Martin MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Martin, Michigan.
1. Yankee Springs Recreation Area
EXPANSIVE NATURAL PLAYGROUND
Yankee Springs Recreation Area is a premier destination near Martin, featuring over 5,000 acres of glacially sculpted landscape. Visitors can explore an array of hiking trails that wind through dense forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes, providing opportunities for both leisure and adventure. Popular routes like the Deep Lake Trail and the Devil's Soup Bowl offer diverse terrains and beautiful views, making it a favorite for day hikers and nature lovers.
2. Deep Lake Trail
LAKESIDE FOREST HIKING
Deep Lake Trail is a scenic loop found within Yankee Springs, offering hikers a peaceful journey around a picturesque inland lake. The trail meanders through hardwood forests and features occasional wildlife sightings, especially in the quiet early morning. Its moderate length and natural shade make it suitable for both casual walkers and more dedicated hikers.
3. Al Sabo Preserve
WETLANDS AND WOODLANDS
Al Sabo Preserve is a 741-acre protected area combining marshlands, rolling meadows, and wooded ridges. The preserve's network of trails provides hikers with tranquil views, boardwalk stretches, and a chance to spot local wildlife such as deer and songbirds. Its proximity to Martin makes it an excellent choice for a half-day nature retreat.
4. Provin Trails Park
URBAN FOREST ESCAPE
Provin Trails Park offers a peaceful, wooded hiking experience just north of Grand Rapids. Multiple sandy trails loop through pine groves and hardwood stands, making it an ideal spot for families and day hikers seeking a quick escape from city life. Visitors can enjoy serene walks, birdwatching, and nature photography throughout the year.
5. Fred Meijer Heartland Trail
LONG-DISTANCE RAIL TRAIL
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail is a 42.9-mile multi-use path following a former railroad corridor through rural landscapes and small towns. Hikers can explore sections of the trail, enjoying paved surfaces, scenic farmland, and tranquil woods. The trail is popular for both long-distance trekking and shorter, scenic strolls.
6. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
BLUFFTOP WOODS VIEWS
Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail near Saugatuck offers a short but challenging hike with rewarding high views over Lake Michigan and lush forest canopies. Visitors can wind through ancient woods with a mix of elevation gains and tranquil resting spots. Its proximity to the lakeshore makes it ideal for pairing with a visit to nearby beaches.
7. Old Fishtown Trail — Water Tower Loop
COASTAL HISTORY HIKE
Old Fishtown Trail — Water Tower Loop in Leland combines lakeshore scenery with regional heritage, tracing routes once traveled by Michigan fishermen. The loop offers serene paths, glimpses of historic structures, and panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Hikers can immerse themselves in local history while enjoying a brisk walk along the shoreline.
8. Beech Tree Loop
SHORT FORESTED TRAIL
Beech Tree Loop provides a compact, wooded trail ideal for families and casual hikers in the Grand Rapids area. It is especially beautiful in the fall, when beech and maple leaves create a colorful canopy overhead. The well-maintained path and peaceful environment make it popular for nature walks and birdwatching.
9. Blue Lake Township Trails
NORTHERN HIGHLANDS PATHS
Blue Lake Township Trails wind through rolling northern forests, offering hikers a mix of hardwood stands and gentle hills. These trails cater to both short and moderate hikes with opportunities for wildlife sightings and seasonal wildflower blooms. The tranquil setting provides a refreshing retreat from busier regional parks.
10. Devil's Soup Bowl Connector
GEOLOGIC WONDER WALK
Devil's Soup Bowl Connector leads hikers to one of Michigan's most unique natural features, a large glacial kettle hole. Surrounded by dense woods, the trail has sections of rugged terrain and elevated views of the bowl below. Its fascinating geological history and relatively short length make it a must-see in Yankee Springs Recreation Area.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS STATEWIDE
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the most celebrated trails across the entire state, from rugged Upper Peninsula backcountry routes to scenic paths near the Great Lakes. Michigan offers something for every hiker, ranging from challenging multi-day backpacking adventures to accessible family-friendly walks. Trails such as the North Country Trail, Manistee River Trail, and Sleeping Bear Dunes exemplify the state's diversity and natural beauty.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS AND BEACHES
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's most impressive lakefront and beachside trails, where sandy dunes and sweeping water views dominate the landscape. Hikers can explore stretches of the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines, including favorites like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. These trails are perfect for those seeking sand, surf, and dramatic sunsets along Michigan's coasts.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED AND WILD TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems guide hikers to less-traveled trails and preserves, ideal for solitude and wildlife viewing. From quiet forest paths in the Upper Peninsula to overlooked prairies in the Lower Peninsula, these locations offer peaceful immersion in nature and prime birdwatching opportunities. These hidden spots reward intrepid hikers with tranquility and abundant biodiversity.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAIL VIEWS
Michigan Autumn Hiking spotlights the best trails for experiencing the state's spectacular fall colors. From hardwood forests in the north to rolling hills in the south, hikers can revel in vibrant displays of red, orange, and gold. Favorite spots like Porcupine Mountains and Manistee National Forest become especially magical in the autumn months.
15. Ottawa National Forest
EXPANSIVE WILDERNESS HIKING
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, offers hikers over 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness to explore. Trails meander through old-growth forests, past rushing rivers, and to scenic waterfalls, providing opportunities for camping and wildlife observation. This vast forest is a haven for long-distance hikers and those seeking true backcountry adventure.