Portland MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Portland, Michigan.
1. Portland Riverwalk
SCENIC RIVER TRAIL
The Portland Riverwalk offers a picturesque pathway that winds along the Grand River, providing stunning water views and tranquil natural settings. This well-maintained trail is beloved by both hikers and cyclists for its safe environment and convenient amenities, including benches and covered pavilions. Stretching more than 10 miles, it is a favorite year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts and visiting families.
2. Ionia State Recreation Area
DIVERSE FOREST PATHS
Ionia State Recreation Area features over 4,500 acres of rolling hills, hardwood forests, and pristine lakes, creating countless opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. The park offers a variety of trails, ranging from easy woodland walks to more challenging routes with rewarding scenic overlooks. Wildlife is abundant, making it a great spot for hikers who also enjoy birdwatching and nature photography.
3. North Country National Scenic Trail
NATIONAL SCENIC ROUTE
The North Country National Scenic Trail passes through Lowell, offering hikers a chance to experience a segment of the country's longest hiking trail. This section treats visitors to serene woodland walks, gently rolling terrain, and periodic glimpses of local waterways. It is ideal for both long-distance trekkers seeking a challenge and casual walkers wanting a taste of the national trail system.
4. Valhalla Park
URBAN NATURE ESCAPE
Valhalla Park in Holt delivers a peaceful hiking experience with its well-marked paths winding past a scenic lake and wooded areas. The park is a local favorite thanks to its accessible trails, clean facilities, and opportunities to spot wildlife in a suburban setting. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk, a brisk hike, or a picnic among lush greenery, making it perfect for all ages.
5. Fallasburg Park Trail
HISTORIC COVERED BRIDGE
Fallasburg Park Trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historic charm, most notably featuring the iconic Fallasburg Covered Bridge. The trail follows the Flat River, passing through mature woodlands rich in birdlife and native plants. Hikers can enjoy gentle terrain, river views, and interpretive signs that share the area's history.
6. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
ELEVATED FOREST HIKES
The Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail near Grand Haven offers a spectacular forested hike with rewarding elevation changes. Visitors ascend through thick woods to reach high ridges overlooking the surrounding landscape and Lake Michigan in the distance. The peaceful environment and panoramic views make this trail a memorable adventure for hikers of all skill levels.
7. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
MULTI-SEASONAL TRAIL
The Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail in Hickory Corners is a year-round destination for those seeking both hiking and cross-country skiing. The winding paths traverse varied terrain, including open fields and quiet woodlands, with well-marked loops for different abilities. The trail's versatile design and serene atmosphere attract adventurers throughout every season.
8. Forestview Natural Area Trail
QUIET WOODED WALK
Forestview Natural Area Trail in Middleville invites hikers into a tranquil setting of dense woods, wildflowers, and native wildlife. The trail offers a peaceful respite from busier parks, with gentle grades perfect for families and solo hikers alike. It's a wonderful spot for anyone seeking solitude and the soothing sounds of nature.
9. Shields Trail
RIVERSIDE WALKWAY
Shields Trail in Grand Rapids traces the banks of the Grand River, delivering scenic water views and easy walking conditions. This urban trail is popular for its accessible paths, peaceful surroundings, and convenient location close to city amenities. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or a brisk hike, the trail provides a refreshing break from urban life.
10. Old Fishtown Trail — Water Tower Loop
HISTORIC COASTAL ROUTE
The Old Fishtown Trail — Water Tower Loop in Leland combines history and natural beauty along Michigan's Lake Michigan shoreline. Hikers can explore Fishtown's historic fishing shanties before heading out on the scenic loop through wooded bluffs and open lake views. The mix of cultural landmarks and stunning coastal scenery provides a unique and memorable hiking experience.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP TRAILS OF MICHIGAN
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the state's premier hiking destinations, ranging from the dense forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rolling dunes of the west coast. Michigan's trails showcase lake overlooks, waterfalls, and miles of peaceful woodland terrain. These experiences attract hikers from across the Midwest for their outstanding scenery, variety, and accessibility.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SPECTACULAR BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking offers some of the Midwest's most beautiful coastal trails, with pathways winding along sandy beaches and dramatic dunes. Highlights include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pictured Rocks, where hikers encounter breathtaking lake vistas, cliffs, and diverse wildlife. These beach and coastal hikes are perfect for those seeking a mix of sun, sand, and natural beauty on foot.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlights the state's lesser-known trails ideal for solitude and wildlife observation. These hidden spots, often tucked away in quiet forests or remote preserves, provide peaceful escapes from the crowds. Hikers have the chance to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife while enjoying Michigan's tranquil natural beauty.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE ADVENTURES
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for vibrant fall colors, with trails winding through forests ablaze in shades of red, orange, and gold. Top autumn destinations include the Porcupine Mountains, Tahquamenon Falls, and countless county parks, each offering unique vistas and crisp seasonal air. These hikes attract leaf-peepers seeking unforgettable views and the quintessential Michigan fall experience.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS NORTHWOODS ADVENTURE
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a vast wilderness spanning nearly one million acres, offering diverse hiking opportunities from short loops to multi-day treks. The forest is home to pristine lakes, towering pines, and an abundance of wildlife, with popular trails leading to waterfalls and remote backcountry campsites. It is an exceptional destination for those seeking immersion in Michigan's wild northwoods.