Nature After Dark: Night Hiking in Michigan
Nocturnal walks and lantern-lit strolls show off Michigan from a whole different point of view.
Lace up your sneakers or clap on your snowshoes, and let the sounds of the outdoors surround you in Michigan’s wooded trails and waterfronts. Hiking at night opens you to an entirely different way to experience nature — one where the snapping of twigs, the rustling of raccoons or a hooting owl pierces through the air as you soak up the fresh atmosphere.
Michigan is filled with prime places to enjoy a nighttime hike, often with a guide pointing out details like how the moon’s phases influence nocturnal habits, the sensory experience of walking at night and what constellations you can see above. Michiganders are so connected to the outdoors that these nighttime activities are considered a year-round adventure.
Every Friday evening, you’re invited to a Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba in Charlevoix. This self-guided experience takes place all year round for hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Borrow a headlamp or bring a flashlight to Expedition Detroit’s Night Hike Safari at Maybury State Park. The hikes are open to all skill levels, crossing a variety of terrain on a 3.1-mile loop.
Between October and until the first snowfall, Muskegon State Park lights up the White Night Trail, Pete's Path and Lost Lake Trail for after-dark hikes.
The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum hosts regular new moon night hikes in Black Pond Woods, including science experiences on the trail and a visit to the nature center to meet nocturnal creatures.
Several state parks host winter-only lantern-lit hikes — like Ludington State Park’s hiking and hot chocolate events in January and February and a one-mile trek at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park that lights your way from the forest to Lake Superior every Saturday evening.
The Mitten State is also home to several dark sky destinations that are far from any light pollution and let the stars shine their brightest — perfect for a photography walk or a hiking and overnight camping experience. Check out the six state parks that are home to protected Dark Sky Preserves: Lake Hudson Recreation Area, Negwegon State Park, Port Crescent State Park, Rockport Recreation Area, Thompson's Harbor State Park and Wilderness State Park. Michigan’s four officially designated International Dark Sky Places are: Headlands Dark Sky Park, Keweenaw Dark Sky Park, Dr. T.K. Lawless Park and Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area.
Learn more about stargazing in Michigan’s Dark Sky Parks.
You can even spend a whole weekend dedicated to viewing the night sky at the Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival, part of International Dark Sky Week celebrations in April. Learn about the impacts of light pollution and enjoy views from every perspective, all taking place around the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park.
In Michigan’s parks, preserves and science centers, we like to put a different spin on the idea of nightlife after dark. Come see what it’s all about!