How many hiking trails are listed in Michigan?

The directory currently includes 214 quality-checked routes in Michigan, covering 3.9k km of mapped lines. These are routes with a traceable source, sufficient geometry and elevation data.

Which route ranks highest in Michigan?

North Country National Scenic Trail (WI) currently has the highest directory score in this set. Compare its distance, ascent and route type with Bay de Noc – Grand Island National Recreation Trail and North Country National Scenic Trail (MI) before choosing.

When should you hike in Michigan?

Varies by region is the season stored for this place in the directory. It is not a live conditions report: consult the route source, land manager and local forecast before travelling.

Are there routes rated easy in Michigan?

145 routes are rated easy by the directory’s distance-and-elevation model. The rating does not rule out rough surface, exposure or temporary hazards, so verify the individual route.

🇺🇸 United States

Hiking trails in Michigan

214 quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped in Michigan, United States. Together their route lines cover 3.9k km. The average route is 18.3 km with 72 m (236 ft) of recorded ascent.

214
Trails: 3.9k
Kilometres: 0
Parks: 541 m
Highest point

The directory difficulty mix is 145 easy (68%), 48 moderate (22%) and 21 hard or expert (10%). 68 routes (32%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.

The most frequent route tags are lake (23), mountain (20), river (16), forest (5). The highest recorded point in this set is 541 m (1,775 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. North Country National Scenic Trail (WI), Bay de Noc – Grand Island National Recreation Trail, North Country National Scenic Trail (MI) currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

24.9 km

DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

81 m

DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Comparison of the first 6 listed routes
Route	Distance	Ascent	Moving time	Shape
North Country National Scenic Trail (WI)	337 km	858 m	81 hr	Point to point
Bay de Noc – Grand Island National Recreation Trail	71.4 km	227 m	16 hr	Point to point
North Country National Scenic Trail (MI)	1872 km	2,178 m	449 hr	Point to point
Nicolet State Trail	150 km	308 m	35 hr	Point to point
Waterloo-Pinckney Hiking Trail	56.1 km	385 m	13 hr	Point to point
DLT t - New Buffalo to Warren Dunes / Bridgman	24.9 km	81 m	5 hr 37 min	Point to point

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.