Schoolcraft MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Schoolcraft, Michigan.
1. Chapel Trail Loop — Hiawatha National Forest
WATERFALLS AND CLIFF VIEWS
Chapel Trail Loop — Hiawatha National Forest offers hikers one of Michigan's most iconic routes, featuring dramatic waterfalls, soaring cliffs, and access to Lake Superior's wild shoreline. The trail provides a moderately challenging trek through lush forest, with rewarding views of Chapel Falls and the famed Chapel Rock. Wildlife sightings and picturesque photography opportunities make this trail a favorite for visitors seeking adventure and natural beauty.
2. Bruno's Run Trail Loop — Hiawatha National Forest
PEACEFUL LAKE LOOPS
Bruno's Run Trail Loop in Hiawatha National Forest is an inviting 9-mile trail that circles several pristine inland lakes and weaves through dense woods. The relatively gentle terrain makes it suitable for hikers of most abilities and is also popular with mountain bikers. Along the way, visitors enjoy tranquil water views, excellent birding, and the serenity of Michigan's Upper Peninsula wilderness.
3. Ashford Lake Pathway
LOOPS BY A QUIET LAKE
Ashford Lake Pathway is located north of Manistique and offers three scenic loops totaling 18 miles along the north side of Ashford Lake. Well-marked and maintained by the Michigan DNR, the pathway caters to families and solo adventurers alike, with loop options of varying distances. The area is especially beautiful in fall, and offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and peaceful reflection in nature.
4. Indian Lake Pathway
FORESTED LAKE HIKES
Indian Lake Pathway is a multi-loop hiking and ski trail system located north of the small community of Thompson. The 8.5-mile network winds through mixed hardwood and pine forests, offering a mostly easy to moderate walk with great opportunities for wildlife spotting. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will appreciate the changing scenery and the peacefulness of this less-traveled route.
5. Colwell Lake Trail
ACCESSIBLE LAKE WALK
Colwell Lake Trail is a fully accessible, 2-mile loop that hugs the edge of beautiful Colwell Lake, north of Manistique in Schoolcraft County. The easy grade and smooth surface make it a favorite for families, individuals with mobility impairments, and winter snowshoers alike. Fall brings stunning foliage, while year-round visitors enjoy lakeside tranquility and glimpses of wildlife.
6. Pine Marten Run Trail
BACKCOUNTRY HORSE & HIKE
Pine Marten Run Trail, located northwest of Manistique, is a 26-mile network within the Hiawatha National Forest, prized by hikers and horseback riders. The trails wind through remote lands, passing by several small lakes and wetlands, making it an ideal destination for solitude and backcountry exploration. Primitive camping is available along the route, appealing to adventurers seeking an immersive wilderness experience.
7. Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk
EASY SCENIC SHORE TRAIL
The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk stretches along Lake Michigan's northern shore for approximately two miles, providing a flat, accessible path for hikers and strollers. Highlights of this urban-nature trail include beautiful waterfront views, access to the Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse, and interpretive signs about local ecology. This trail is perfect for a leisurely walk and ideal for birdwatching in all seasons.
8. Haywire Grade Trail
MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
Haywire Grade Trail is Michigan's oldest rail-trail, spanning over 33 miles from Manistique to Shingleton. The trail accommodates hikers, bikers, and ORV users, offering a journey through the Upper Peninsula's forests and wetlands. Its historic corridor and varied terrain make it a favorite for those looking for both long-distance hiking and off-road adventures.
9. Seney National Wildlife Refuge Trails
WILDLIFE AND WETLAND WALKS
Seney National Wildlife Refuge offers a network of trails through one of Michigan's premier wetland habitats, located near the village of Seney. Hikers can choose from several short, easy loops or longer routes along dikes and channels, all excellent for birdwatching and spotting other wildlife. The area is tranquil and well-suited for families, nature photographers, and anyone interested in ecosystems and conservation.
10. Thompson State Fish Hatchery Trail
SHORT NATURE LOOP
The Thompson State Fish Hatchery Trail is a short, interpretive nature loop adjacent to the fish hatchery buildings in Thompson. This gentle trail offers educational signage about the local aquatic ecosystem and hatchery operations. It is a pleasant stop for families and those looking for a relaxing stroll close to the city.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
ICONIC MICHIGAN ADVENTURES
Best Michigan Hiking refers to the state's top-rated hiking experiences, combining dramatic natural features, diverse ecosystems, and accessible trails. Michigan's renowned hikes include everything from the dramatic cliffs of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore to the old-growth forests of the Porcupine Mountains, appealing to beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. No matter the region, Michigan offers an abundance of well-maintained trails for all interests and skill levels.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL & BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking encompasses some of the most beautiful beaches and coastal landscapes in the Great Lakes region. Hikers can explore miles of sandy shores, towering dunes, and striking bluffs, with favorites like the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks offering unforgettable waterside treks. These trails provide both easy strolls and challenging climbs, all with sweeping lake vistas and refreshing breezes.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAILS AND WILDLIFE
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are secluded trails known for their quiet, pristine environments and abundant opportunities for observing wildlife. These lesser-known paths take hikers off the beaten track, weaving through old-growth woods, remote wetlands, and rugged bluffs, often without crowds. Hikers seeking solitude, birdwatching, and encounters with local flora and fauna will find these spots especially rewarding.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULARS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's vibrant fall colors, drawing hikers from across the Midwest each year. Trails through hardwood forests, rolling hills, and along lakeshores blaze with reds, oranges, and golds during the autumn months, making any walk a visual treat. Iconic destinations such as Porcupine Mountains, Hartwick Pines, and the Tunnel of Trees offer particularly impressive seasonal displays.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest, located in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, is known for its extensive network of hiking trails winding through over 990,000 acres of wilderness. Hikers experience old-growth hemlock forests, wild rivers and streams, scenic waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Whether seeking multi-day treks or quiet day hikes, visitors enjoy the forest's solitude, diverse terrain, and pristine natural beauty.