Pleasant Ridge MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Pleasant Ridge, Michigan.
1. Detroit Riverwalk
SCENIC URBAN WATERFRONT PATH
The Detroit Riverwalk offers hikers a dynamic blend of urban scenery and impressive waterfront views along the Detroit River. Spanning several miles, the trail features parks, public art, and access to amenities, making it ideal for walkers and runners of all abilities. Visitors can enjoy sights of downtown Detroit while staying close to Pleasant Ridge, just a short drive away.
2. Dequindre Cut Greenway
POPULAR URBAN GREEN TRAIL
The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a revitalized rail-trail known for its vibrant murals and easy urban access. Stretching roughly two miles, it connects Eastern Market with the Riverwalk, providing a safe and scenic corridor for both pedestrians and cyclists. The trail's unique combination of art, greenery, and cityscape appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
3. Dodge Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PARK TRAILS
Dodge Park in Sterling Heights features several miles of paved and natural surface trails that wind through shaded woods and along the Clinton River. The park is perfect for families, offering playgrounds, picnic areas, and accessible hiking options for all ages. Wildlife sightings are common, making it a relaxing escape from urban bustle.
4. Bloomer Park
TOPOGRAPHIC WOODED TRAILS
Bloomer Park is renowned for its varied elevation and network of hiking trails through mature woodlands and scenic ravines. Hikers can explore several miles of paths that offer both challenging and leisurely routes, all while taking in views of the Clinton River. Convenient amenities and picnic spots make this park a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
MULTI-SEASON FOREST TRAIL
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail offers a serene natural setting featuring well-maintained loops through hardwood forests in Highland Township. The trail accommodates both hikers and cross-country skiers, providing year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its quiet atmosphere and moderate terrain are ideal for anyone seeking a peaceful hike.
6. Shiawassee Park
RIVERSIDE COMMUNITY PATHS
Shiawassee Park in Farmington features gentle, easy-to-navigate trails that follow the banks of the Shiawassee River. The park's green spaces and shaded groves make it a great destination for leisurely strolls or family outings. It provides a tranquil environment close to Pleasant Ridge, ideal for unwinding outdoors.
7. Paint Creek Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE ROUTE
Paint Creek Trail is a popular multi-use path that stretches over nine miles from Rochester to Lake Orion. This rail-trail showcases scenic views of rolling hills, creekside landscapes, and forested sections, appealing to both casual hikers and long-distance walkers. Its hard-packed surface and gentle grades ensure accessibility for all skill levels.
8. River Bends Park
EXPANSIVE WOODED TRAIL SYSTEM
River Bends Park in Shelby Township offers a diverse network of trails winding through dense woods, meadows, and along the Clinton River. The park caters to both hikers and mountain bikers, with dedicated paths for each. Abundant wildlife and varied terrain make it a top pick for nature lovers.
9. Stony Creek Metropark
VAST LAKESIDE HIKING AREA
Stony Creek Metropark boasts over 4,400 acres of natural beauty, with extensive hiking trails encircling Stony Creek Lake and traversing forests, prairies, and wetlands. Hikers can choose from easy lakeside loops to more challenging wooded routes. The park's picturesque scenery and year-round outdoor activities attract visitors from across the region.
10. West Bloomfield Trail
SCENIC GREENWAY CORRIDOR
West Bloomfield Trail is a well-loved greenway spanning nearly seven miles, connecting parks, lakes, and wetlands across the township. Its paved and crushed limestone paths appeal to walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The trail is especially renowned for its lush tree canopy and peaceful suburban atmosphere.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
ICONIC STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the most celebrated trails throughout the state, from the rugged Porcupine Mountains to the tranquil North Country Trail. Michigan offers diverse hiking experiences, including old-growth forests, dramatic dunes, sparkling lakeshores, and panoramic overlooks. These renowned trails attract both casual hikers and dedicated adventurers seeking the very best of Michigan's natural landscapes.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
PRISTINE LAKEFRONT WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking encompasses the remarkable beach and coastal trails skirting the Great Lakes, from Sleeping Bear Dunes to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Hikers can explore sandy beaches, towering dunes, scenic bluffs, and lively coastal forests teeming with wildlife. These trails are famous for their breathtaking vistas over clear blue waters and opportunities for beachside exploration.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS & WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights lesser-known paths offering solitude and exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation throughout the state. These trails meander through remote forests, wetlands, and preserves that remain relatively untouched and free from crowds. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy peaceful hikes and the chance to encounter native wildlife in their natural habitats.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking showcases the state's most picturesque trails for vibrant fall foliage viewing, including destinations like Hartwick Pines and the Upper Peninsula's hardwood forests. During autumn, these trails are transformed by brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, creating breathtaking landscapes. The crisp air and crunchy leaves underfoot make these routes a seasonal favorite for locals and visitors.
15. Ottawa National Forest
RUGGED WILDERNESS TREKKING
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula features hundreds of miles of hiking trails that cross pristine forests, tumbling waterfalls, and remote lakeshores. The forest's vast expanse offers trails for all skill levels, from easy interpretive walks to challenging backcountry routes. Hikers can immerse themselves in true wilderness and enjoy abundant wildlife, stunning vistas, and peaceful solitude.