Looking to get outdoors but live in the Metro-Detroit area? There’s still lots of great nature around! Read on for 20 hiking trails close to Detroit! All of these hiking trails near Detroit are about a hour or less from downtown!
Want something a bit closer? Here’s 15 trails within 30 minutes of Detroit! Want to explore other trails throughout Michigan? Here’s the four best hikes in Michigan and as a previous Traverse City resident, here’s my Local’s Guide to Hiking in Traverse City!
Hiking Trails Close to Detroit: West
30-45 minutes away
Wildwing Trail 2 miles | Kensington Metropolitan Park in Milford
Specifically for this trail you must have a Huron-Clinton Metropark pass to enter. Enjoy the perfect day-hike loop at two miles around a small lake. Further, this trail is fairly flat, with only two short portions of significant elevation change.
Marsh, River, Red, Blue Trails Loop 1-6 miles | Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. With numerous loops throughout Proud Lake Recreation area, you can make this hike as long or as short as you would like! Enjoy views along the Huron River, along pines, and marshy boardwalk trails.
Yellow Trail Loop 5.5 miles | Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. There are numerous loops here and throughout Island Lake Recreation Area allowing you to determine how long or short you want to hike! Another key point to recognize is that this trail is shared with mountain bikers, be cautious!
45-60 minutes away off of I-96 or M-59 (northwest)
Boutel Trail 2.4 miles | Oak Grove State Game Area in Howell
A free, and easy to access trail near Howell. This trail is mainly dirt, wandering through pines. Unfortunately, this trail is often not well maintained.
Maltby Vista Trail 1.7 miles | Huron Meadows Metropark in Brighton
Specifically for this trail you must have a Huron-Clinton Metropark pass to enter. This is a sandy/gravel/dirt loop trail with beautiful views of Maltby Lake. You’ll find a few steep inclines, otherwise, it’s a nice flat, and easy trail.
Haven Hill Lake and Woods Loop 2.2 miles | Highland State Recreation Area in Highland Township
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. This short loop meanders partially around Haven Hill Lake and the forest throughout Highland State Recreation Area. With minimal elevation change, this a perfect hike for anyone looking to experience hiking trails close to Detroit!
North Loop 2.2 miles | Highland State Recreation Area in Highland Township
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. A beautiful, woodsy hike filled with pines. Be cautious, as this trail and area are both open to hunting!
45-60 minutes away off of I-94 or M-14 (southwest)
Stinchfield Woods 4.1 miles | Stinchfield Woods in Dexter
A free, easy to access trail in Dexter. There are numerous loops throughout Stinchfield Woods allowing you to shorten or lengthen this hike. This hike has a moderate amount of elevation gain for lower Michigan at around 350ft elevation gain.
Chain of Lakes Trail 7.8 miles | Pinckney Recreation Area in Pinckney
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. This is a portion of the Potawatomi Trail A well-maintained and marked trail with a fair amount of elevation gain. Unquestionably, this trail often features lots of wildlife and is great for trail running with numerous loops and side trails to explore.
Mill Lake Loop 3.3 miles | Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan State Park Recreation Pass to enter. This primarily dirt loop trail takes you past the Discovery Center and Mill Lake Cabins. In addition, there is a Track Chair that can be used for traditional manual wheelchair users that are interested in accessing this trail. You can contact this number for use of the chair 734-475-8307.
Hiking Trails Close to Detroit: North
Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail 2.5 miles | Holly State Recreation Area in Holly
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. A trail mainly consisting of dirt and is relatively flat with a section of wooden stairs.
South to North Campground Trail 1.3 miles | Lakeport State Park in Burtchville
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. An easy, flat hike between the two campgrounds at Lakeport State Park. Though not a difficult trail, it has gorgeous views along the Lake Huron shoreline.
Lake Minnawanna Scenic Trail 4.5 miles | Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Metamora
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. A beautiful loop trail around Lake Minnawanna! Particularly perfect for hiking, trail running, and after a fresh snowfall, snowshoeing!
Bald Mountain Red Loop 3.8 miles | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area in Lake Orion
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. A beautiful, wooded trail that can be quite muddy if rainy weather has been present. Despite the beauty of the trail, ticks have been reported frequently.
Wetzel State Recreation Area Loop 5.6 miles | in New Haven
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. A stunning route that starts along the Huron river and then loops back! This is a mainly dirt trail with a minor amount of elevation gain.
Walcott Mill Metro Park Trail 4.3 miles | Walcott Mill Metropolitan Park in Ray
Specifically for this trail you must have a Huron-Clinton Metropark pass to enter. This is a combination of three trails, Mill Race Trail, Mother Earth Trail and Settlers Trail, allowing you to make this hike shorter if wanted! You’ll trek through beautiful woods, marsh, and fields.
Pontiac Lake Hiking Trail 3.6 miles | Pontiac Lake Recreation Area in Pontiac
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. One of many trails throughout Pontiac Lake State Park! This one starts near the campground and heads over to Pontiac Lake shortly after crossing Gale Road.
Hiking Trails Close to Detroit: Downriver
River Raisin National Battlefield Park 1 mile | River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe
A gravel path around the battlefield at River Raisin National Battlefield park. There is close and easy access to the newly updated visitor center (2023). No entrance pass is required to enter River Raisin National Battlefield Park!
Sterling Marsh Trail 3.6 miles | Sterling State Park in Monroe
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter. In short, this is a beautiful and easy route around a pond that is fully paved with asphalt, it is bumpy in sections. However, this trail has been named a “wheel-chair accessible interpretive trail”.
Point Mouille Loop 3.8 miles | Pointe Mouille State Game Area in Newport
Specifically for this trail you must have a Michigan Recreation passport to enter! Overall, this is a beautiful trail running along the west end of Lake Erie that consists of dirt and boardwalks.
