Welcome to Let’s Go on a Hike! Here I’ll have reviews on hikes throughout Michigan (and beyond). Questions like: Can I trail run this path? How much parking is available? How difficult is this trail? and many more will be answered! Below are four fall hikes in Michigan! Though every place is gorgeous to visit, especially in the fall, these four hikes are some of my favorite places check out that color change! Let me know below in the comments or on Instagram where your favorite places to hike in Michgian during leaf peepin’ season!

Must-do Fall Hikes in Michigan

Fall Hikes in Michigan – Lower Peninsula

High Banks Trail

Region: NE Lower Peninsula | Distance: 7.5 miles point to point

Highlights: A gorgeous forested hike with numerous overlooks onto the Au Sable river. Start at Iargo Springs for some incredible natural springs/waterfalls, hike to Lumberman’s Monument for stellar views and some education on the logging industry in this area. Continue on down along the Au Sable for more lookouts and panoramic views.

Lowlights: Must have a car parked at each end (Iargo Springs, and the trailhead off of Cook Dam rd) otherwise it’s a 14 miler. Parking is available at Canoer’s Memorial and Lumberman’s Monument if one wanted to make the hike a bit shorter.

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Jordan River Valley Trail

Region: NW Lower Peninsula | Distance: 3-15 miles loop

Highlights: A gorgeous hilly Michigan hike! It’s not too often in Michigan we experience decent elevation gain but this hike has a little bit of that. Begin this hike with expansive views on top of Deadman’s Hill and decide whether you would prefer hiking up Deadman’s Hill (if so take the loop clockwise) or if you’d prefer to hike down Deadman’s Hill (take the loop counter-clockwise).

Lowlights: The most elevation gain out of these four hikes. My dad found it very helpful to have hiking poles for this hike to help with the elevation along with the high amount of roots/rocks at portions of the trail. Backcountry camping is only allowed at Pinney Bridge Campground.

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Fall Hikes in Michigan – Lower Peninsula

Sugarloaf Mountain

Region: Upper Peninsula – Marquette | Distance: 1.2 mile out and back or loop

Highlights: 360 degree views of Marquette, Lake Superior, and the gorgeous surrounding forested area. A nice quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding hike!

Lowlights: A very popular hike, plan for lots of people. They have expanded the parking with two separate lots (parking is no longer allowed along the road).

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Chapel Basin Loop

Region: Upper Peninsula – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Distance: 6.8 mile loop

Highlights: A beautiful dense forest hike with many views of Chapel lake and Chapel Falls, both are gorgeous with the fall colors. Once you get out to Lake Superior, the views speak for themselves. You can access Chapel Beach by stairs along the trail, this was a great resting point, you’re just over 1/2 through with the hike and what better than to sit on the beach, enjoy the view, and enjoy a snack and some water.

Lowlights: This trail is very popular, parking is limited and fills quickly. This area does have active black bears so please pack out your trash. Cellphone service is pretty non-existent when you are at the trailhead and throughout the entire hike, make sure you let someone know where you are going ahead of time.

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