Sure, watching sports is fun, but sometimes you have to take a break and get outside and do your own exercise. That said, hiking is a great form of aerobic exercise. In Michigan, where AlternativeFix.com is based, you’ll find plenty of incredible hiking trails to explore this season.
No matter the season, these hiking trails are winners. I usually hit the trails in the spring, because after being cooped up inside all winter, I’m ready to go exploring. But, these trails are actually fun to explore year-round. Of course, in the winter, it may be a bit cold, but if you bundle up, hiking in the winter can be a magical experience.
Here are five Michigan hiking trails to explore this season. What are your favorite? Reach out to us on social media and let us know.
Lansing River Trail in Lansing
The Lansing River Trail offers 13 miles of trail, overlooking the Grand River, which is the largest river in Michigan. The trail also runs along the Red Cedar River by Michigan State University. This trail dates back to 1975, and it was named a National Recreation Trail in 1981. The official starting area for the trail is on the north side of the trail in Dietrich Park. From there, the trail takes you through downtown Lansing. view on the rail include the historic Turner Dodge House in north Lansing, the Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town and more.
Pyramid Point Trail at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
If you’re looking for a great trail in the northern part of the Mitten, try Pyramid Point Trail at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Sleeping Bear Dunes feature 100 miles of hiking trails, offering calm walks and more difficult terrain. What’s great about Pyramid Point is that you get a beautiful view of Lake Michigan as you walk.
Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail in Detroit
Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail encompasses 1,250 miles by foot and 770 miles if you travel the route on bike. What’s more, the trail starts all the way up in the western Upper Peninsula in Ironwood (where Michigan State University head basketball coach Tom Izzo is from) and goes to Detroit’s Belle Isle Park. This is one massive trail and very accommodating, since it’s available to so many people across Michigan.
Big Carp River Trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
If you’re looking for an advanced trail, this is it. The Big Carp River Trail at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park contains 60,000 acres in the western Upper Peninsula. It also features about 90 miles of trails. You also get incredible views of the Lake Superior shore on this trail.
Potawatomi, Algonquin and Chippewa Trails at Negwegon State Park
This is an easy trail, so all are welcome. The Negwegon State Park features 1,800 acres along the Lake Huron shore, situated between Harrisville and Alpena. It offers easy trails along the shoreline, and that makes for a memorable experience. Furthermore, if you’re just getting started with hiking, the Potawatomi, Algonquin and Chippewa Trails at Negwegon State Park are a good bet.