Howard City MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Howard City, Michigan.
1. White Pine Trail
LONGEST RAIL TRAIL
White Pine Trail is Michigan's longest rail trail, stretching 92 miles and passing directly through Howard City. This multi-use trail offers scenic hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, with easy access points in the village. Its crushed limestone and paved sections make it suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
2. Forestview Natural Area Trail
FORESTED LOCAL ESCAPE
Forestview Natural Area Trail provides a quiet, wooded setting for hiking right in Howard City. The trail winds through mature forests, offering visitors a peaceful atmosphere for nature walks and bird watching. Its gentle terrain makes it accessible for families and casual hikers.
3. Deep Lake Trail
LAKESIDE AND WOODS
Deep Lake Trail offers hikers a beautiful loop around Deep Lake within a short drive from Howard City. The trail features lakeside views, tranquil forest stretches, and the chance to spot local wildlife. It's a favorite for those seeking a peaceful, waterside hike.
4. Big Rapids Riverwalk
RIVERSIDE URBAN WALK
Big Rapids Riverwalk is a 3.8-mile paved trail running along the Muskegon River in the nearby city of Big Rapids. The trail is ideal for hiking, jogging, and enjoying river views and city parks. Its accessible surface and scenic setting make it popular with all ages.
5. Potawatomi Trail
CLASSIC FOREST LOOP
Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area is a celebrated hiking destination about two hours from Howard City. This challenging 17-mile loop travels through rolling woods, wetlands, and offers picturesque lake views. It's especially popular with seasoned hikers seeking a longer, more immersive wilderness experience.
6. Seidman Park Outside Loop
PRISTINE NATURE PRESERVE
Seidman Park Outside Loop in Ada features well-maintained trails that meander through forests, meadows, and wetlands. This peaceful park is renowned for its natural diversity and birdwatching opportunities. Hikers enjoy its serene atmosphere within easy reach of Grand Rapids.
7. Mount Baldhead Figure Eight
DUNE AND LAKE VIEWS
Mount Baldhead Figure Eight in Saugatuck combines steep dune climbs with sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. The loop includes stairs, sandy trails, and abundant wildflowers in season. It's a rewarding challenge for hikers seeking both exercise and scenery.
8. Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
COASTAL DUNES HIKE
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area is a protected stretch of coastal dunes and forested trails along Lake Michigan. Hikers can explore diverse habitats, spot rare plants, and enjoy panoramic lake views. The area is known for its quiet beauty and easy access to the beach.
9. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
HILLTOP PANORAMAS
Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail climbs through dense woods to one of the highest points in Saugatuck, offering breathtaking vistas. The hike is moderately challenging with rewarding views over the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan. Birders and wildflower enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy along the way.
10. Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Fred Meijer Berry Junction Trail runs for over 11 miles on a paved former rail corridor in Muskegon. The trail connects urban parks, forests, and quiet rural stretches, perfect for a day hike or bike ride. Families and solo hikers alike enjoy its easy grade and pleasant scenery.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING DESTINATIONS
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the many exceptional trails found across the state, from rugged Upper Peninsula paths to scenic Lower Peninsula routes. Michigan is known for its extensive forests, sparkling lakes, and varied landscapes, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers can experience everything from challenging mountain trails to relaxed nature walks in parks and preserves.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEST BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's stunning coastal trails along its Great Lakes, offering hikers access to unspoiled beaches, towering sand dunes, and dramatic lake vistas. These hikes are ideal for those seeking sun, surf, and the soothing sounds of water along their route. From Sleeping Bear Dunes to Pictured Rocks, the shoreline offers diverse scenery and unforgettable experiences.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems showcases lesser-known trails where seclusion and wildlife observation are highlights. These off-the-beaten-path destinations provide hikers with quiet forests, peaceful wetlands, and encounters with native animals. Perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with unspoiled nature.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE VISTAS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for vibrant fall color displays in its many forests and parks. Trails wind through maples, oaks, and beeches that burst into red, orange, and gold during peak foliage season. Hikers come from far and wide to experience breathtaking autumn scenery and crisp, cool air.
15. Ottawa National Forest
REMOTE WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers hundreds of miles of wilderness hiking through deep forests, streams, and remote lakes. The forest is a haven for backcountry adventurers, with opportunities for multi-day treks and wildlife viewing. Its pristine, rugged landscapes provide an authentic Northwoods hiking experience.