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

Male vs Female Weimaraners: The Differences (With Info & Pictures)

The Weimaraner is a great pet to make part of your family. Males of this breed are known for their goofy antics and...

Barbet Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

If you’re looking for a breed that loves to be near their owners and is bright, friendly, and always up for adventures, look...

Can Dogs Smell Cancer in Humans? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

It’s been thought for centuries that dogs can smell illnesses, diseases, and even oncoming storms. However, there have also always been people who...

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking at Others While Walking: 9 Vet-Approved Tips

Walking our dogs is great for both them and us. Everyone gets exercise, and your dog is less bored and can get out...

More related

21 American Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & Origin

Dogs are bred all around the world, lending to the rich cultures and diversities of each region. When it comes to the U.S.,...

How to Train a Portuguese Water Dog: 9 Vet-Approved Tips

If you’re looking for an intelligent and active pet with a loving nature and a fun personality, you should definitely consider getting a...

7 Benefits of Agility Training for Dogs & Their Humans

If you’ve ever seen a happy dog running around with enthusiasm and energy, you know the power of agility training. It’s a great...

Can Dogs Eat Vinegar? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Info

The history of vinegar and its many uses goes back thousands of years, with some evidence suggesting Babylonians used it as early as...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Biscuits? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Tips

Whether begging to share our dinner or rummaging through the trash, dogs love to eat human food. Unfortunately, not all people food is safe for dogs, so it’s important to know what they can and can’t eat. If you’re wondering...

Can Dogs Eat_biscuits

How Much Food Should My Havanese Eat Per Day? Vet Reviewed Guidance

A lot goes into feeding a dog, so if you’re stumped on how much to feed your Havanese, you’re not alone. The truth is, there is no set answer on how much to feed your Havanese. Each dog requires a...

Havanese dog eating

Are Greenies Good for Dogs? Vet-Approved Nutrition Guide

Dental disease is one of the most common canine health problems. Dental problems can be painful and make it difficult for dogs to eat. Severe periodontal disease can make dogs more vulnerable to tooth root abscesses and organ disease. That’s...

Greenies bites out of package

9 Best Affordable Dog Foods for Pit Bulls in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re a Pit Bull parent, you know how strong and muscular these dogs are. They have a lot of energy, and because of their strong physique, they need food rich in protein, carbs, and omega fatty acids. Pit Bulls...

pitbull eating

What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat? 14 Vet-Approved Healthy Options

As dog owners, we have our dog’s best interests at heart and want to keep them safe. One of the biggest risks to their health is what they put into their bodies because some foods are dangerous for dogs and...

Head portrait of a golden retriever dog eating pumpkin slice

Does Dog Food Attract Roaches? Facts & How to Keep Them Away

There is nothing that roaches won’t eat. Besides pesticides, particularly those designed to be effective against roaches, roaches can and will eat almost anything. So does dog food attract roaches? Indeed, dog food is a big attraction to roaches. Entomologists...

dry and wet food in feeding bowls

Can I Feed My Dog Store-Bought Kibble? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

As owners humanize their dogs and the pet industry pushes innovation, dog food has diversified significantly in recent years. Fresh, freeze-dried, and homemade meals now enjoy more attention, prompting many long-time pet parents to ask, “Whatever happened to good ol’...

dog food in plastic container

Vital Essentials Dog Food Review 2025: An Expert’s Breakdown

More and more dog owners are learning about the benefits of a raw food diet for their furry family members. But feeding a raw diet is even harder than it sounds, especially when you consider what it takes to provide...

Vital Essentials Dog Food