Sheridan MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sheridan, Michigan.
1. Manistee River Trail
RIVERSIDE SCENIC PATH
The Manistee River Trail offers hikers a stunning riverside experience with sweeping views, suspension bridges, and dense forest scenery. This popular loop is known for its varied terrain, waterfalls, and opportunities for wildlife sightings, drawing hikers from across Michigan. Its proximity to several campgrounds makes it a favorite for day hikes or overnight trips.
2. Potawatomi Trail
CLASSIC LOOP EXPERIENCE
The Potawatomi Trail is a well-loved loop trail winding through the hilly forests and glacial terrain of Pinckney Recreation Area. Featuring lakeside views, rustic campsites, and frequent wildlife encounters, it is ideal for both day hikes and multi-day backpacking. Its well-marked paths and variety of landscapes make it a must-visit for avid hikers.
3. Seidman Park Outside Loop
WOODLANDS AND WETLANDS
Seidman Park's Outside Loop offers a peaceful journey through rich woodlands, wetlands, and open meadows near Ada. The trail is well-maintained and accessible, making it great for families and nature enthusiasts who appreciate diverse habitats and birdwatching opportunities. Several boardwalks and scenic overlooks enhance the experience.
4. Mount Baldhead Figure Eight
DUNE SUMMIT LOOP
The Mount Baldhead Figure Eight trail climbs to the iconic dune summit overlooking Saugatuck and the Kalamazoo River. Hikers ascend a wooden staircase for panoramic views before looping through forested dunes and reaching Oval Beach. This trail blends strenuous climbs with rewarding vistas and sandy strolls.
5. Yankee Springs Recreation Area
HILLS AND LAKES ADVENTURE
Yankee Springs Recreation Area boasts an extensive trail network weaving through rolling hills, hardwood forests, and sparkling lakes. Popular among hikers, bikers, and campers, the area offers a range of trail lengths and difficulty levels. Its diverse terrain and scenic beauty make it a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
COASTAL SAND DUNES
Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area features sandy trails through preserved dunes and rare Great Lakes coastal habitat. Hikers can spot wildflowers, birds, and sweeping views of Lake Michigan. The area's pristine beaches and gentle trails make it an accessible yet breathtaking hiking spot.
7. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
SEASONAL FOREST LOOPS
The Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail near Chelsea is a multi-use trail offering serene walks amid thick forests and rolling hills. In the summer, it's known for peaceful hiking and in winter, it transforms into a favorite cross-country ski destination. The trail's loops cater to various skill levels and provide ample opportunity to enjoy Michigan's woodland wildlife.
8. Forestview Natural Area
QUIET WILDERNESS WALK
Forestview Natural Area offers a tranquil escape into mature forests and meandering streams near Big Rapids. With well-marked paths and interpretive signs, hikers can learn about native plants and animals. The area is especially appreciated for its solitude and gentle terrain.
9. Crow's Nest/Tallmadge Woods Trail
BLUFFS AND LAKE VIEWS
Crow's Nest and Tallmadge Woods Trail guide hikers through dense woodlands up to a bluff with panoramic Lake Michigan views. The trail is moderately challenging, with a mix of steep climbs and easy woodland stretches. It's particularly popular in spring and fall for its vibrant wildflower displays and leaf colors.
10. Fred Meijer Heartland Trail
LONG-DISTANCE RAIL TRAIL
The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail stretches over 40 miles along a former railway corridor, passing through farmland, forests, and small towns. Popular for both hiking and biking, its smooth surface and gentle grades make it suitable for all ages. It's a scenic way to explore rural Michigan landscapes and local communities.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATE'S TOP TRAIL PICKS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the most celebrated trails across the state, from rugged Upper Peninsula routes to family-friendly loops near major cities. These trails offer diverse scenery including dunes, forests, lakes, and waterfalls, appealing to beginner and expert hikers alike. Michigan's trail system is renowned for its natural beauty, seasonal variety, and accessibility for outdoor explorers.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
COASTAL AND BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking introduces trails along the Great Lakes, known for their spectacular lake views, sandy beaches, and sweeping dunes. Hikers can explore renowned routes like the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks shorelines, each offering unique coastal scenery and wildlife. These trails capture the essence of Michigan's beachside beauty and provide unforgettable experiences in every season.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED TRAIL DISCOVERIES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems features lesser-known trails ideal for seclusion, tranquility, and immersive wildlife observation. These off-the-beaten-path locations range from forest preserves to quiet lakeshores, often rewarding hikers with solitude and unspoiled nature. Exploring these trails can reveal rare bird species, peaceful landscapes, and a deeper sense of connection to the state's wild places.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the state's most vibrant trails for viewing fall foliage by foot. Trails through northern hardwood forests, lakeshores, and hilly parks showcase an annual spectacle of reds, oranges, and golds. This is prime time for hikers to experience Michigan's natural beauty at its colorful peak.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest is home to hundreds of miles of trails winding through deep woods, over rivers, and past dramatic waterfalls in Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Hikers can enjoy quiet seclusion, old-growth stands, and stunning vistas across the forest's diverse terrain. This area is a favorite for backpackers and nature lovers seeking an authentic wilderness adventure.