Manistique MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Manistique, Michigan.
1. Ashford Lake Pathway
SCENIC LAKESIDE TRAIL
Ashford Lake Pathway offers hikers a peaceful loop through the wooded areas surrounding Ashford Lake in Manistique. This easy pathway is ideal for families and bird watchers, with relatively flat terrain and tranquil water views. The trail's quiet environment makes it a favorite for casual strolls or enjoying nature up close.
2. Colwell Lake Trail
FOREST AND LAKE VIEWS
Colwell Lake Trail is a moderate hiking route that circumnavigates Colwell Lake, providing expansive views and opportunities for spotting local wildlife. The loop features lush forest, wildflowers in season, and easy access to fishing and picnic areas. Its proximity to the lake and varied habitats make it a rewarding excursion for both beginners and experienced hikers.
3. Environmental Lab Trail
NATURE EDUCATION WALK
The Environmental Lab Trail offers a short, educational route designed to showcase the area's unique plant life and ecosystems. Interpretive signs along the trail provide details about native species, making it an excellent choice for families and school groups. Its accessible location and informative nature walks make it a local favorite in Manistique.
4. Fox River Pathway
LEGENDARY FISHING ROUTE
Fox River Pathway is renowned for following the same river that inspired Ernest Hemingway's famous short story, 'Big Two-Hearted River.' This scenic route winds through lush forests and follows the meandering Fox River, offering pristine beauty and peaceful solitude. The trail is highly regarded for its opportunities for fishing and wilderness hiking near Seney.
5. Haywire Grade Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Haywire Grade Trail is Michigan's first rail-trail, stretching over 33 miles between Manistique and Shingleton. The trail weaves through dense forests, crossing wooden bridges and following the path of a former logging railway. Its multi-use design and historic significance make it a popular choice for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling year-round.
6. Indian Lake Pathway
LAKE AND WOODLAND LOOPS
Indian Lake Pathway features a collection of interconnected loops through the state park's forests and wetlands near Indian Lake. The trails showcase excellent lake views, wildlife observation spots, and picnic areas all easily accessible from Manistique. Hikers can choose routes of varying lengths, making it ideal for short strolls or longer hikes.
7. Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk
EASY WATERFRONT WALK
Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk is a scenic, ADA-accessible route stretching along Lake Michigan's shoreline and the mouth of the Manistique River. The boardwalk offers benches, interpretive signage, and excellent views of the historic lighthouse. This relaxing path is perfect for a gentle walk while enjoying lake breezes and observing local birds.
8. Bruno's Run Trail
LOOP THROUGH HIAWATHA
Bruno's Run Trail is a beloved 9-mile loop located in Hiawatha National Forest near Wetmore, offering hikers a diverse landscape of mixed hardwood forests and small, sparkling lakes. The trail provides opportunities for wildlife watching, wildflower viewing, and quiet immersion in nature. Its rolling terrain and remote atmosphere make it a standout trail within an easy drive from Manistique.
9. Fayette Historic State Park
CLIFFS AND HISTORY LOOP
Fayette Historic State Park is renowned for its dramatic limestone cliffs, rugged shoreline, and the preserved remains of a 19th-century iron smelting town. Hiking trails wind past historic buildings, through hardwood forests, and offer panoramic overlooks of Snail Shell Harbor and Lake Michigan. This unique mix of history and natural beauty draws hikers looking for memorable vistas and cultural exploration.
10. Manistique River Pathway
URBAN-NATURE CONNECTOR
Manistique River Pathway is a short, gravel trail conveniently located near downtown shops and restaurants in Manistique. This 2,950-foot path offers a unique blend of city amenities and quiet riverfront views, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk. Its easy accessibility and blend of natural and urban scenery attract both locals and visitors.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the most celebrated hiking experiences across the diverse landscapes of Michigan. From the rugged peaks of the Porcupine Mountains to the dramatic cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, these trails offer a captivating mix of natural wonder and outdoor adventure. Hikers can expect everything from scenic vistas to secluded wilderness across Michigan's best-loved routes.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL ADVENTURE TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases some of the most stunning beach and coastal trails along the state's Great Lakes borders. Hikers can explore endless sand dunes, hidden coves, and dramatic overlooks, with opportunities to spot unique wildlife and vibrant sunsets. From Sleeping Bear Dunes to the scenic stretches of Lake Superior, these trails offer memorable adventures by the water.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems encompasses off-the-beaten-path trails ideal for solitude and wildlife observation. These lesser-known routes wind through remote forests, wetlands, and backcountry areas, perfect for hikers seeking peaceful, undisturbed environments. Wildlife enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from songbirds to deer, in some of Michigan's most tranquil settings.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE VISTAS
Michigan Autumn Hiking directs attention to the state's most spectacular fall color destinations. Trails wind through hardwood forests ablaze with red, gold, and orange, offering picture-perfect views and crisp air ideal for autumn walks. Popular leaf-peeping routes in parks like Tahquamenon Falls and the Keweenaw Peninsula create unforgettable seasonal memories.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPLORATION
Ottawa National Forest invites hikers to experience over 500,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Trails range from short interpretive walks to rigorous backcountry treks, passing through old-growth forests, pristine rivers, and scenic waterfalls. This expansive forest offers unmatched opportunities for adventure, solitude, and discovering Michigan's wild heart.