The fall months bring chillier weather in Michigan, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop exploring the great outdoors. We’re lucky to live in a state that boasts beautiful views all year long, and autumn is no exception. If you’re in the mood for a long walk through piles of crisp red and brown leaves, lace up your boots and explore these eight beautiful fall hiking spots in Michigan.
- Highbanks Trail (River Road, Oscoda)
Flickr/George Thomas Situated within Huron National Forest near Oscoda, a hike along this trail offers stunning views of the Au Sable River and is an ideal spot to appreciate Michigan’s fall foliage. It’s easy enough for beginning hikers and scenic enough for those who seek an impressive view.
- Lighthouse Park (20500 Center Road, Old Mission)
Flickr/George Thomas Head to Old Mission Point Park to take a walk through Lighthouse Park, where you’ll find a five-mile trail look that passes the historic Mission Point Lighthouse. Enjoy lovely views of Traverse Bay as you walk along varied terrain types.
- Warren Woods Natural Area (Elm Valley Road, Sawyer)
Facebook/Pippa Wilson This two-mile forested path is simple but absolutely gorgeous. Follow the trail through beech and maple trees, which turn a rich reddish brown every fall. The park itself has been in existence since 1879, so you’ll have the added bonus of feeling as though you’re walking through a bit of Michigan history.
- Escarpment Trail (Porcupine Mountains State Park)
Flickr/Randen Pederson The Porcupine Mountains are one of Michigan’s most beautiful natural gems, and they’re especially breathtaking in the fall. The Escarpment Trail is a short and sweet way to experience the mountains’ most amazing views — you’ll catch glimpses of rocky ridges, the Carp River, and Lake Of The Clouds.
- Seidman Park (8155 Conservation St NE, Ada)
Flickr/Steven Depolo This park near Grand Rapids boasts over 400 acres of land for leisurely autumn walks. You’ll pass through wetlands, fields, and wooded areas as you enjoy the five miles of trails within the park. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a bit of natural beauty without venturing too far from the city.
- Rosy Mound Natural Area (13925 Lakeshore Dr, Grand Haven)
Flickr/jarroast Just off of US-31 in Grand Haven, Rosy Mound Natural Area is a spectacular place to visit throughout the year, and the fall season is no exception. Wander along dunes, check out views of Lake Michigan, and admire the fall foliage that surrounds you throughout this beautiful park.
- Nordhouse Dunes (Free Soil Township, M)
Flickr/Gabe D. This designated wilderness area near Ludington State Park is dotted with a wide variety of trees, including jack pine, hemlock, and juniper. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife as you peruse the ten-mile trail system within the dune area.
- Indian Springs Metropark (5200 Indian Trail, White Lake)
Flickr/Wigwam Jones This quiet park in White Lake is home to over 2,500 acres of virtually untouched land just waiting to be explored. Hike alongside the Huron River and check out the on-site Environmental Discovery Center following your walk.
So don’t let Michigan’s cooler weather get you down. Instead, head outside and take in the natural beauty of this state that we’re lucky to call home all year long.
Flickr/George Thomas
Situated within Huron National Forest near Oscoda, a hike along this trail offers stunning views of the Au Sable River and is an ideal spot to appreciate Michigan’s fall foliage. It’s easy enough for beginning hikers and scenic enough for those who seek an impressive view.
Flickr/George Thomas
Head to Old Mission Point Park to take a walk through Lighthouse Park, where you’ll find a five-mile trail look that passes the historic Mission Point Lighthouse. Enjoy lovely views of Traverse Bay as you walk along varied terrain types.
Facebook/Pippa Wilson
This two-mile forested path is simple but absolutely gorgeous. Follow the trail through beech and maple trees, which turn a rich reddish brown every fall. The park itself has been in existence since 1879, so you’ll have the added bonus of feeling as though you’re walking through a bit of Michigan history.
Flickr/Randen Pederson
The Porcupine Mountains are one of Michigan’s most beautiful natural gems, and they’re especially breathtaking in the fall. The Escarpment Trail is a short and sweet way to experience the mountains’ most amazing views — you’ll catch glimpses of rocky ridges, the Carp River, and Lake Of The Clouds.
Flickr/Steven Depolo
This park near Grand Rapids boasts over 400 acres of land for leisurely autumn walks. You’ll pass through wetlands, fields, and wooded areas as you enjoy the five miles of trails within the park. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a bit of natural beauty without venturing too far from the city.
Flickr/jarroast
Just off of US-31 in Grand Haven, Rosy Mound Natural Area is a spectacular place to visit throughout the year, and the fall season is no exception. Wander along dunes, check out views of Lake Michigan, and admire the fall foliage that surrounds you throughout this beautiful park.
Flickr/Gabe D.
This designated wilderness area near Ludington State Park is dotted with a wide variety of trees, including jack pine, hemlock, and juniper. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife as you peruse the ten-mile trail system within the dune area.
Flickr/Wigwam Jones
This quiet park in White Lake is home to over 2,500 acres of virtually untouched land just waiting to be explored. Hike alongside the Huron River and check out the on-site Environmental Discovery Center following your walk.
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