5 Of The Greatest Scenic Hiking Trails In Michigan For Beginners

The Great Lake State has thousands of breathtaking forest and waterfall trails to explore. While some trails can be moderate to difficult, Michigan’s flat terrain and low hills provide plenty of easy hiking trails for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you trek out in the desirable summer months or in the quiet solitude of winter, these hikes in Michigan are sure to satisfy your wanderlust.

1. Munising Falls Trail - Munising

Let’s start off strong with an easy paved 0.4-mile hike that leads to a gorgeous view of a waterfall. Munising Falls Trail is beginner-friendly with a paved walkway that leads to stairs. The walk is best experienced in the spring through the fall but in the winter you can see the partially frozen falls which is an interesting sight to see. If you’re looking for a longer hike, the starting point of this trek shares a trailhead with North Country Trail.

2. Saginaw Forest Loop - Ann Arbor

Saginaw Forest has nearly 80 acres of woods to explore. This 1.5-mile loop will take you over a wooden path that leads to views of Third Sister Lake. This peaceful hike has darling wildflowers and large, mature trees with vibrant foliage in the fall.

3. Aman Park Loop - Grand Rapids

This relaxing 2.3-mile loop through Aman Park winds through a lush forest and past a rushing river. The trail is worth visiting during every season, in the spring for sprouting wildflowers, in summer for a shaded walk, in fall for the changing colors, and in winter for cross-country skiing.

4. Pintail Pond Nature Trail - Lupton

Head to Rifle River Recreation Area near Lupton for this short 0.8-mile loop. You’ll see a variety of foliage and a pond where children will love looking for frogs. This trail isn’t as well known and is perfect for a quiet, meditative walk under a canopy of trees.

5. Saugatuck Dunes North Trail - Saugatuck

While this trail is considered an easy hike, it is the most challenging of the four mentioned above. You’ll start off wandering through a majestic forest and trekking over hills with a few tree roots. The 1.9-mile hike will be worth it when the forest trail leads to rolling sand dunes and a spectacular view of Lake Michigan.

Have you tried any of these hikes in Michigan? Do you have a favorite local hiking trail? Let us know in the comments. For another great place to visit, check out The Creepiest Hike In Michigan That Takes You Through The Ruins Of An Abandoned Mining Town.