What You’ll Discover In Michigan’s Trail Towns

Have you ever been to a Pure Michigan Trail Town? This unique designation was created by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Pure Michigan to showcase some of the best places for recreation in the state. Just choose a spot to jump-start your outdoor adventure. 

Trail leading to Lake Michigan in South Haven
Van Buren State Park in South Haven | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan

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Our connection to the Great Lakes, thousands of miles of waterways and over 19 million acres of forest have already made Michigan an outdoor lover’s wonderland. But did you know we also have more than 13,400 miles of state-designated trails across the state? 

Formed from both land and water, crossing through shorelines, woodlands and cities – trails are built into our DNA. They have always been a means of passage for the earliest inhabitants, eventually enticing explorers, settlers and freedom seekers to Michigan’s expansive peninsulas. These days, well-planned trails connect communities and encourage people to pursue outdoor activities all year round – whether you’re into hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding or snowmobiling.

Among the whole state-designated system, you’re free to explore:

  • 4,020 miles of hiking trails
  • 1,375 miles of rail trails
  • 4,090 miles of designated ORV and motorcycle trails and routes
  • 6,165 miles of designated snowmobile trails
  • 845 miles of equestrian trails
  • 2,085 miles of biking trails
  • 635 miles of water trails
  • 365 miles of groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails

Where do you want to go first? Here are a few highlights to get you started:

Oscoda

Located at the meeting point of the Au Sable River and Lake Huron, Oscoda Township was recently designated as a Michigan Trail Town. Water enthusiasts are naturally drawn here, but the whole area is a four-season destination for hiking, bird-watching, cross-country skiing and fat-biking. The 7-mile Highbanks Trail was also named an official Pure Michigan Trail, providing year-round recreation access to the bluffs of the Au Sable River. 

South Haven

In this scenic coastal town along Lake Michigan, you can explore 48 miles of trails, 91 miles of water trails and 770 acres of nature preserves all around. Walk through 2 miles of forest and wetlands at Black River Preserve, launch a kayak from Deerlick Creek Park, explore Van Buren State Park and much more. In the fall, South Haven invites visitors to participate in the South Haven Trail Town Challenge!

Lansing Area

A city can also become an oasis of calm. Lansing is home to a network of more than 30 miles of trails where you can hike, walk, bike or paddle from urban treasures to local attractions. Alongside nature’s wonders, these trails also feature important pieces of cultural heritage like the Nokomis Cultural Heritage Center. Lansing is also home to a series of accessible trails, riverwalks and waterfronts for visitors of all abilities. 

Houghton

In the Upper Peninsula, charming Houghton is known as the Gateway to the Keweenaw. As a college town, its population grows exponentially during the school year – but outdoor recreation is appealing all year round. Explore the Nara Nature Park, a 100-acre natural space that connects to the nearby Michigan Tech University trails, totaling about 50 miles of trails for hiking, running, biking, skiing and snowshoeing.

Click for the complete list of Trail Towns and learn how you get moving and explore Michigan.