Spend some time alone in nature at these stunning Michigan hiking trails within driving distance of Detroit

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Apr 5, 2019 at 12:12 pm

Fresh air does the body good, they say, and Michigan is rife with indispensable nature and hiking trails. Put on some real pants and find solace at these 30 scenic trails, all of which are a short drive from Detroit.

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River Bends Mountain Bike Trail
Shelby Township
This trail that’s a part of Holland Ponds Park’s Great Blue Heron Rookery takes you through 4.3 miles of pure nature. You can adventurously bike or hike your way through these winding woods.
Photo via Instagram user @kaitjac

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Paint Creek Trail
Rochester
This trail is 8.9 miles long and was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the state of Michigan. It used to be a rail for trains, but was converted into a nice trail for runners or people who want to walk their dogs. The trail is gorgeous and goes through Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Lake Orion.
Photo via Instagram user @chyubecca

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Rolling Hills Park
Ypsilanti
This park has five miles of paved trails, and three miles of hiking trails that have stunning views and observation decks for that perfect Instagram post. Oh, and there are sections that are accessible for people that are handicapped. The trails are dog friendly, so don’t leave Fido at home on this one.
Photo via Instagram user @papajoethebuffalo

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Stoney Creek Metropark
Shelby Township
Stoney Creek is probably among the more popular metroparks in Michigan. When hiking on one of the parks many trails, you might run into a fellow hiker or two. Just dress breezy and start hiking! Daily fee: $10 per vehicle.
Photo via Instagram user @daveandgretch

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Waterloo-Pinckney Recreation Hiking Trail
Waterloo Township
Bring snacks and make sure to stretch, this is a long one at 18.6 miles. The Waterloo-Pinckney takes hikers along a back trail through woods for a great winter scenic walk. This hike is canine friendly but it is not for beginners. You have been warned.
Photo via Instagram user @t3nd3r4oot

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Bald Eagle-Blue Heron Hike
Sumpter Township
A distance of up to 4.5 miles, this trail is a part of the Crosswinds Marsh County Park. You’ll walk on boardwalks, and maybe even see an eagle or two.
Photo via Instagram user @mrsrioux

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Mother Earth Trail
Ray
Like Disneyworld, the Wolcott Mill Metropark combines four parks in one. A historic site, golf course, and nature park, Wolcott Mill is also home to the Mother Earth Trail, a beautiful hike just along the riverbanks and walk through land that was used by Native Americans.
Photo via Instagram user @infamousbillmurray

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