6 Hikes With the Best Sunset Views in Michigan

Fun fact: Michigan is an amazing place to visit, live, and work. For those who appreciate the outdoors, it's even more of a pleasure: Everywhere you turn, you'll find something worth writing home about, so to speak. And if you happen to be looking for the best places to watch the sunset in Michigan, you're in luck: I've compiled a shortlist of some of my favorites. Here are six incredible hikes for the perfect sunset views.

1. Ludington Lighthouse Trail - Ludington State Park 

The nothing-short-of-magical Big Sable Point Lighthouse is one of Michigan's most iconic sights, and it's especially incredible when the sun sets. This hike, known as the Ludington Lighthouse Trail, is 4.4 miles long and affords hikers incredible views of the Ludington Lighthouse. With small ponds, gorgeous sandy beaches, and even a pine forest, this trail is awe-inspiring. You can also climb the lighthouse for a small fee during the warmer months to enhance your sunset experience.

2. Sugarloaf Mountain Trail - Marquette

The 1.2-mile adventure that is the Sugarloaf Mountain Trail is nothing short of utterly incredible. Often considered one of the best hikes in Michigan, this amazing trail has so much going for it that I can't really list all of it in one short paragraph. This route is well-maintained and follows along a well-maintained staircase as well as rocky bits of trail on your way up to the lookout point. It feels like the top of the world - Sugarloaf Mountain has an elevation of a whopping 470 feet - but I promise it's worth the effort. The views are to die for.

3. Empire Bluff Trail - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 

This 1.5-mile hiking trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is nothing short of incredible. Known as the Empire Bluff Trail, it features stunning beech-maple forests, wildflowers, boardwalks, observation stations, and so much more. It's an adventure on top of an adventure, and it's easily one of the most amazing places in the entire state to watch the sunset. It's rated as moderately difficult, thanks to a few hill climbs toward the end of the hike, but I promise it's worth it!

4. Hidden Valley Trail - Beaver Island 

Located on the westernmost side of Font Lake at Beaver Island, the awesome, 1.4-mile Hidden Valley Trail is surrounded by evergreens, grass, and wildflowers. Following rains and at certain times of the year, mushrooms abound. Folks who love critters will be happy to hear that there are plenty to discover here, from frogs to salamanders to deer and birds.

5. Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls via Chapel Loop - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 

Lovers of long hikes, this one's for you! The 10.2-mile Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls via Chapel Loop is the perfect trail for those looking for an excellent day hike. End that day right here, at the incredible point in the above photo - I can't even express how beautiful it is at twilight. Golden hour is a privilege to witness. Keep in mind that there are no dogs allowed on this one, so your pup will have to stay home. Reward yourself with some time on Chapel Beach, which you'll reach at the end of the hike.

6. Deer Run Trail, Old Dunes Natures Trail, and Candlestick Trail - Sleeper State Park 

Last on this list, but by no means least, the four-mile Deer Run Trail, Old Dunes Natures Trail, and Candlestick Trail (whew!) is like something from a dream. It's known not just for its wonderful beauty and incredible sunsets - it's also got some truly well-defined pathways that make the hike easier than you might expect. Wear bug spray for this one, as sometimes bugs can be an annoyance. While at Sleeper State Park, take time to check out the other trails as well - but be sure to do this one for sunset.

There you have it: six amazing ideas for the next time you feel the itch to hike yourself to a good sunset scene. These trails are just the beginning; I'm confident you'll find other hikes in Michigan that are just as magical - use these as a jumping-off point! If you're really into hiking, check out AllTrails Plus. It's outrageously convenient, and I greatly prefer not to hike without it.