Michigan

Looking for the best running in Michigan? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Michigan. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Running Spots in and near Michigan

  • Marquette, Michigan

    Hike Hogback Mountain

    5.0
    2 mi / 600 ft gain
    The trailhead for Hogback Mountain sits 5 miles North of Marquette, Mi on County Road 550. About 1/2 mile past the Sugarloaf Mtn parking lot, the unmarked road is on the left side if going north bound -- the parking area is for Wetmore Pond.The trail begins with an easy half mile hike through a w...
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  • Oscoda Township, Michigan

    Hike Lumberman’s Monument

    5.0
    5.6 mi
    Lumberman’s Monument is truly a hidden gem. Most people don’t realize there are towering sand dunes in the Oscoda area. While the majority of visitors stay at the overlook, there is a breathtaking trail for the more adventurous. The main parking for this trail is at the Lumberman’s Monument parki...
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  • Free Soil, Michigan

    Hike Island Trail

    4 mi
    Start at the Hamlin Beach House and make your way down the dirt path until you hit marker #12. Take a right and the trail will become a boardwalk for roughly 3/4 of a mile until you hit marker #10. Continue on from there for another 3/4 of a mile until you hit the trail shelter where you can rela...
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  • Kingsley, Michigan

    Hike the Rollways on the North Country Trail

    4.0
    3 mi
    Park at the High Rollway Observation Deck in Kingsley. There's actually two parking lots that you will come to on a dirt road. I suggest parking at the eastern most lot (drive straight instead of making a final right turn). There are two primary wooden platform lookouts near the parking lots. Be ...
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  • Traverse City, Michigan

    Hike Old Mission Peninsula Park

    6 mi / 183 ft gain
    At the end of the Old Mission peninsula sits Mission Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is surrounded by 5 acres of wooded township and many acres of state land! Upon arriving you can explore the shores just below the lighthouse - there can intriguing iceberg islands forming at the edge of the wate...
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  • Glen Arbor, Michigan

    Hike the Ghost Forest Trail and the Dunes of Glen Haven

    3 mi
    Park your car at the Sleeping Bear Point Trailhead in Glen Haven, Michigan, once parked find your way to the sign for point of reference with the map. You'll find that the Ghost Forest Trail is a 2.8 mile loop. You can start the loop at the trailhead which is near the bathroom, or at the sign whe...
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  • Honor, Michigan

    Winter Hike Empire Bluff Trail

    1.5 mi / 170 ft gain
    Just outside the village of Empire is where this venture starts. This hike may be the most famous hike in the area. The Empire Bluff Trail provides incredible views of the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, South Bar Lake and Lake Michigan! The hike is slightly hilly, and stays primarily in the trees. At ...
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  • Holland, Michigan

    Climb the Stairs up Mt. Pisgah

    4.3
    0.5 mi / 80 ft gain
    Feel the burn in your calves and thighs! If you don't feel it, pick up the pace or do it all again! The good news is it is actually just a large dune, not an entire mountain. It should not take you very long to run, even though there are over 200 steps here. Every 25th stair is marked and there a...
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  • Mackinac Island, Michigan

    Tranquil Bluff Trail on Mackinac Island

    5.0
    3.09 mi / 180 ft gain
    You will need to take a ferry to the island to access this hike, but the fare is cheap and is worth it for a day trip. This hike starts at the very popular (and thus usually crowded) Arch Rock and takes you halfway across the island to British Landing. Even with the initial crowds, you should be...
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  • Grand Haven, Michigan

    Run Across the Grand River

    4 mi
    Begin the run at Connor Bayou, where this adventure's directions lead to. You will follow the Idema Explorers trail into the woods, where you will wind around for about 0.4 miles. As soon as you exit the woods, continue to follow the paved trail that leads to the left along the road. After anothe...
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  • Ada, Michigan

    Cascade Peace Park Trail

    2.78 mi / 390 ft gain
    Cascade Peace Park Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Ada Township, Michigan.
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  • Brighton, Michigan

    Island Lake Yellow Trail Loop

    5.56 mi / 453 ft gain
    Island Lake Yellow Trail Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near South Lyon, Michigan.
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  • Metamora, Michigan

    Lake Minnawanna Scenic Trail

    4.41 mi / 305 ft gain
    Lake Minnawanna Scenic Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Metamora, Michigan.
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  • Caledonia, Michigan

    Lepard Nature Preserve Loop

    3.0
    0.74 mi / 112 ft gain
    Lepard Nature Preserve Loop is a loop trail where you may see local wildlife located near Alto, Michigan.
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  • Kalamazoo, Michigan

    Moab Trail

    2.15 mi / 75 ft gain
    Moab Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Kalamazoo, Michigan.
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  • Hillsdale, Michigan

    North Country Trail: Bawbeese Lake to Osseo

    5.94 mi / 56 ft gain
    North Country Trail: Bawbeese Lake to Osseo is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Hillsdale, Michigan.
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