It’s officially fall in Michigan. Here are 10 scenic hikes to hit next...

Michigan is built for this season. Cool air. Color everywhere. Trailheads that lead to overlooks, dunes, rivers, and miles of old-growth forest. If you’re ready to lace up, here are ten gorgeous hikes for fall, plus a short bonus pick.

How to use this list Pick the vibe first. Dunes and lake views, deep forest, or long ridge walks. Then choose distance and difficulty. Everything below includes a quick why-go line so you can match the day to your group.

1. Au Sable River Trail Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling 3.9 miles, loop, moderate Old-growth pines, river views, easy parking, dog friendly.

2. Grand River Trail William Burchfield Park, Holt 4 miles, loop, easy Hardwoods, wetlands, and mellow river bends. Good with kids.

3. Great Warren Dunes Trail Warren Dunes State Park, Sawyer 4.9 miles, loop, moderate Climb sandy ridges, then drop to Lake Michigan for a beach walk.

4. Potawatomi, Algonquin, Chippewa Trails Negwegon State Park, Harrisville About 5 miles, loops, easy Quiet, rustic shoreline hiking. Great color and minimal crowds.

5. Port Crescent Trail Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin 2.5 miles, loop, easy Saginaw Bay views, rolling dunes, and a dark sky preserve if you stay late.

6. Big Carp River Trail Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Ontonagon 9.6 miles, out and back, hard Waterfalls, Lake Superior overlooks, and classic Porkies backcountry.

7. Pyramid Point Trail Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Empire 1 mile, out and back, moderate Short climb, huge payoff. Epic bluff views over Lake Michigan.

8. Lakeshore North Country Trail Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Grand Marais to Munising 42 miles, point to point, moderate Cliffs, waterfalls, and deep forest. Shuttle or section hike a favorite stretch.

9. Greenstone Ridge Trail Isle Royale National Park, Windigo to Rock Harbor 43 miles, point to point, hard High ridge views, moose sightings, real wilderness. Plan ferries or seaplane.

10. Iron Belle Trail Statewide, Ironwood to Detroit 1,250 miles hiking route, difficulty varies Michigan’s signature trail. Pick a local segment and make it yours.

Bonus: North Country National Scenic Trail North Dakota to Vermont, 4,800 miles The nation’s longest trail system. Michigan has some of its best miles.

Quick planning notes

• A Recreation Passport is required to park at Michigan state parks.

• Dogs are welcome on most state park trails. National lakeshores and Isle Royale have stricter rules.

• Isle Royale requires boat or seaplane transport. Check seasonal schedules.

• Popular trailheads like Pyramid Point fill fast on peak color weekends. Go early or go late for easier parking.

• Pack layers, water, a headlamp, and a paper map or offline map. Cell service is not guaranteed.

Want an easy win this weekend? Choose a trail from the list and go.

Michael Perna
CEO
The Perna Team Real Estate

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