29 Best Hiking Trails in Metro Detroit
No matter what the weather is like outside, one of my favorite things to do is get outside and take a hike. I find that there is something refreshing and rejuvenating about hitting the trails for a hike. From riverfront trails to wooded trails, Metro Detroit is home to a vast array of day hiking trails. For those of you who like to get out, see nature and get some exercise all at the same time these trails these hikes and trails are sure to rejuvenate both your body and soul.
I have organized this list of hiking trails around Metro Detroit in alphabetical order by city. Have fun exploring, and remember there is no bad weather for hiking in Michigan – winter hikes are actually my favorite and are just as beautiful as spring, summer and fall! Some of these parks are free, others require special passes or a Michigan Recreational Passport.
Whether you’re super outdoorsy or a casual hiker looking to stretch your legs, you’re sure to find a trail in Southeast Michigan that meets your hiking needs. I encourage you to get out and try someplace new. Happy hiking!
Ann Arbor
Bird Hills Trail (4.8 miles)
Newport Rd and Bird Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Location notes: paved and natural trail
Free
Nichols Arboretum (2.6 miles)
1610 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Location notes: natural trail
Pro tip: Visit during peony season
Free – may need to pay for parking
Ann Arbor Ramble Trail
Gallup Park Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105(5.9 miles)
Location notes: paved and natural trail
1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
FREE. May need to pay for parking.
Location notes: paved and natural trail
Brighton
Brighton State Recreation Area (39 miles of trails)
6360 Chilson Rd, Howell, MI 48843
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Location notes: paved and natural trail
Island Lake State Recreation Area (6 miles)
6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton, MI 48116
Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Location notes: paved and natural trail
Huron Meadows Metropark Trail (11 miles)
8765 Hammel Road, Brighton, MI 48116
Metro Park Pass required
Location notes: natural trail, restrooms
Island Lake Trail (4 miles)
6301 Kensington Rd, Brighton MI, 48116
Location notes: paved trail
Detroit
Belle Isle Park (5.4 miles)
Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Location notes: paved trail
Dequindre Cut (2 miles)
1799 Wilkins St, Detroit, MI 48207
Free
Location notes: paved trail
Detroit Riverwalk (3.5 miles)
1801 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Location notes: paved trail
Farmington Hills
Heritage Park (5 miles)
24915 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Free
Location notes: paved and natural trails
Fenton
Deerfield Hills Nature Area (5 miles)
6519 Cohoctah Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
Free
Grand Ledge
The Ledges of Grand Ledge (3.7 miles)
100 Fitzgerald Park Dr, Grand Ledge, MI 48837
Vehicle pass may be required during certain times
Location notes: natural trails
Harrison Township
Lake St. Clair Metropark Trail (3 miles)
31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township MI 48045
Location notes: Paved, restrooms, Metropark has a nature center.
Highland
Highland State Recreation Area (2-7 mile trails)
5200 Highland Rd, White Lake Charter Township, MI 48383
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Location notes: paved and natural trails
Holly
Holly State Recreation Area (6 miles)
Michigan Recreation Passport required.
Location notes: paved and natural trails
Howell
Penosha Trail (5 miles)
6360 Chilson Rd, Howell, MI 48843
Location notes: nature trail, restrooms
Lake Orion
Bald Mountain State Recreation
1330 E Greenshield Rd, Orion Charter Township, MI 48360
Michigan Recreation passport required
Location notes: paved and natural trails.
Polly Ann Trail (14.2 miles)
1335 Joslyn Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48360
Free
Location notes: paved and natural trails
Milford
Kensington Metropark Trail (8.5 miles)
4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Pass
Location notes: paved trails
New Boston
Oakwood (15 miles)
32911 Willow Road, New Boston, MI 48164
Huron-Clinton Metroparks Pass
Location notes: paved and natural trails
Northville
Bennett Arboretum (2 miles)
44155 Deep Hollow Cir, Northville, MI 48168
Free
Location notes: nature trail
Maybury State Park Trail (6 miles)
20145 Beck Road, Northville MI, 48167
Michigan Recreation Passport required
Location notes: nature trail
Rochester
Paint Creek Trail (8.9 miles)
400 Sixth Street, Rochester, Michigan, 48307 + multiple locations to hop on
Free
Location notes: surfaced with crushed limestone, Paint Creek Cider Mill is accessible halfway through the trail.
Clinton River Trail (16 miles)
Multiple locations to hop on
Free
Location notes: paved and natural surface
Macomb Orchard Trail (23 miles)
52999 Dequindre Rd, Rochester, MI 48307 + multiple locations to hop on
Free
Location Notes: paved
Shelby Township
Stony Creek Metropark Trail (6 miles)
4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township, MI 48316
Huron-Clinton Metroparks pass required
Location notes: paved and natural trail (multiple routes), restrooms, Metropark has a nature center.
Waterford
Pontiac Lake Recreation Trail (8.8 miles)
7800 Gale Road, Waterford MI, 48327
Location notes: nature trail
Fashion meets Food 