There’s something for every sort of nature-lover here in Michigan, from towering trees to immaculate riverfront beauty. Two of our most wonderful attractions, though, are our beaches and our seemingly endless hiking trails (there are more than 2,000 trails in this state!). If you’re looking for a way to combine both of these outdoorsy gems, look no further than these nine beachfront hikes here in the Great Lakes State. Here are some of the best hikes in Michigan if you’re kinda feeling a beach day.

1. Presque Isle Park Loop
Presque Isle Park, Peter White Dr, Marquette, MI 49855, USA
AllTrails/Dianna Gilmour
Presque Isle has long been considered one of the most stunning natural areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and it’s an incredible spot for hikers of all ages. Follow the Presque Isle Park Loop as it stretches for 1.9 miles out and back along the shores of Lake Superior. Bask in forested beauty and take in glimpses of the waterfront as you make your way along this lovely path.
2. Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk
2238 3rd Ave, Holland, MI 49424, USA
Yelp/Jemmie W.
If you’re not a fan of traditional hiking, but still want to experience the beauty of walking along a shoreline, the Mt. Pisgah Dune Boardwalk might just be the perfect place for you. Hike up and down wooden stairs, glance out at Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa, and catch stunning glimpses of Big Red Lighthouse during your stroll.
3. Bay City State Recreation Area
3582 State Park Dr, Bay City, MI 48706, USA
TripAdvisor/jesus_crust
With 2,100 acres of land to explore, it’s tough to have a bad time when you visit Bay City State Recreation Area. Situated on the shores of Saginaw Bay, this natural oasis offers everything from wetlands to wildflowers — and you can experience it all by venturing down the park’s Chickadee Nature Trail or one of several hikes within Tobico Marsh. There’s a trail here to suit every fitness level. While you're at it, you might as well check out Bay City, too. This is absolutely one of the best hikes in Michigan!
4. Harrisville State Park
248 State Park Rd, Harrisville, MI 48740, USA
Yelp/Ann G.
Walk among cedar and pine trees as you make your way through Harrisville State Park’s two-mile hiking trail, which is the perfect way to get in some exercise before lounging on the shores of Lake Huron. Whether you’re a longtime hiker or simply an outdoor enthusiast looking for a bit of fresh air, you’ll enjoy your time at this one-of-a-kind state park.

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5. Sleeping Bear Point Trail
Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead, W Sleeping Bear Dr, Glen Arbor, MI 49636, USA
Flickr/jimflix!
This breathtaking 2.8-mile loop offers incredible views of Lake Michigan and its surrounding sand dunes at Sleeping Bear, one of the state’s most beautiful destinations. This trail is appropriate for beginning hikers and even includes direct access to the lake via a separate point approximately half a mile into the trek. There’s no better place to appreciate the beauty of the Great Lakes State.
6. North Ottawa Dunes
18201 N Shore Rd, Spring Lake, MI 49456, USA
Flickr/gbozik photography
This gorgeous destination in Ottawa County is an absolute paradise for Michiganders who love spending time outdoors. Throughout the area, you’ll find 10 miles of dune-lands and hiking trails to explore — all just a stone’s throw from the Lake Michigan shoreline. There’s truly nothing not to love about North Ottawa Dunes.
7. Miners Beach at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Miners Beach, Miner Rd, Shingleton, MI 49884, USA
Flickr/Scott Smithson
While this walk certainly doesn’t qualify as a traditional hike, it’s nothing to scoff at. Take a one-mile stroll directly upon the sands of Lake Superior as you visit Miners Beach, one of the most beautiful destinations within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Looking for something more strenuous? Never fear: Pictured Rocks offers over 90 miles of hiking trails in total. Consider this one another must-do on the list of best hikes in Michigan.
8. Olive Shores
8555 Olive Shore Ave, West Olive, MI 49460, USA
Flickr/Josh May
This West Olive gem sits along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and features some of the most lovely wooded beauty imaginable. Walk along the on-site loop trail, follow a series of stairs and boardwalks to the beach, or simply bask in the fresh air of Olive Shores. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, you’ll be enamored.
9. Kirk Park
9791 Lakeshore Ave, West Olive, MI 49460, USA
Flickr/John Winkelman
If you adore Michigan’s dunes, you’ll be in heaven with a visit to Kirk Park. The park itself stretches along the shores of Lake Michigan for approximately one third of a mile, and several nature trails are available for hikers of all experience levels. Good news for dog lovers: there’s even a pet-friendly beach accessible via the trails here at Kirk Park! This might just become your new favorite destination.

Did we leave any of your favorite beachfront hiking areas off our list? What are your choices for the best hikes in Michigan? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. Happy exploring, Michiganders!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In Michigan

Tori Jane | March 12, 2022

What are some nice, easy hikes in Michigan?  

Michigan is home to – get this – more than 2,000 amazing hiking trails. Of those, a little more than half are rated as easy. For example, there’s the Maybury Hiking Trail Loop, located within Maybury State Park. It’s just over three miles in length, but it leads to a nice, peaceful pond that’s perfect for some personal reflection (see what we did there). Then, there’s the Miner’s Castle Trail, located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It’s a half-mile long exactly, and it provides easy access to Miner’s Castle, a popular point of interest. While at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, be sure to check out the 0.4-mile Munising Falls Tail. It leads to a couple of staircases with unreal “fairy-tale” views. Finally, be sure to enjoy the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail, which features excellent viewing platforms and even more awesome views of Lake Michigan (which we honestly can’t get enough of). Need more information about each of these and then some? Check out this list of easy hikes in Michigan we love! 

What are some of the best hiking trails around Michigan?  

Do we have to choose just a few? For this, yes? Okay, fine. We’ll keep it brief: some of our picks for the best hiking trails around Michigan include amazing gems like Miner’s Falls Trail, in Munising, which is just over a mile long and leads to an epic waterfall! Crooked Lake Trail is another really good one; it can be found at Pinckney Recreation Area and is 4.2 miles long. It intersects with numerous beautiful trails, and it can be customized to fit your needs. Next, try the Dune Climb Trail if you enjoy a challenge. It’s rated as hard, despite only being 3.6 miles long. Why? Well, you’re trekking through thick sand the entire time. It’s harder than it sounds, but the sights are worth it. Finally, give the North Country Trail a shot if you ever want to do a long hike; it’s 42 miles long and has amazing views of amazing places. It’s also one of the longest trails in the entire state parks system!  

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