Want to go hiking this summer? Here are 5 Michigan trails to suit different skill levels

If you're looking to hit the trail this season, Michigan offers plenty of options to explore the outdoors.

Parks and recreation areas across the state boast thousands of miles of trails — steep, rugged terrain to even, paved paths in urban parks.

"The hiking trails of Michigan lead us through old-growth forests. They guide us to waterfalls. They usher us to the tops of mountains, back across time and down through urban canyons," Pure Michigan says.

Here's what to know.

Where are Michigan's hiking trails?

There are more than 4,020 miles of state-designated hiking trails in Michigan, according to Pure Michigan. Here are five hiking trails to check out in the mitten state:

Shore-to-Shore Trail: This 220-mile trail runs across the state from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. Primarily used by horseback riders, the trail is also open to hikers and cross-country skiers, according to Up North Trails. There are horse camps with privies and wells at approximately 18- to 25-mile intervals.

Lakeshore-North Country Trail: This trail in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is among the lakeshore's over 100 miles of hiking trails. The area includes the Lakeshore Trail, with a total distance of 42 miles. It's part of the Northern Country National Scenic Trail and includes views of Chapel Rock and Spray and Bridalveil falls. "(It's) unquestionably one of Michigan’s classic hikes. This is a trek is a walk between two towns, Grand Marais and Munising, past lighthouses and shipwrecks, giant sand dunes and towering standstone cliffs, beaches on Lake Superior and beaches 200 feet above it," Michigan Trail Maps says.

Center Loop Trails: Featuring 8 miles of trails in Benton Harbor's Sarett Nature Center in southwest Michigan, you can trek among upland meadows and swamp forest, with whitetail deer and Peregrine falcon in the area. The trails are near Sarett's Butterfly House and the St. Joe Community Taproom in St. Joseph, featuring local farmers, food vendors and makers and a 16-tap tasting room of beers, wine, cider and draft cocktails.

Au Sable River Foot Trail: Located in northern Michigan's Hartwick Pines State Park, this 3.9-mile trail is surrounded by the Au Sable River and white pine forest. There are four other trails in the park as well, ranging from a quarter mile to 21 miles. A Michigan recreation pass is required for entry.

Sleepy Hollow Hike/Bike Trail: Mid-Michigan's Sleepy Hollow State Park offers this pet-friendly 16-mile trail near Laingsburg. The trail offers views of forests and Lake Ovid, with a footbridge to an island. Part of the area includes equestrian trails, so expect horses nearby. A state recreation passport is required for entry.

What is hiking vs. walking?

Hiking and walking are both outdoor activities with various difficulty levels, but key differences set them apart, according to REI, a retail chain selling outdoor recreation goods.

Walking is typically a relaxed activity on flat ground allowing you to keep moving forward. Hiking can be more rigorous, requiring greater focus, balance and muscle use to pivot, move sideways, dodge obstacles, and ascend and descend.

What should you bring on a hike?

Before you head on a hike, consider your plan and gather relevant materials, REI and outdoor apparel company KÜHL recommend. Here are some essential items to prepare for your hike:

Water

Backpack

First-aid kit

Lightweight emergency shelter

Hiking shoes

Multi-tool or knife

Navigation tools: Map and compass or GPS

Weather-appropriate clothing

Flashlight

Food

Hiking gear

Sun protection: hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

Relevant permits

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Hiking in Michigan: Trails to try in 2025, from UP to Lower Peninsula