It’s time to enjoy the beautiful Michigan weather and take a walk on the best hiking trails in + around Detroit. There are so many options offering short and long hikes all around the Metro Detroit area. You’ll have a blast wandering around nature, seeing amazing wildlife, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of these fantastic trails.
The Best Hiking Trails In + Around Detroit
Bald Mountain Recreation Area | If you’re looking for a hiking challenge, head to Bald Mountain. Their 15 miles of marked trails boast some of the steepest and most challenging terrain in Southeast Michigan.
Belle Isle State Park | Explore the beauty of nature without even leaving the city! Enjoy the trails around the island and take in the scenery of the Detroit River and the Windsor cityline.
Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve | If you need a quick escape without leaving the suburbs, this short trail is for you. With access to fishing platforms, it’s the perfect place for a short, natural getaway.
Cherry Hill Nature Preserve | Hike through wetlands, woods, and meadows at Cherry Hill Nature Preserve. The 160 acres of land give hikers ample opportunities to explore and see all that nature has to offer.
Clinton River Trail | The Clinton River Trail runs through 16 miles of Oakland County from Rochester to Sylvan Lake. It includes both paved and unpaved sections, and travels through both suburban and rural areas.
Indian Springs Metropark | This trail has you walk past Huron Swamp, one of the last completely natural areas in Southeast Michigan. The longest trail takes you to Timberland Lake, while others cross by streams and ponds.
Kensington Metropark | Whether you like rustic hiking or prefer softer terrain, Kensington has both. With an eight-and-a-half-mile paved trail and seven additional miles of natural trails, you’ll be able to see something unique each time you hike here.
Lake Erie Metropark | Three miles of flat ground allow you to see wooded areas, the shorelines of Lake Erie and the Detroit River, and wonderful views of the Canadian border. There is an abundance of wildlife living near the trails, so each hike will be completely different than the last.
Lake St. Clair Metropark | Spend the day at Lake St. Clair Metropark hiking either their three-mile hike-bike paved trail, or their one-and-a-half-mile flat nature trail. You’ll experience freshwater scenery, marshes, and wooded areas.
Lower Huron Metropark | With three trails ranging from three-quarter mile to three miles long, you’ll love being in nature here. As an added bonus, their longest trail system is connected with other area city and park trails as a part of the Iron Belle Trail system that will eventually span the entire state of Michigan.
Macomb Orchard Trail | Starting in Shelby Township, this 24-mile linear trail ends in Richmond. The trail is hike and bike friendly, and will connect to 180 miles of other trails.
Maybury State Park | With several trails to choose from, you’ll have a different adventure each time you visit Maybury State Park. The longest trail is six miles, but other shorter options are available as well.
Paint Creek Trail | Located in Oakland County, this was the first hiking trail in Michigan to be converted from an old railroad line. The trail is 8.9 miles long and completely linear, so you’ll have to turn around to get back to where you started.
Proud Lake Recreation Area | More than 20 miles of trails have you hiking through several different types of natural habitats. Two trails run alongside the Huron River, and the third loops around a marsh.
Rouge Park | Hike one of Rouge Park’s four nature trails, most of which are under three miles. The Prairie Pathway includes a butterfly garden and beautiful fields of wildflowers.
Stony Creek Metropark | Hike more than 27 miles of trails at Stony Creek with varying degrees of difficulty. They have both paved and rustic trails, scenic overlooks, and plenty of spaces to watch the wildlife.
