Michigan’s Hidden Trail Treasures: 7 Cool Hiking Spots You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit
- Unplug Magazine
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
Michigan is known for its stunning landscapes, from the shores of the Great Lakes to its towering forests. While many hikers flock to iconic spots like Sleeping Bear Dunes or Pictured Rocks, the state is brimming with lesser-known trails that offer breathtaking beauty, hidden gems, and a sense of adventure without the crowds. Here’s a look at some cool things you didn’t know about Michigan’s best-kept hiking secrets.
1. The Fife Lake Loop: Michigan’s Hidden Gem
Tucked away in the heart of the state, the Fife Lake Loop is a 7-mile trail that weaves through dense forests, wetlands, and scenic vistas. What sets this trail apart? It’s a birdwatcher's paradise. The loop passes through diverse habitats that attract over 200 species of birds, making it a prime destination for both beginner and seasoned bird enthusiasts. Along the trail, you’ll find rustic bridges, small streams, and even a few secluded spots to sit and relax, offering a unique blend of tranquility and wildlife excitement.
Cool Fact: If you hike the loop in the spring or fall, you’re likely to spot migratory species like warblers and sandpipers, along with year-round residents like the colorful Scarlet Tanager.
2. Porcupine Mountains' Lake of the Clouds: The View That Will Take Your Breath Away
While many visitors head to the Porcupine Mountains for the rugged terrain and waterfalls, there’s a little-known treasure tucked in the northern part of the park: the Lake of the Clouds Overlook Trail. This easy, 0.5-mile trail takes you to one of Michigan’s most jaw-dropping views. With crystal-clear water, dense forest, and the distant peaks of the Upper Peninsula, it’s the perfect spot to stop, take a breath, and soak in the surroundings.
Cool Fact: The Lake of the Clouds is often bathed in mist early in the morning, giving the landscape a mystical, almost surreal quality that’s not to be missed.
3. The Jordan River Pathway: A Scenic Loop That’s Steeped in History
The Jordan River Pathway is one of Michigan’s oldest and most historic trails. Spanning 18 miles through the Jordan River Valley, this trail meanders through hardwood forests, wetlands, and tranquil river views. Its unique appeal lies not only in its natural beauty but in its connection to the past. Originally used by Native American tribes as a trading route, the Jordan River offers a rich historical context for those who venture onto the trail.
Cool Fact: The trail’s name comes from the Jordan River, which was named after the famous river in the Bible. Early settlers and traders once used this area to cross the river to reach the northern part of the state.
4. The Manistee River Trail: Michigan’s Own Grand Canyon
For a trail that feels like it belongs in the Southwest, head to the Manistee River Trail. This 23-mile loop through the Manistee National Forest provides dramatic cliffside views of the river below, rugged hills, and dense forests. The trail is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and along the way, you’ll encounter river crossings, old-growth forest, and the chance to catch sight of bald eagles soaring overhead.
Cool Fact: The section of the Manistee River Trail near the Red Bridge offers the kind of expansive views that resemble the Grand Canyon’s famous rock formations, though without the crowds.
5. The Lost Valley Trail: A Wild Adventure Near the Mackinac Bridge
If you’re near Mackinaw City, the Lost Valley Trail offers a sense of exploration and mystery. This 3.5-mile trail follows the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac, where the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet. What makes this trail cool is its hidden coves, towering cliffs, and remnants of an old logging camp. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a forgotten world as you hike through dense woods and alongside the cool waters of the strait.
Cool Fact: The Lost Valley is home to a variety of rare plants and wildflowers, including the unique "Lady Slipper" orchid, which can be spotted in the spring.
6. The Black River Wilderness Area: A Place to Discover Waterfalls and Solitude
Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Black River Wilderness Area offers a serene escape for those looking to get off the beaten path. This 9-mile trail is not only a great place for hiking, but it’s also home to the stunning Black River Falls. Along the way, you’ll see multiple cascades and plunge pools, with the sounds of rushing water filling the air. The remote nature of this trail ensures that you’ll often find solitude, making it the perfect escape from the crowds.
Cool Fact: The Black River Wilderness is one of Michigan’s most rugged and remote trail systems, providing an authentic wilderness experience where you might spot rare species like the eastern spotted skunk.
7. The Isle Royale National Park Trails: Michigan’s Off-the-Grid Island Escape
For a true adventure, head to Isle Royale National Park, an isolated island in Lake Superior that’s accessible only by ferry or seaplane. The park offers more than 165 miles of hiking trails, many of which are accessible to just a few dedicated hikers each year. While most people know about the island’s iconic rock formations and wilderness cabins, few realize that the island is also home to thriving populations of wolves, moose, and a variety of other wildlife. The trails are as remote and untamed as they come, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience nature without interruption.
Cool Fact: Isle Royale is home to one of the longest-running predator-prey studies in the world, tracking the dynamics between the island’s moose and wolf populations.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet birdwatching spot, an adrenaline-pumping waterfall adventure, or a remote island getaway, Michigan’s trails are full of surprises waiting to be discovered. So, step off the well-trodden path, embrace the quiet beauty of these hidden gems, and experience the thrill of hiking in one of the most diverse landscapes in the country. There’s always a new trail to explore, and Michigan’s wilderness is calling you to discover what lies beyond the ordinary.
So, lace up your boots, grab a trail map, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through the untold beauty of Michigan’s lesser-known hiking spots!
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