Don’t let the cold weather and impending snow stop you from getting outside to appreciate the great outdoors! There’s nothing better than hitting the trails with loved ones and enjoying the natural splendor of the Great Lakes State. Here are nine gorgeous locales that make for perfect winter hiking in Michigan.

1. Keweenaw Trails
Keweenaw Peninsula, Schoolcraft Township, MI 49913, USA
TripAdvisor/Swedetown Ski Trails
Venture northward and hit the trails of the Keweenaw Peninsula, which is overflowing with natural beauty to explore. There are four distinct trail systems throughout the peninsula: the Chassell, Michigan Tech, Swedetown and Maasto Hiihto, each of which offers opportunities for trekking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Get out there and find your favorite! We think the Keweenaw Trails are some of the best hiking in Michigan.
2. Pine Baron Pathway (Gaylord)
Pine Baron Pathway, Lone Pine Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735, USA
Facebook/COAOtsegoCounty
Located just on the edge of Gaylord, this lovely trail makes for a stunning and peaceful winter hiking destination. Its relatively flat terrain makes it suitable for hikers of all experience levels, and you’ll appreciate views of gorgeous hardwood forests as you venture down its multiple loops — ranging in length from two to six miles. It offers a wonderful, peaceful way to enjoy winter in Michigan.
3. Drummond Island Heritage Trail
Drummond, MI 49726, USA
Facebook/Drummond Island Cross Country Trail
Drummond Island is one of Michigan’s most beloved little gems, and it’s certainly worth visiting when colder weather rolls around. Hop off the fairy from DeTour Village and make your way through this gorgeous island trail, which offers three miles of natural splendor and plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife. We love putting this one on our favorite things to do in Michigan in the winter list. Who doesn’t love exploring Drummond Island?
4. Kensington Metropark (Milford)
Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford, MI 48380, USA
Facebook/Kensington Metropark
This beloved Metropark is a year-round destination for Michiganders, and the winter months are no exception. With fantastic views of Kent Lake and all sorts of outdoor magic to behold, Kensington will satisfy your hiking needs immediately. The park’s primary trail stretches for 9.5 miles and is composed of asphalt, so it’s a flat and manageable surface for both walking and cross-country skiing. With so much to see and do, this Metropark highlights all of the very best things to do in Michigan in the winter.

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5. Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, White Pine Trail, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
Facebook/Friends of the White Pine Trail
This beautiful regional rail-trail hike contains over 90 miles of land to explore, stretching throughout Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Wexford, and Osceola counties. Whether you hop on the trail in Grand Rapids, Cadillac, or somewhere in between, you’ll be blown away by its wide array of opportunities to appreciate nature. Portions of the trail even allow for snowmobiles! Winter in Michigan is a blast when you explore the area of Alma, a tiny college town that accesses the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail.
6. Stony Creek Metropark Trail (Shelby Charter Township)
Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Dr, Shelby Township, MI 48316, USA
Facebook/Stony Creek Metropark
This southeast Michigan gem is undeniably breathtaking. When you’re seeking reprieve from the stress of the holidays or the hustle and bustle of everyday life, spend an hour or two on this 6.2 mile trail, which winds through stunning foliage and alongside Stony Creek Lake. Whether by foot or by ski, this spot is well worth exploring as the weather cools off. We love the area around Stony Creek Metropark Trail, and the slower pace around here.
7. Muncie Lakes Pathway (Traverse City)
Muncie Lakes Pathway, Ranch Rudolf Rd, Traverse City, MI 49696, USA
Facebook/GTHikers
This delightful year-round trail near Traverse City is the perfect spot for exploration with family and friends who are eager to experience the joys of Michigan’s natural beauty. The trail forms an eight-mile loop and features waterfront access, well-groomed hiking space, and plenty of ambiance. It’s the perfect place to get away from it all, and easily some of the best winter hiking in Michigan.
8. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Munising)
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan, USA
Flickr/James Marvin Phelps
Who says Pictured Rocks is purely a summertime destination? When you head to this beloved locale during the winter months, you’ll find all sorts of spots to peruse — from frozen waterfalls to gorgeous views of Lake Superior, there’s no telling what you’ll discover during your journey. There are over 100 miles of trails throughout the lakeshore, so you might as well start planning! This idyllic destination provides a great jumping-off point to enjoy winter in Michigan.
9. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (Empire)
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Glen Arbor, MI, USA
Flickr/Rachel Kramer
With 13 separate trails to choose from, there’s truly something along the lakeshore at Sleeping Bear for everyone. Catch marvelous views from Empire Bluff, trek across the frozen dunes, or — for the slightly less adventurous — stay in the warm car and enjoy delightful lookouts from Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. No matter what your athletic ability, there’s a way to enjoy this beautiful spot once winter rolls around.

Did we forget to include any of your favorite winter hiking in Michigan locales? Let us know in the comments, and get ready to lace up those hiking boots!

Looking for more great ways to enjoy winter in Michigan? Check out this Michigan Winter Survival Guide!

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More to Explore

Winter Hiking in Michigan

Megan McDonald | November 18, 2022

Is Michigan good for hiking?

Michigan is good for hiking, offering many different terrains to enjoy. Enjoy tromping and hiking through beautiful forests, meadows, and even sand dunes! 

Here are some more great winter hiking trails in Michigan:

 

What is the coldest month in Michigan?

January is the coldest month in Michigan. Michigan’s cold season lasts from the first of December through the middle of March, but January’s low temperatures make it the coldest month of the year in Michigan. The average daily temperature in Illinois in January is a low of 21 degrees Fahrenheit and a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Can you walk on Lake Michigan in the winter?

You cannot walk on Lake Michigan in the winter. The giant size of this lake, the third largest of Michigan lakes at 22,404 square miles, and the combination of wind action, heavy winds, and the actual heat contained within the lake make it nearly impossible that the entire lake will freeze. This means that if you try to walk on the lake when it looks like it’s freezing over, you will most likely crash through the thin ice. 

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