Area Rail Trail
WETLAND & WILDLIFE TRAIL
The Grass River Natural Area Rail Trail near Bellaire features 2.2 miles of boardwalk and natural paths traversing pristine wetlands and woodlands. Interpretive stations along the way educate visitors about the local ecosystem, making it especially engaging for families and nature enthusiasts. It is a sanctuary for birdwatching, quiet walks, and observing northern Michigan's wetland wildlife.
8. Little Traverse Wheelway
BAYFRONT MULTI-USE PATH
Little Traverse Wheelway stretches for over 26 miles along the Lake Michigan shoreline, connecting Harbor Springs, Petoskey, and Charlevoix. This paved path offers walkers, cyclists, and runners breathtaking water views, easy beach access, and abundant wildlife sightings. The trail is perfect for both leisurely strolls and longer outdoor excursions along the scenic bay.
9. North Western State Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The North Western State Trail follows a historic rail corridor from Petoskey north to Mackinaw City, traversing quaint towns, lush woods, and marshy landscapes. With a crushed limestone surface, it caters to hikers, bikers, and snowmobilers throughout the seasons. The trail is an excellent option for those seeking a mix of long-distance hiking and cultural exploration of northern Michigan communities.
10. Tunnel of Trees (M-119 Scenic Heritage Route)
ICONIC BLUFFTOP WALK
Tunnel of Trees, known locally as the M-119 Scenic Heritage Route, provides hikers with opportunities to explore quiet roads and trails beneath a lush canopy of hardwoods overlooking Lake Michigan. Trails and pull-off spots along this route are ideal for short hikes and enjoying panoramic vistas, especially during the fall. This historic and renowned route is a must-see for nature lovers visiting the Harbor Springs area.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP-RATED TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the state's most celebrated trails, from challenging mountain hikes to gentle woodland strolls. Hikers can experience rugged terrain in the Upper Peninsula, old-growth forests, inland lakes, and scenic river valleys across Michigan. These popular hikes promise exceptional scenery, well-maintained paths, and opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SANDY BEACH & DUNE WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights coastal trails that meander along the Great Lakes, offering sandy beaches, towering dunes, and dramatic bluffs. Hikers enjoy miles of waterfront paths through state parks and natural areas, with abundant opportunities for swimming, birdwatching, and exploring unique lakefront landscapes. These routes provide some of the best beach hiking experiences in the Midwest.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED & WILDLIFE-RICH AREAS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems include secret trails and less-traveled paths where solitude and nature observation abound. These areas often feature tranquil woodlands, remote wetlands, and quiet clearings that attract diverse wildlife. They're perfect for hikers seeking peaceful environments, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and a true sense of wilderness.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL COLOR SCENIC TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's vibrant fall foliage, with trails winding through hardwood forests ablaze in reds, oranges, and yellows. From blufftop lookouts to quiet forest paths, hikers delight in panoramic autumn views and crisp air. These hikes are best enjoyed in late September and October, attracting leaf-peepers from all over the region.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WESTERN U.P. WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers over 500 miles of trails winding through pristine forests, rugged hills, and along crystal-clear rivers and waterfalls. Hikers can explore tranquil lakeshores, scenic overlooks, and remote backcountry routes suited for every skill level. The area is renowned for its peaceful seclusion, abundant wildlife, and impressive old-growth scenery.