9 Easy And Beautiful Spring Hikes Everyone In Metro Detroit Will Love
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
One of my favorite seasons is Spring. In addition to listening to birds chirp and watching animals wake from their winter slumber, the change in weather is an ideal time to have new experiences and be out in the fresh air. If you’re in Michigan, there are plenty of spring hikes near Detroit that have something for everyone. You’ll see what I mean as you read about the following hikes on this list with lush greenery, exciting trails, and numerous opportunities to take in epic views marking the spring season.
1. Stone Bridge Nature Trail
Rouge Park, Detroit, MI, USA
This 0.7-mile pathway is located within Rouge Park and offers a quick escape for Detroiters who need to unwind among the beauty of the great outdoors. As its name suggests, the trail offers access to a longstanding stone bridge that crosses Al’s Creek, a tributary of the River Rouge itself. When you’re craving a bit of wooded wonder, look no further than here to celebrate spring in Michigan.
2. Douglas Evans Nature Trail
Douglas Evans Nature Preserve, 31845 Evergreen Rd, Beverly Hills, MI 48025, USA
Situated within a preserve of the same name, Douglas Evans Nature Trail measures in at just under one mile and offers a beginner-friendly jaunt with access to the River Rouge, plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, and greenery galore during the spring months. You can even bring along your four-legged friend when you venture on one of the best spring hikes in Michigan. You'll just need to make sure that they're kept on a leash.
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3. Detroit RiverWalk
Detroit Riverwalk, Detroit, MI, USA
Of course, we’d be remiss to mention walking spots in and around Detroit without including our beloved RiverWalk. This stretch of land extends along the shoreline of our stunning Detroit River and comes to life as temperatures increase, offering everything from picnic space at Milliken State Park to eateries and viewing points along the way. You’ll appreciate gorgeous views of the skyline as you stroll on one of the best Spring hikes in Michigan.
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4. Cherry Island Marsh Trail
Cherry Island Marsh, Wilmington, DE 19809, USA
Head to Lake Erie Metropark to walk along the Cherry Island Marsh Trail, a 1.6-mile loop that offers stunning views of the surrounding marshland and wildlife who call it home. Visitors have even noted the appearance of bald eagles and other rare creatures during their time here. On a spring afternoon, there’s a real sense of adventure to be found - and you can round it out with a visit to the shores of Lake Erie during spring in Michigan.
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5. Troy Community Center Trail
Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI 48083, USA
This easy and scenic loop trail extends for 1.2 miles through Phillip J. Huber Park in Troy. When you stop by, you’ll notice that the trail is close to a highway, but the sense of peace that abounds throughout seems to overcome the park’s bustling location. You might even spot a few deer or other gorgeous animals during your walk here along one of the best spring hikes in Michigan.
6. Nichols Arboretum
Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
We’ve spoken highly of Nichols Arboretum, also known as The Arb, in past articles - and it’s easy to understand why. This brilliant outdoor attraction in Ann Arbor is overflowing with trails, Huron River access, greenery, and more. It’s especially magical during the spring and summer when flowers bloom throughout its gardens and the river flows with even more brilliance than usual. Hence, we think it's one of the top spots for enjoying spring in Michigan.
7. Blue Heron Lagoon Trail
Blue Heron Lagoon Trail, 198 Lakeside Dr, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
Want to enjoy a spring hike without venturing outside the city limits of Detroit? Blue Heron Lagoon Trail certainly fits the bill, offering visitors the chance to appreciate a 2.2-mile loop on Belle Isle and experience a historic lighthouse. As you meander along one of the best spring hikes in Detroit, you’ll catch glimpses of Blue Heron Lagoon itself, the Detroit River, and the city skyline in the distance.
8. Innovation Hills Park Trail
Rochester Hills, MI, USA
Make the short drive to Rochester Hills for a straightforward walk along this mile-long gem, which remains open all year and consists of a single loop. During your time at Innovation Hills Park, you’ll spot everything from the Clinton River frontage to towering trees to deer and birds. If fresh air is what you’re after, you’ve certainly come to the right place to experience one of the best hikes in Detroit.
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9. Dequindre Cut
Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit, MI 48207, USA
We’ll round out our list of spring hikes near Detroit with another treasure within the city limits: Dequindre Cut Greenway. This 2-mile pathway in the heart of the city, which follows the trail of the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad, is perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, jogging, and more. Along the way, you’ll encounter everything from unique public art to grassy spaces perfect for a quick picnic lunch. Does it get much better?
Are there any other springtime hiking or walking destinations in Metro Detroit that we should have included on this list? We would love to hear from you, so be sure to share your thoughts with us in the following comments suggestion. We also recommend taking a look at our top kid-friendly hikes in Michigan as well. And if you can’t get enough of the great outdoors, be sure to read about this nature-surrounded town near Detroit.
To help you prepare for your outdoor adventures, take a look at AllTrails and our ultimate hiking packing guide too.
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More to Explore
Spring Hikes near Detroit
What are some of the best things to do during Spring in Michigan?
here are some of the best things to do during Spring in Michigan:
- Pack your family in the car and take a day trip to Headlands International Dark Sky Park to marvel at the sky in the evening, During the day, feel free to soak in the sunny flowers throughout the fields.
- Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary: This remote destination in White Cloud is the ideal spot for a romantic or family picnic and viewing wildflowers.
- Matthaei Botanical Gardens: You'll find this exquisite spot featuring exotic flowers within the Nichols Arbouretum in Ann Arbor.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: We gather you and your family will have a memorable day playing with the 7000+ butterflies that call this oasis their home. Don't forget your camera!
What are some of the best Spring hikes near Detroit for families?
Here are some of the best Spring hikes near Detroit for families:
- Dolph Nature Area Trail in Ann Arbor: Enjoy views of water and wildflowers when you stroll along this scenic looped trail in Michigan.
- Carpenter Woods Nature Preserve Loop in Southfield: The eclectic scenery on this looped trail includes a lush forest and plenty of opportunities to see wildlife.
- Maybury Bluebird Meadows Trail in Northville: During Spring, this is a prime destination for bird watching and viewing an array of wildflowers.
- Rosie’s Park Loop in Madison Heights: With lush trees and a paved trail, this is an ideal hike for you and your family to have a fully immersive experience in nature.