Those who want to stay active in Michigan can enjoy the state's hundreds of hiking and biking trails. Whether you want to go on a leisurely family hike or bike ride or prefer more challenging hiking or mountain biking trails, Michigan's state and national parks, recreation areas and state forests have what you're looking for.
State and National Parks
Michigan state parks make a good base from which to explore area hiking and biking trails, as most offer miles of hiking and road and mountain biking trails and usually offer easy access to nearby trails. Some popular Michigan state parks include Algonac State Park on the St. Clair Riverfront; Wilderness State Park on Carp Lake, with over 8,200 acres; the 290-acre Clear Lake State Park; Silver Lake State Park on the shores of Lake Michigan; Tahquamenon Falls State Park, a 46,000 acre park on the shores of Lake Superior; and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Sate Park near Lake Superior. Isle Royale National Park, North County National Scenic Trail, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are designated state parks by the U.S. National Park Service and all have biking and hiking trails.
State Recreation Areas and State Forests
As a general rule, state recreation areas offer relatively easy hiking and biking trails and picnic and restroom facilities ideal for families with young children. Some frequently visited recreation areas include: Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, Lake Hudson State Recreation Area, Iona State Recreation Area, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Waterloo Recreation Area, Fort Custer Recreation Area, Pinckney Recreation Area and Yankee Springs Recreation Area.
Hikers and bikers looking for more challenging trails can head to one of Michigan's state forests, which usually feature non-paved, rougher trails ideal for experienced hikers and mountain bikers. State forests include: Au Sable State Forest, Lake Superior State Forest, Mackinaw State Fores and Pere Marquette State Forest.
Trails
As a rule of thumb, hikers are allowed everywhere bikers are. Bikers can head to 30-mile long Black Mountain Pathway, which offers moderate to challenging off trail biking; the 10-mile long Betsie River pathway; Algonquin Pathway, a moderate 9.3 mile trail; or Cadillac Trail, also moderate and offering 11.30 miles of hiking. Canada Lake Pathway is ideal for the whole family, and bikers who want a challenge can head to Chippewa Hills bike trail, with its 6.6 mile challenging trail. North County Trail transverses Michigan's southeastern corner and is an 875-mile trail best for experienced bikers. The High County Pathway covers 70 miles on Clear Lake, and Alligator Hills Trails, in the interior portion of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, is a scenic and challenging trails for bikers or hikers. Other state biking and hiking trails include Hart Montague Trail State Park and White Pine Trail, which features a 92-mile biking trail that runs between Grand Rapids and Cadillac.
Camping
Hardcore hiking and biking enthusiasts will find that camping offers easy access to regional Michigan trails. RV and tent camping is allowed in the majority of state and national parks, as well as many state recreation areas and state forests. In addition, there are hundreds of private campgrounds, offering everything from backcountry, primitive sites to full hookup developed sites with resort-like amenities.
As a general rule of thumb, campgrounds in nationally or state-protected areas tend to be cheaper than their private counterparts, but offer fewer amenities and services. Those who'd like to explore Michigan's hiking and biking trails while camping, but don't have a tent or RV, will be happy to know that many public and private campgrounds offer cottage and cabin rentals.
Considerations
Keep in mind that many Michigan parks, recreation areas and campgrounds are only open between April and October, and special permission might be required for late fall and winter hiking, biking or camping. If you plan to camp at or near the Great Lakes during holiday weekends or during the summer months, be sure to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. However, note that the majority of state and national protected areas only accept guests on a first come, first serve basis. If you are traveling locally, remember that Michigan state parks and beaches fill up in spring, summer and early fall, and parking is limited. Your best bet for guaranteeing a parking spot is to arrive early in the morning.
If you are are traveling with children or are an inexperienced hiker or biker, call your park or trail of choice ahead of time to find out trail difficulty levels. Keep in mind that you'll need a mountain bike in order to safely bike on most state park and state forest trails, but a road bike should suffice on many state recreation area trails. Be sure to pack sunscreen and bug repellent. Wear hiking boots or sneakers, long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you plan to hike in densely forested areas in order to reduce the risk of Lyme Disease, poison oak and poison ivy.
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