Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Michigan (2026 Guide)

Share

dog on appalachian trail

With 103 state parks and recreation areas and 360,000 acres of land within those areas,1 it’s hard to imagine that there aren’t tons of trails for you to explore with your four-legged friend. Michigan is home to some of the most picturesque scenery, shaded trails, and freshwater lakes, all of which are perfect for an active day with your pooch. Lace up those hiking boots and grab your leash because we’re about to list 10 of the most beautiful dog-friendly hiking trails the Great Lakes State has to offer!

divider-paw

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Michigan

1. Wetmore Landing: Shoreline Trail

️ Address: Maquette, MI 49855
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • 6-mile out-and-back trail
  • Trail marked with blue rectangles on trees
  • Sitting area partway up the trail
  • Clifftop views of Lake Superior
  • Dogs allowed to swim in the lake

2. Sleepy Hollow Trail

️ Address: Laingsburg, MI 48848
Open Times: 8 AM to 10 PM
Cost: Free when entering on foot or bike; $14 recreation passport for vehicles
Off-Leash: No
  • Located in Sleepy Hollow State Park
  • 6-mile loop
  • Trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking
  • Best months to visit are April through October

3. Lumberman’s Monument Trail

️ Address: 5401 Monument Rd, Oscoda, MI 48750
Open Times: 10 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Inside Huron-Manistee National Forest
  • 8-mile loop
  • Popular for birding, hiking, and walking
  • Overlooks the Au Sable River
  • Towering sand dunes

4. Fern Lake Loop

️ Address: 7997–7824 Timbers Trail, Traverse City, MI 49685
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
 

  • Inside the Timbers Recreation Area
  • 1-mile loop
  • Great for birding, cross-country skiing, and fishing
  • Encounter two lakes and a swamp with entry points a quick dip
  • Short drive from downtown Traverse City

5. Provin Trails

️ Address: 2900 4 Mile Rd Grand Rapids Township, MI 49525
Open Times: 7 AM to 8 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • 8-mile loop
  • Minutes from downtown Grand Rapids
  • Moderately challenging with hilly terrain
  • Secret sand dune

6. Maybury Hiking Trail Loop

️ Address: 49601 Eight Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48167
Open Times: 8 AM to 10 PM
Cost: Free when entering on foot or bike; $14 recreation passport for vehicles
Off-Leash: No
  • Located inside Maybury State Park
  • 1-mile loop
  • Good for hiking, running, cross-country skiing, fishing, and biking
  • Open year-round
  • Lots of shade

7. North Country Trail

️ Address: Upper River Rd, Brethren, MI 49619
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in certain areas
 

  • 2- mile out-and-back trail
  • Considered challenging
  • Perfect for backpacking, birding, and camping
  • Follows the Manistee River

8. Novi Lakeshore Park MTB Loop

️ Address: Novi, MI 48377
Open Times: 6 AM to 9 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in certain areas
  • 7-mile loop
  • Moderately challenging
  • Popular for hiking, mountain biking, and running
  • Best months to visit are March through October

9. Avalanche Preserve

️ Address: 1129 Wilson St, Boyne City, MI 49712
Open Times: 6 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in certain areas
 

  • 6-mile loop
  • Busy trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking
  • Best months to visit are May through November
  • 470 steps to the viewing platform overlooking Lake Charlevoix
  • Well-maintained trail

10. Hungarian Falls

️ Address: Hungarian Falls Trail, Calumet, MI 49913
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in certain areas
  • 7-mile out-and-back loop
  • Popular for birding, hiking, and snowshoeing
  • Best months to visit are May through September
  • Up-close views of the falls
  • Two sections to hike: one is easy and the other is challenging with large drops

divider-dog

Conclusion

Whether you want to hike in the Upper or Lower Peninsula or you’re trying to see sand dunes, lakes, or waterfalls, this list covers some of the most beautiful dog-friendly hiking trails in Michigan. Each one has something unique to offer, and there are a range of distances and challenge levels to choose from. So, leash up your dog and grab your hiking boots, as well as some fresh food and water, and get to hiking these stunning trails!

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Antbirdmedia, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: The Cutest Puppy (April 2, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

The Hidden Risk in Tall Grass That Most Dog Owners Ignore

Finding a tick on your dog can look like a lot of things, depending on when you catch it. Some are engorged and...

America’s Most Popular Dog Breed Is Also One of the Unhealthiest

We’re now 3 for 3 in the category of disappointing canine accolades with the French Bulldog being announced as America’s most popular dog...

Ask Dr. Paola- Help! My Dog Keeps Barking at the TV! (March 30, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

Are Blue Heeler Dogs Really Blue? Setting the Facts Straight (Vet-Reviewed)

While there are many wonderful dog breeds available to pet owners, one that stands out in part due to their interesting name is...

How Long Should I Play with My Dog? Vet Reviewed Health & Care Tips

Nothing excites a dog more than playtime with its human companion, and those moments help develop a valuable connection that only grows deeper....

My Dog Ate a Toothpick: Should I Be Worried? Our Vet Answers

Has your dog eaten a toothpick? This is a surprisingly common occurrence, and your vet will be well-equipped to deal with this situation....

10 Great Tips on How to Dog-Proof a Trash Can: Vet-Approved Advice & Choices

If you’ve owned a dog for five minutes, you know that the trash can is a source of annoyance and frustration. Who wants...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

If you enjoy the sweet, tart taste of citrus fruits like tangerines, you might be tempted to share the delicious goodness with your dog. Fortunately, most dogs can safely eat parts of tangerines in small quantities. In this article, we’ll...

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines

10 Best Low-Protein Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Protein is an essential part of a dog’s diet, but there may be situations in which your dog may need a low-protein dog food due to health reasons, such as kidney or liver disease. Most dog food brands are high...

Schnauzer puppy dog eating tasty dry food from bowl

10 Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles in 2026 — Reviews & Top Picks

Whether you have just brought a Labradoodle into your home or are a long-time owner, you want the best for your pet. Providing complete nutrition is part of keeping your dog active and healthy. As large dogs, Labradoodles have different...

labradoodle lying on bench

Can Dogs Eat Crab Apples? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts, Benefits & Risks

Have you ever been out on a walk with your pup in the fall season and seen tiny apples littering the ground? Those are crab apples (Malus sylvestris), an older version of European cultivated apple species. These small apples are...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Crab Apples

Should Dogs Eat the Rainbow? Vet-Reviewed Eating Tips for Canines

Dogs are often considered to be carnivores that require a meat-heavy diet. Still, there are some similarities between a dog’s diet and a human’s diet. However, they are not omnivores like we are. Dogs may benefit from eating the rainbow,...

Colorful assorted fruits and vegetables

10 Best Dry Dog Foods for Senior Dogs in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

Owning a senior dog can be a bittersweet time in your life. While you have all these wonderful memories together and a close bond, you also have to watch their health and mobility decline. Keeping our dogs around for as...

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

Nom Nom Dog Food Subscription Review 2026: Our Expert’s Breakdown

* Nom Nom now offers a free Storage Tub with any subscription purchase It used to be that if you wanted to feed your dog fresh, real food, you had to put the work in. You had to get the...

DOG_SAPR_Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food

10 Best Dog Foods for Lhasa Apsos in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Lhasa Apsos are small, compact dogs that are often admired for their long, silky hair. However, it’s important not to be fooled by their size. These larger-than-life dogs have a lot of energy and are incredibly hardy dogs. As with...

lhasa apso

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter