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 (2025 Guide)

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

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

Are Pit Bulls Good for First-Time Owners? Vet-Approved Considerations

Pit Bulls can make just as wonderful companions and family dogs as any other canine, but are they a good choice for first-time...

How to Train a Dachshund Not to Bark: 9 Effective Tips (With Video)

Dachshunds are affectionate and charming, but it can be surprising how this small animal can make such a big sound when they bark....

Why Does My Dog Growl When I Pet Him? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Dogs can’t speak, but they still have ways to communicate with us through body language and vocalizations. One way that dogs can communicate...

Chabrador Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

The Chabrador is a mixed breed that combines the Chow Chow and the Labrador Retriever dog breeds. It is a loyal and loving...

More related

Don’t Be a Slave to Doggy Mealtimes: Why Flexible Routines Can Work

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred....

Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Traits & More

It’s no surprise that the Miniature Schnauzer is a popular breed that is widely recognized throughout the world. They’re known for their beard...

Do Dogs Feel Guilty? Understanding Dog Behavior & Emotions

Have you ever walked into your house and immediately knew that your pup was up to no good? Your feeling seems to be...

Can Dogs Eat Pineberries? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ 

Pineberries, with their quirky appearance resembling strawberries but with a hint of pineapple flavor, have certainly captured attention in the fruit world. But,...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Flour? Vet-Verified Health & Nutrition Info

Flour is one of the most common ingredients in kitchens and pantries, especially for those who love baking. If you love to bake and tend to make a mess when you do, you might wonder if it’s safe for your...

Can Dogs Eat_flour

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Bones? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Chicken is the most popular protein in most American homes, thanks to its overall low cost and high nutritional value. Some people find even more value in their chicken by purchasing cheaper cuts of meat, like thighs or entire chickens....

Can Dogs Eat_chicken bones

Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky? Vet-Approved Feeding & Health Facts 

Dogs are exceptional at persuading you to give them a bit of a treat. This interaction with your dog actually provides more than just a tasty snack for them; it also makes you feel good by increasing the bond between...

Can Dogs Eat Beef Jerky

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Gizzards? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs can eat chicken, but can dogs eat chicken gizzards? Yes, you can feed your dog chicken gizzards! Of course, as with any food, there are potential risks to feeding your dog chicken gizzards. However, these risks can be largely...

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Gizzards

Dinovite Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary We want our pets to be healthy, so we search across the seas and plunge deep into the Internet to find the best dog food available (that we can afford). And still, that may not be enough. Like...

Dogster_Dinovite Dog Food Review

Sundays for Dogs Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Sundays dog food takes a different approach to the fresh dog food craze that is becoming more common in the pet food industry. This company uses fresh and human-grade ingredients, but the food has a different look: it doesn’t look...

Dogster_Sundays for Dogs Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

If you check the dog food aisle in most pet stores, you will see an abundance of grain-free and wheat-free foods. There is a modern belief that dogs benefit from this kind of diet. While it is unlikely that a...

Close up of wheat grains and wheat ears

Dog Food Sensitivity: Vet-Reviewed Signs & Treatment

Just like humans, dogs can also develop sensitivities and allergies, especially when it comes to their food. However, identifying and addressing the signs of dog food sensitivity can be a challenge for many pet owners, particularly as some aren’t all...

sad golden retriever dog beside food bowl on the floor with no appetite