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

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

How Much Food Does a Great Dane Need? With Feeding Chart

Great Danes are one of the biggest dogs in the world, and it’s no surprise when you meet one face to face. If...

7 DIY Dog Bow Tie Patterns & How-to Guides (With Pictures)

There’s nothing quite as cute as a dog wearing clothes, especially if the clothes in question require a bow tie. While doggy bow...

How Fast Is a Normal Heart Rate for Dogs? (Vet Answer)

Do you think that your dog’s heart is beating faster than usual and want to know what the normal heart rate is for...

Can Dogs Eat Brisket? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks

Brisket is a cut of beef from a cow’s lower breast muscles. The lower breast is a well-worked area of the body, so...

More related

Can Dog Moms Celebrate Mother’s Day? 7 Tips on How to Have a Great Day

Anyone can celebrate Mother’s Day if they’d like to, including those that only have canines. Many dog owners feel they provide similar love...

Can Dogs Eat Jelly Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve encountered your fair share of jelly beans. Maybe you’ve even eaten a handful or two (or...

Canadian Golden Retriever: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Within different dog breeds, there are sometimes subtypes. An example of this comes in the form of one of America’s most beloved breeds,...

Mini Goldendoodle vs Goldendoodle: Differences Explained (With Pictures)

The Goldendoodle is one of the most beloved mixed-breed dogs, whether they’re a mini or a standard size. These amazing dogs are a...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

It’s not unusual for people to search for ideas on new things for their dogs to eat. Pet owners want their dogs to enjoy new things from time to time instead of routine dog food. Considering that rice is often...

Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

In the world of pet ownership, it’s essential to know what foods are safe for your dogs and which ones are not. Poppy seeds are a common ingredient in muffins, bagels, and salads, for example. One question that often pops...

Can Dogs Eat Poppy Seeds

10 Best Dog Foods for Active Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you have an active dog, you may have found that you struggle with keeping weight on your dog, no matter how much you feed them. Some breeds also struggle to maintain their body weight, especially while they’re young. A...

labrador retriever eating dog food

Can Dogs Eat Red Cabbage? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Finding healthy treats for our dogs isn’t as straightforward as many pet parents might think, especially when considering vegetables. Due to our many biological differences, the plants that benefit us in our diets are often unexpectedly hazardous to dogs. Though...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Red Cabbage

Can Dogs Eat Crickets? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Crickets are insects that belong to the Grylloidea family.1 They typically have long bodies, segmented legs, and large antennae. A tough exoskeleton covers their bodies and provides protection from predators. They can be found almost everywhere in the world except...

Can Dogs Eat_Crickets

11 Best Dog Foods for Beagles in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Beagles are generally a healthy dog breed, but they can be susceptible to specific health conditions. Most Beagles tend to become overweight and obese pretty quickly, and a lot of them can have allergies and experience dry skin and coat....

Beagle eating from a bowl

Can Dogs Eat Sourdough Bread? Vet-Approved Facts & Risks

Sourdough bread is a popular type of bread that many people enjoy. During the pandemic, many people picked up the hobby of breadmaking while they were quarantining at home. If you’re one of those people, then you probably have a...

Can Dogs Eat_sourdough bread

Is Grain-Free Dog Food Better for Dogs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

Dogs are omnivores and therefore should eat a wide variety of different foods. This is why many commercial dog food brands have grains in their formulas. However, there are nearly as many “non-traditional” food options on the market that do...

dry dog food in a bowl on wooden table