Take a Hike in Southeast Michigan

Julie Bitely
| 2 min read

Whether you’re looking to escape to a natural setting or enjoy a quick hike on your lunch break, southeast Michigan has plenty of great trails to discover.
Here are some ideas to get you going on your next hiking adventure.
- Border to Border Trail: Take this trail from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti and explore parks, historic sites and natural beauty.
- Genesee Valley Trail: Travel from downtown Flint through parks and natural areas or begin your journey at Mott Lake’s Stepping Stone Falls.
- Belle Isle Iron Belle Trail: Start your journey on the longest designated state trail in the nation right from Belle Isle Park in Detroit. You’ll be rewarded with pristine forests, cool rivers and charming trailside towns. Photo credit: Kevin Ward

- Holliday Nature Preserve Trails Loop: Located in the William P. Holliday Forest & Wildlife Preserve, this 5.7-mile loop trail near Westland is great for nature walks.

Some of the wildlife you can find at Kensington Metropark.
- Kensington Metropark: Hike an 8.5-mile paved trail around Kent Lake or break free and explore the unpaved trails in the nature study area, which offer plenty of opportunities for nature lovers. Photo credit: Bill VanderMolen
- Lakelands Trail State Park: Thirteen miles of trail will take you through wooded areas and rolling farmland.

Blue Water Bridge
- Port Huron Bridge to Bay Trail: The Port Huron section of this trail boasts amazing scenery, including views of the Blue Water Bridge and St. Clair River. Photo credit: jimmy brown
- Waterloo-Pinckney Trail: Explore Waterloo State Recreation Area and Pinckney Recreation Area as you travel along this 35-mile trail.
Discover more hidden hiking gems in this episode of A Healthier Michigan Podcast. Host Chuck Gaidica is joined by Dan Muncey, onsite well-being coordinator at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Paul Yauk, trail coordinator for the State of Michigan to discuss the best local sites.
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Photo credit (featured image): pcfishhk