Howell MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Howell, Michigan.
1. Brighton State Recreation Area
SPRAWLING NATURE HAVEN
Brighton State Recreation Area offers nearly 5,000 acres of rolling hills and diverse landscapes, making it a prime destination for hikers in Howell. The extensive trail system supports hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian activities, with routes ranging from short one-mile walks to challenging eighteen-mile treks. Visitors are treated to scenic forest views, lakeshore paths, and abundant wildlife throughout the park.
2. Howell Nature Center
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER TRAILS
Howell Nature Center features a network of tranquil hiking trails set within a sanctuary dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education. Hikers can enjoy wooded paths, lakeside vistas, and the opportunity to observe native animals in their habitats. The trails are ideal for families and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful outdoor escape close to the city.
3. Island Lake Recreation Area
RIVER AND PRAIRIE LOOPS
Island Lake Recreation Area, located near Howell, boasts more than 18 miles of trails traversing woodlands, meadows, and riverside landscapes. The East Loop circles the Huron River, providing scenic water views, while the West Loop winds through forests and wetlands. This area is perfect for hikers looking for a variety of natural environments and well-marked loops.
4. Huron Meadows Metropark
FIELD AND WOODLAND TRAILS
Huron Meadows Metropark offers over eleven miles of picturesque trails that take hikers through open fields, dense woodlands, and along serene lakeshores. The Cedar Trace and Maltby Vista trails are especially popular, providing peaceful routes with abundant birdwatching opportunities. The park's well-maintained paths make it accessible for both casual and avid hikers.
5. Kensington Metropark
SCENIC LAKE CIRCLES
Kensington Metropark features an 8.5-mile paved trail that circles Kent Lake, alongside seven miles of unpaved nature trails for a more rugged hiking experience. The park is known for its varied habitats, from open water to mature forests, and is ideal for wildlife observation and scenic photography. It's a versatile destination for hikers of all skill levels.
6. Pinckney Recreation Area
GLACIAL LAKE ADVENTURE
Pinckney Recreation Area is renowned for its extensive network of looped trails that meander through hilly woodlands, along glacial lakes, and across scenic ridges. The Silver Lake and Crooked Lake trails offer some of the area's most picturesque hiking. With both short nature walks and challenging longer routes, it caters to every hiker's preference.
7. Maybury State Park
ROLLING FOREST TERRAIN
Maybury State Park features nearly 1,000 acres of gently rolling hills, forests, and flower-filled meadows, providing a tranquil setting for hikers just southeast of Howell. Multiple trails wind through wildlife-rich habitats and offer year-round recreation, including cross-country skiing in winter. The park's well-marked paths are suitable for both casual strolls and more vigorous hikes.
8. Hudson Mills Metropark
HURON RIVER PATHWAYS
Hudson Mills Metropark presents scenic hiking trails that trace the banks of the Huron River, weaving through old woodlands and open meadows. The park's trail system offers peaceful river views, picnic sites, and opportunities to spot local wildlife. It's a favorite spot for hikers who enjoy water features combined with quiet natural beauty.
9. Genoa Township Fields & Trail
COMMUNITY WOODS WALK
Genoa Township Fields & Trail provides an accessible hiking experience with well-maintained paths through open green spaces and stands of mature trees. The trail is perfect for a quick nature escape and is frequented by local walkers and joggers. Its convenient location near Howell allows for a peaceful outing without venturing far from town.
10. Marion Township Park
QUIET LOCAL RETREAT
Marion Township Park, just outside Howell, features gentle hiking trails winding through fields, woods, and around picturesque Triangle Lake. The park's tranquil atmosphere and limited crowds make it a hidden gem for those seeking solitude and simple natural beauty. It's an excellent choice for a relaxing walk or birdwatching.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
NEIGHBORHOOD GREEN CORRIDOR
Argyle Street Park Trail is a convenient urban path connecting local neighborhoods to green spaces and small wooded areas within Howell. The park offers a pleasant place for a short hike, dog walk, or family stroll. It's an easily accessible way to enjoy some fresh air without leaving the city.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the state's most celebrated hiking destinations, from sprawling state parks and dense forests to breathtaking lake shorelines. Hikers can explore a wealth of natural diversity, including sand dunes, waterfalls, and old-growth woodlands. Michigan offers trails for all skill levels, promising memorable adventures across every region.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
LAKE AND DUNE WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking encompasses some of the country's most beautiful coastal trails, where sandy beaches, high bluffs, and majestic dunes meet clear blue waters. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes, hikers are rewarded with sweeping vistas and unique geological formations. These trails are perfect for anyone seeking the tranquility of the beach and the drama of Great Lakes scenery.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
SECLUDED TRAIL TREASURES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems showcases lesser-known trails found deep in forests, quiet wetlands, and remote state parks, ideal for solitude and wildlife observation. These hidden pathways offer peaceful escapes from busier destinations and reveal Michigan's quiet beauty. Many of these trails are perfect for spotting rare birds, deer, and other wildlife in their natural habitats.
15. Ottawa National Forest
FALL FOLIAGE ROUTES
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers some of the Midwest's most vibrant foliage viewing, as maples, oaks, and aspens blaze with color along winding trails. Parks and forests across the state provide spectacular backdrops for fall hikes, especially in October's peak leaf season. These routes are ideal for nature lovers seeking crisp air, colorful vistas, and unforgettable photographs.
16. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS EXPANSE TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula features hundreds of miles of hiking trails crossing deep forests, tumbling waterfalls, and serene lake shores. The forest's extensive wilderness provides opportunities for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures in unspoiled natural settings. Visitors can experience solitude and scenic beauty among the towering pines and remote waterways.