Thompsonville MichiganHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Thompsonville, Michigan.
1. Betsie River Trail East Loop
SCENIC RIVERSIDE WALK
Betsie River Trail East Loop offers a tranquil 2.3-mile path through woodlands and along the beautiful Betsie River. This easy, dog-friendly loop provides hikers with opportunities to spot local wildlife and enjoy quiet natural settings. Its gentle terrain and year-round accessibility make it a favorite for families and nature lovers.
2. Michigan Legacy Art Park
OUTDOOR ART EXPERIENCE
Michigan Legacy Art Park combines outdoor sculpture with natural beauty, featuring a 2.2-mile loop trail winding through forested hills. Visitors can enjoy over 50 sculptures crafted by Michigan artists while hiking under the canopy of trees. The park provides a unique blend of culture and recreation suitable for all ages.
3. Crystal Mountain Trails
MOUNTAIN RESORT PATHWAYS
Crystal Mountain Trails span several miles across resort property, offering hikers routes ranging from gentle loops to steeper, wooded paths. These well-maintained trails are perfect for a morning hike or an afternoon family outing. Guests can enjoy changing seasonal landscapes and convenient trail access from the resort.
4. Misty Acres Trail
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY HIKING
Misty Acres Trail provides an immersive hiking experience through meadows, woodlands, and rolling hills on preserved land. Hikers will find quiet spots ideal for birdwatching and a sense of seclusion amidst nature. The trail is popular for its peace, wildlife sightings, and tranquil rural setting.
5. Pete's Woods Loop
FORESTED LOOP ADVENTURE
Pete's Woods Loop offers a meandering forest hike, taking visitors through diverse stands of mature trees and quiet clearings. The trail is accessible and suitable for hikers of most skill levels, making it great for families or those looking for a gentle woodland stroll. Seasonal wildflowers and autumn foliage add visual interest throughout the year.
6. Baldy Dune Trail
SAND DUNE HIKING
Baldy Dune Trail leads adventurers up and over towering sand dunes, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding forest and lakes. The challenging sandy ascent makes for a memorable and invigorating hike. This trail is ideal for those seeking a unique, landscape-rich Michigan hiking experience.
7. Betsie Valley Trail
RAILS-TO-TRAIL SCENIC ROUTE
Betsie Valley Trail stretches for 22 miles from Frankfort to Thompsonville, offering a versatile trail for hiking, biking, and running. The route travels through forests, riversides, and small towns, providing diverse scenery along the way. This well-maintained trail is popular for both casual walkers and long-distance trekkers.
8. Old Indian Trail - Sleeping Bear Dunes
NATIONAL LAKESHORE HIKING
Old Indian Trail, located in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, features two scenic loops that wind through wooded dunes and reach surprising lake overlooks. This trail is perfect for hikers looking to experience both forested and open dune environments. Wildlife and birdwatching opportunities abound along this tranquil path.
9. Point Betsie Lighthouse Trail
LIGHTHOUSE COASTAL PATH
Point Betsie Lighthouse Trail offers a short, picturesque walk along Lake Michigan's shoreline near the historic Point Betsie Lighthouse. The trail combines stunning beach views, fascinating history, and opportunities for photography or picnicking. It's an ideal choice for hikers who want a blend of coastal beauty and local heritage.
10. Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
RARE DUNE ECOSYSTEM
Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve offers several miles of hiking through rare dune ecosystems and old-growth forest atop high bluffs. Hikers are treated to dramatic lake vistas and tranquil, uncrowded trails. The preserve is a hidden treasure for those seeking both solitude and remarkable natural scenery.
11. Best Michigan Hiking
TOP STATEWIDE TRAILS
Best Michigan Hiking highlights the top hiking destinations across the state, from scenic state parks and ancient forests to dramatic lakeshores and iconic sand dunes. The state offers a wide array of well-marked trails suited to every skill and interest, including national lakeshores and inland preserves. Hikers can explore diverse habitats, stunning vistas, and year-round outdoor adventure.
12. Michigan Shoreline Hiking
BEACH AND COASTAL WALKS
Michigan Shoreline Hiking showcases the state's best beach and coastal trails, where miles of sandy lakeshore meet dune landscapes and hardwood forests. These hikes offer access to scenic viewpoints, crystal-clear water, and beautiful sunsets along the Great Lakes. Shoreline routes provide a unique opportunity to enjoy Michigan's beach culture and breathtaking coastal ecosystems.
13. Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems
SECLUDED WILDERNESS TRAILS
Michigan Hidden Hiking Gems highlight lesser-known trails perfect for those seeking solitude, abundant wildlife, and pristine natural settings. These secluded paths traverse quiet forests, remote wetlands, and peaceful riversides where hikers can spot deer, birds, and wildflowers away from crowds. Nature enthusiasts and solitude seekers will find these hidden gems ideal for tranquil exploration and wildlife observation.
14. Michigan Autumn Hiking
FALL FOLIAGE TRAILS
Michigan Autumn Hiking offers exceptional trails for viewing some of the Midwest's finest fall colors, as forests transform into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold. Crisp autumn air and scenic overlooks make these hikes especially memorable, whether in state parks, along lakeshores, or in northern wilderness areas. The vibrant foliage and seasonal beauty attract leaf-peepers and outdoor enthusiasts each year.
15. Ottawa National Forest
VAST NORTHERN FOREST TRAILS
Ottawa National Forest features an extensive network of trails through over a million acres of dense forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Hikers can explore everything from quiet lakeside paths to rugged backcountry routes, discovering waterfalls, wildlife, and old-growth timber stands. This expansive wilderness is a haven for adventurous hikers seeking diverse terrain and natural beauty.