Sylvan Lake MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sylvan Lake, Michigan.
1. Clinton River Trail
MULTI-CITY RAIL TRAIL
Clinton River Trail is a scenic rail-trail that stretches for 16 miles across Oakland County, traversing the municipalities of Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, and Rochester. The trail offers crushed limestone and paved surfaces, winding through suburban, urban, and rural landscapes with options for both hiking and cycling. Its convenient connections to other major trails make it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts in southeast Michigan.
2. West Bloomfield Trail
LINEAR NATURE CORRIDOR
West Bloomfield Trail is a 6.8-mile linear park that meanders through West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake. This wooded corridor offers a tranquil escape for walkers and bikers with lush scenery, wetlands, and abundant birdlife along its gentle route. The trail is especially popular for family outings and nature observation, providing easy access from several nearby communities.
3. Applewood Trail
SHORT CONNECTOR PATH
Applewood Trail is a brief, family-friendly connector that links neighborhoods and parks within Sylvan Lake. With a length of under 2 miles, it offers a simple walk through wooded sections and residential areas, making it ideal for short outings or connecting to other trails. Some segments may experience flooding after heavy rain, so visitors should check conditions before heading out.
4. Bicentennial Park Pathway
RECREATIONAL PARK LOOP
The Bicentennial Park Pathway provides approximately 2.8 miles of paved and scenic path encircling parkland, sports fields, and green spaces in Sylvan Lake. This easy-to-follow loop is perfect for walks, runs, or leisurely bike rides, and is accessible for families with children. While not a wilderness experience, the park setting offers relaxation and recreation close to town.
5. Black Creek Nature Trail
NATURAL WOODLAND STROLL
Black Creek Nature Trail offers a peaceful, 1.7-mile walk through wooded habitats and natural landscapes in Sylvan Lake. The trail's gentle grade and shady surroundings make it ideal for a quick immersion in nature without leaving the city. It concludes in a residential area and serves as a pleasant route for daily exercise and wildlife spotting.
6. Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail
YEAR-ROUND SCENIC LOOP
Hickory Ridge Hike & Ski Trail is a popular multi-use loop near Highland Charter Township, northwest of Sylvan Lake. The trail features rolling hills, mixed forest, and diverse wildlife, offering excellent hiking in warmer months and groomed cross-country skiing in winter. It's a well-marked trail system, suitable for both casual walkers and more ambitious hikers.
7. Shields Trail
FORESTED WALKING TRAIL
Shields Trail, located in Commerce Charter Township, offers easy hiking through peaceful woods and natural areas. The well-maintained path is perfect for families, beginners, and those seeking a quick getaway into green space near Sylvan Lake. Its tranquil environment makes it a favored spot for birdwatching and gentle strolls.
8. River Trail
RIVERSIDE NATURE PATH
River Trail in Auburn Hills follows the gentle curves of a local river, featuring natural beauty and well-marked hiking routes suitable for all skill levels. The riverside path is known for its serene atmosphere and opportunities to spot local wildlife along the banks. It's a convenient destination for hikers looking to explore nature just a short drive from Sylvan Lake.
9. Forestview Natural Area Trail
SECLUDED WOODLAND RETREAT
Forestview Natural Area Trail in Clarkston offers a quiet escape amidst dense woods and rolling landscapes. The trail system provides hikers an immersive nature experience, with soft paths winding through mature forests and opportunities to observe deer and other local fauna. Its peaceful setting makes it ideal for those seeking solitude near the Metro Detroit area.
10. Stony Creek Metropark Trails
EXPANSIVE PARK HIKING
Stony Creek Metropark offers multiple hiking options within a vast park setting, featuring paved and rustic trails that wind around lakes, woodlands, and grassy meadows. With over 6 miles of hiking and additional nature loops, the park is perfect for everything from short walks to longer treks. Its variety of scenic environments, including wetlands and bridges, attracts hikers year-round.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
STATE'S PREMIER TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking showcases the top trails across the state, from northern forests and Great Lakes coastlines to rugged highlands and peaceful river valleys. Hikers can find everything from challenging mountain climbs and scenic ridgelines to gentle loops through lush parks, suitable for all experience levels. These signature trails highlight Michigan's remarkable diversity and natural beauty, making it a premier destination for outdoor adventure.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
SPECTACULAR BEACH TRAILS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking highlights the best trails set along the Great Lakes, where sandy beaches, towering dunes, and stunning water views greet each visitor. Ideal for beach lovers and scenic hikers, these coastal hikes traverse state parks and natural preserves, often blending wooded paths with open shoreline vistas. Trails like those at Sleeping Bear Dunes and Pictured Rocks offer awe-inspiring glimpses of Michigan's remarkable freshwater coasts.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED NATURE ESCAPES
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems are the secluded trails and protected areas where solitude, wildlife, and undisturbed habitats reign. These off-the-beaten-path locations provide intimate experiences with nature, often rewarding hikers with rare animal sightings, wildflower-filled meadows, and tranquil woodland silence. Discovering these less-traveled paths is ideal for naturalists and anyone seeking quiet, immersive outdoor adventure away from crowds.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE SPECTACULAR
Michigan Autumn Hiking celebrates the vibrant fall color displays that sweep across the state's trails as leaves turn brilliant shades of red, gold, and orange. Top destinations for autumn hiking include hardwood forests, ridgeline walks, and lakeside views bursting with seasonal color. These trails provide unforgettable opportunities for photography and foliage viewing during Michigan's most colorful time of year.
15. Ottawa National Forest
WILDERNESS HIKING HAVEN
Ottawa National Forest, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is a expansive wilderness featuring hundreds of miles of hiking trails winding through old-growth forests, rivers, and rugged hills. Popular with backpackers and day hikers alike, the area offers everything from short interpretive walks to backcountry adventures. Its remote beauty and vast landscapes provide a glimpse into Michigan's wildest and most pristine natural environments.