Highland Park MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Highland Park, Michigan.
1. Bicentennial Park Pathway
EASY URBAN ESCAPE
Bicentennial Park Pathway is a flat and scenic trail perfect for leisurely walks or beginner hikers. The pathway winds through Bicentennial Park, offering green spaces, small lakes, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Its location in Livonia provides easy access for Highland Park residents seeking a peaceful nearby escape.
2. Black Creek Nature Trail
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
Black Creek Nature Trail features a short, serene hike through wooded areas and vibrant wetlands. Visitors can expect frequent wildlife sightings and peaceful boardwalks as they explore the natural setting. The 1.7-mile trail offers a relaxing retreat just outside the busier parts of Highland Park.
3. Border-to-Border Trail
LONG-DISTANCE ADVENTURE
The Border-to-Border Trail offers a versatile hiking experience, stretching for miles through scenic parks and riverfronts in Ann Arbor and surrounding communities. Hikers can enjoy well-maintained paths, river views, and connections to other local greenways. Its expanse makes it a top pick for those looking for a longer trek from Highland Park.
4. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
VERSATILE WOODLAND LOOP
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail is a multi-use loop that traverses hardwood forests and rolling hills in Highland. This trail is a favorite year-round, welcoming both hikers in summer and cross-country skiers in winter. The 5.1-mile circuit provides tranquil forest views and moderate elevation, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Shields Trail
FORESTED SINGLETRACK ROUTE
Shields Trail winds for nearly five miles through dense forest within the Highland Recreation Area. The trail's rolling landscape and occasional roots and rocks make it appealing to intermediate hikers seeking a natural escape. Its setting remains just a short drive from the Highland Park area.
6. River Trail
PEACEFUL STREAMSIDE WALK
River Trail offers a brief, tranquil walk of under a mile along the water's edge. Surrounded by serene natural beauty, hikers enjoy soothing river views and easy terrain. It's an inviting spot for quick outings close to Highland Park.
7. Orange Loop Trail
CHALLENGING FOREST LOOP
The Orange Loop Trail in Highland is a 7.3-mile path favored by seasoned hikers seeking a challenging workout. The route navigates through varied woodland landscapes and occasional elevation changes. Its distance and setting make it an excellent choice for day-long explorations near Highland Park.
8. Bluffs Nature Trail
SHORT SCENIC BLUFF WALK
Bluffs Nature Trail offers a quick 1.1-mile walk with vistas overlooking local landscapes in Commerce Township. With gentle terrain and accessible paths, it suits families and casual hikers. The trail's proximity to Highland Park makes it a popular getaway for a nature break.
9. Heaven Hill Lake Loop
LAKE LOOP RELAXATION
Heaven Hill Lake Loop is an easy, scenic trail encircling a tranquil lake in Oceola Township. Offering gentle gradients and wide paths, it's accessible to hikers of all ages and skill levels. This loop is appreciated for its peaceful waterside views and convenient access from Highland Park.
10. Cedar Creek Trail
WETLANDS AND FOREST
Cedar Creek Trail in the Highland Recreation Area offers a 4.4-kilometer hike through diverse wetland habitats and lush forests. Nature enthusiasts enjoy observing both plant and wildlife life along this quiet, shaded route. The trail is a short drive from Highland Park, making it an easy escape into nature.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
PREMIER HIKING SPOTS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's top-rated trails, from scenic ridges in the Upper Peninsula to lush woods in the Lower Peninsula. Hikers can experience a range of routes featuring waterfalls, wilderness, and panoramic views. These destinations offer unforgettable hiking opportunities that showcase Michigan's natural splendor.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SANDY BEACH TRAIL VIEWS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking is renowned for its miles of beach and coastal trails, particularly along Lakes Michigan and Superior. Visitors enjoy sandy paths, towering dunes, and stunning lake vistas as they traverse these unique landscapes. The state's shoreline hikes provide a refreshing blend of water, wind, and wild beauty for any adventurer.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ADVENTURE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems introduces hikers to less-traveled trails where solitude and wildlife sightings abound. These quiet paths wind through undisturbed forests, remote wetlands, and peaceful preserves, making them ideal for nature observation. Explore beyond the popular routes and discover Michigan's tranquil wild corners.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WONDERLAND
Michigan Autumn Hiking is celebrated for its dazzling fall colors, drawing locals and visitors to trails lined with fiery maple, oak, and birch trees. The state's wooded routes offer incredible opportunities for leaf-peeping and crisp seasonal air. Hikers can immerse themselves in breathtaking autumn landscapes just a short drive from Highland Park.
15. Ottawa National Forest
REMOTE WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a haven for hikers seeking remote and rugged trails. The forest boasts an extensive network with rivers, waterfalls, and old-growth woods, offering adventure for all experience levels. Pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife make each journey in Ottawa National Forest memorable.