Midland MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Midland, Michigan.
1. Chippewa Nature Center Trails
DIVERSE WOODLAND PATHS
Chippewa Nature Center Trails in Midland invite hikers to explore 19 miles of well-maintained, scenic trails winding through forests, meadows, wetlands, and along the Chippewa River. The diverse network offers options for both casual strolls and longer treks, with signage and maps to guide visitors through unique ecosystems and wildlife habitats. These accessible and picturesque trails are suitable year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing.
2. Midland City Forest Trails
ALL-SEASON URBAN FOREST
Midland City Forest Trails offer a variety of hiking experiences within a sprawling woodland on the city's northern side. Visitors can choose from interconnected trail systems dedicated to hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing, with equestrian use permitted in certain seasons. The trails feature easy-to-moderate terrain and are great for everything from peaceful walks to more energetic hikes under towering trees.
3. Pere Marquette Rail Trail
LONG PAVED GREENWAY
The Pere Marquette Rail Trail is a 30-mile paved pathway stretching from downtown Midland northeast to Clare, ideal for hiking, running, biking, and skating. This renowned rail trail is accessible year-round and traverses woodlands, open fields, and riverside scenery, attracting both locals and visitors. The trail begins at the iconic Tridge in Midland and provides a smooth, scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels.
4. Tridge and Chippewa Trail
RIVERSIDE ICONIC WALK
The Tridge and Chippewa Trail combine Midland's most famous pedestrian bridge with a scenic 4-mile riverside path. Starting at the Tridge, the trail meanders southwest along the Chippewa River towards the Chippewa Nature Center, offering abundant birdwatching and river views. The paved route is accessible, family-friendly, and perfect for a leisurely stroll or light hike in all seasons.
5. Pine Haven Recreation Area
SECLUDED FOREST LOOPS
Pine Haven Recreation Area in Sanford—just west of Midland—features loops through peaceful pine forests, ponds, and quiet streams. Visitors enjoy a choice of easy to challenging trails, complete with marked routes, mountain biking paths, horse trails, and cross-country skiing options in winter. Its location just outside Midland offers a more secluded hiking experience with opportunities for wildlife observation.
6. Barstow Woods Park
WOODLAND CITY OASIS
Barstow Woods Park features serene walking paths through mature woods right in the heart of Midland. The shaded and well-maintained trails make for a quick escape to nature, with a children's area and picnic spots alongside the woodland scenery. Ideal for all ages, this city park is a relaxing place for a short hike, birdwatching, or enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
7. Emerson Park Trails
RIVERSIDE URBAN TRAILS
Emerson Park Trails run alongside the Tittabawassee River, providing pleasant riverside walks within Midland's city limits. Hikers can easily access the paved routes, picnic areas, and green spaces, making it a popular spot for families and those seeking a gentle outdoor walk. This park is especially convenient for those who want to combine sports, leisure, and nature in one location.
8. St. Charles Park
PEACEFUL NATURAL ESCAPE
St. Charles Park offers quiet walking trails and nature areas on Midland's southwest side, perfect for peaceful hikes or family outings. The shady trails wind through a mix of forest and open areas, with spots for birdwatching and seasonal wildflowers. This charming park is a favorite for those seeking a restorative escape close to the city.
9. Sanford Lake Park Trails
WATERFRONT SCENIC WALKS
Sanford Lake Park Trails loop around recreational areas and along the Lake's edge, featuring lakefront views, wooded patches, and easy paved paths. The park is popular for hiking, picnicking, and fishing, with trails that suit short strolls or longer nature walks. Its proximity to the water makes it an excellent spot for combining outdoor exercise with lakeside relaxation.
10. Stratford Woods Park
BEACH AND WOODLAND TRAILS
Stratford Woods Park in Midland features nature trails that circle wooded areas and connect to a sandy beach, offering a blend of hiking and lakeside recreation. The trails provide both forested and open settings making it suitable for nature walks, wildlife spotting, and beach activities. It's an ideal destination for those looking to mix outdoor adventure with a day by the water.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATEWIDE TOP TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking encompasses the most celebrated hiking experiences across the state, from the shores of the Great Lakes to pristine forests and challenging highlands. Hikers can explore dramatic landscapes, unique geological formations, and trails suited for every ability—whether in the Upper Peninsula or Lower Peninsula. Michigan's best hiking destinations provide breathtaking scenery in every season, making the state a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL & BEACH TREKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's most beautiful beach and coastal trails, offering stunning views of Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and more. These trails wind along sandy dunes, dramatic bluffs, and through beachside forests, making them perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation by the water. Whether at Sleeping Bear Dunes, Pictured Rocks, or hidden stretches, hikers discover unforgettable coastal scenery and diverse ecosystems.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS & WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are lesser-known trails scattered throughout the state, prized for their seclusion, tranquility, and abundant wildlife. These off-the-beaten-path hikes lead adventurers through quiet woods, peaceful wetlands, and remote conservation areas ideal for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Exploring these gems rewards hikers with solitude and unique opportunities to observe Michigan's rich flora and fauna.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAIL WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's renowned fall foliage, with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds transforming the landscape. The best autumn hikes travel through rolling hills, hardwood forests, and around scenic lakes, providing spectacular views at every turn. These trails invite visitors to experience the crisp air, colorful leaves, and quintessential Midwest beauty of Michigan in the fall.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS NORTH WOODS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula offers hikers vast wilderness, towering pines, pristine lakes, and scenic waterfalls. Trails here range from short interpretive loops to multi-day backcountry adventures, with ample opportunities for solitude, wildlife encounters, and stunning vistas. The forest's immense size and diversity make it one of Michigan's premier destinations for immersive nature-based hiking.