Reese MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Reese, Michigan.
1. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
WOODLAND AND WETLAND LOOP
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail offers a peaceful escape through scenic forests and wetlands, providing a classic Michigan northwoods experience. The well-marked loop is suitable for both hikers and cross-country skiers, making it a year-round favorite. Wildlife sightings are common, and the terrain is ideal for nature lovers seeking a relaxing day outdoors.
2. Shields Trail
RIVERSIDE PATHWAY
Shields Trail is a scenic route along the Tittabawassee River and offers a blend of paved and unpaved sections for hikers of all abilities. The trail meanders through lush parkland and mature trees, making it perfect for a peaceful walk or run in Saginaw. Friendly for families and casual hikers, it delivers river views and easy access to local amenities.
3. Bay-Zil Rail Trail
RAIL-TRAIL ADVENTURE
The Bay-Zil Rail Trail connects Bay City to Zilwaukee, following a former railroad corridor through quiet countryside. Hikers enjoy nearly level terrain, making this trail accessible for all skill levels and ideal for both walkers and bicyclists. Riders and hikers encounter open fields, woodland patches, and opportunities to view local wildlife along the way.
4. Forestview Natural Area Trail
PRAIRIE AND FOREST WALK
Forestview Natural Area Trail offers a serene 0.9-mile loop through tallgrass prairie and mixed hardwood forests. The peaceful setting is perfect for birdwatching and spotting native wildflowers in the warmer months. Located near Midland, this short hike is popular with families and those looking for a quick nature escape.
5. Orange Trail
SHORT WOODLAND LOOP
Orange Trail provides a compact 2.2-mile woodland loop near Frankenmuth, winding through dense forests and gentle terrain. It offers a quiet option for hikers seeking a short but immersive nature experience. The trail is well marked and suitable for families or anyone looking for a brief outdoor retreat.
6. Blue Trail
EASY FOREST PATH
Blue Trail features a 2.3-mile circuit through a shaded forest environment, providing a tranquil hike away from city bustle. This accessible trail welcomes hikers of all ages, with gentle grades and wide pathways. Located close to Frankenmuth, it's a convenient option for both locals and visitors.
7. River Trail
SCENIC RIVER WALK
River Trail in Saginaw is a short 0.9-mile hike that gently follows the riverbank, offering peaceful views and a refreshing natural ambiance. The trail is ideal for those seeking a leisurely stroll or a quick break outdoors. Along the path, hikers can spot local birds and enjoy the sights and sounds of the water.
8. Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trail
BAYFRONT URBAN TRAIL
Tawas Bay Multi-Use Trail stretches along the Lake Huron shoreline and connects East Tawas with Tawas City. This paved route is perfect for hikers, bikers, and skaters, offering beautiful views of the bay, sandy beaches, and fishing piers. The trail provides easy access to parks, eateries, and lakefront attractions.
9. Chippewa Nature Center Trails
NATURE CENTER NETWORK
Chippewa Nature Center Trails feature over 19 miles of interconnected paths through forests, riverside, wetlands, and fields. Set in Midland, the trails are well maintained and provide interpretive signs and frequent opportunities for wildlife viewing. The area is especially popular for family outings, educational hikes, and seasonal nature programs.
10. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Trails
WILDLIFE AND WETLAND HIKE
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Trails provide hikers with a chance to explore diverse wetland and forest habitats in Saginaw. The trails range from short loops to longer out-and-back routes, each offering opportunities to spot migratory birds, deer, and other wildlife. Boardwalks and observation decks enhance the refuge experience.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP HIKING EXPERIENCES
Best Michigan Hiking represents the premier hiking destinations found across the state, from rugged Upper Peninsula wilderness to scenic trails in the Lower Peninsula. Michigan's top trails offer a mix of forest, dune, and lakeshore environments with hikes suitable for every skill level. These highly rated paths provide visitors with diverse terrain, panoramic views, and memorable nature experiences.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL TRAILS SHOWCASE
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the state's best beach and coastal trails, stretching along the shores of the Great Lakes. These trails offer sandy beaches, dramatic bluffs, and spectacular water views unique to Michigan's extensive shoreline. Hikers can experience the sounds of the surf, swim at waypoints, and walk for miles along the state's picturesque coasts.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS PATHS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems includes less-traveled trails around the state where seclusion, quiet, and wildlife observation abound. These off-the-beaten-path hikes reveal remote forests, serene wetlands, and opportunities to spot elusive animals. Perfect for solitude-seekers, these trails promise an immersive nature experience away from crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE WALKS
Michigan Autumn Hiking is renowned for vibrant fall foliage, with trails winding through brilliant maple and oak woodlands. Hikers can enjoy crisp air and panoramic views from scenic overlooks, along with the crunch of colored leaves underfoot. This seasonal spectacle attracts leaf-peepers to state and local parks each autumn.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WESTERN UP WILDERNESS
Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula is a hiker's paradise, offering hundreds of miles of remote forest trails, waterfalls, and rugged lakeshore. The forest's diverse hiking routes traverse old-growth woods, wetlands, and scenic ridges, appealing to both casual day hikers and experienced backpackers. Pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and stunning views define the Ottawa hiking experience.