As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across Marquette, Michigan, there’s no better time to lace up the hiking boots and head to Sugarloaf Mountain. This local gem offers breathtaking views, vibrant foliage, and a sense of tranquility that’s perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature.
There’s just something special about hiking Sugarloaf in the fall. It is an experience that you won’t want to miss.
Cedar Falls is one of Hocking Hill State Park’s greatest waterfall by volume. However, don’t get your hopes up of seeing this waterfall roaring with life if you visit any time in the summer. Like the other waterfalls in this area, Cedar Falls is likely to dry up during the warm seasons. Still, the unique …
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Hocking Hills State Park is well known for its caves. But did you know that there is actually only one true cave within the park? That’s the Rock House.
The Rock House cave is about 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide with a high ceiling of 25 feet. It sits midway up a 150-foot cliff made of Blackhand sandstone and is quite the sight to see up close.
Old Man’s Cave is the most popular area in Hocking Hills State Park. There is so much to see along a short, easy hike that is unique and very beautiful.
When I first discovered the Big Bay Pathway, I was intrigued. I had difficulty finding any information about it other than a tiny image of a detail-less map and that it was used primarily for cross-country skiing. I visited what I had thought was the trailhead a few times but never felt confident enough with …
Visiting Proud Lake Recreation Area has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. With over 3,000 acres, including the scenic Huron River, this recreation area provides activities for all outdoor adventurers.
Take a magical hike in the woods on the Bush Bay Trail near Cedarville, Michigan. With beautiful views of Lake Huron, limestone and dolomite formations, and all the moss that would make a fairy garden jealous. This hike is well worth the stop.
The Bush Bay Trail has been nicknamed “the Narnia Trail” and for good reasons. There’s something whimsical about it.
Waterloo Recreation Area is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With 20,000 acres of land, Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. It includes diverse camping options, 11 inland lakes, and multiple systems.
On my visit, I decided to explore the extensive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.
Maybury State Park boasts nearly 1,000 acres of rolling terrain, open meadows, and mature forest. Located in southeast Michigan near the town of Northville, this park provides an excellent escape from the city.
With trails to accommodate hikers of all experiences, horses, and bikers of all levels, Maybury State Park has something for everyone. This park has been on my bucket list for a long time and I’m happy I finally made it.
Take a short hike through an oasis of woods and wetland in Michigan’s tip of the Thumb. The Huron Nature Center is a beautiful, peaceful place with easy hiking for all ages.
If you are looking for a hike that offers sandy beaches, lake views, and can be completed in an hour, Port Crescent State Park has what you are looking for.
Winter has been lacking in these parts this year. So when a large snowstorm finally rolls through, you can find skiers and snowshoers alike out on the trails. Woldumar Nature Center is one of my favorite mid-Michigan destinations to do just that.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy hike, Beckwith Nature Preserve is the place for you. This little trail system provides an escape to nature all with the convenience of being tucked away on the edge of town.
Hiking options are abundant in Marquette, Michigan. With scenic views everywhere, unique terrain, and waterfalls galore, it is easy to see why Marquette is one of my favorite Michigan hiking destinations.
Here are some of my favorite trails to hike in the area.
Hop on the Appalachian Trail and find beautiful vistas at Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of my favorite places within the park to experience autumn in the mountains.
Like most of Michigan’s state parks, Ionia State Recreation Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From forested campsites, sandy beaches, and miles of trails, it has adventure around every corner. This pretty park is a great option for a long hike or run.
There are few things more exciting than the first run or hike on a new trail system. I learned about the Ingham Conservation District trail from a local running group and was eager to check them out. I was pleasantly surprised by these trails and can’t wait to get back out on them.
Mossy Cave is located at the end of a short hike in Bryce Canyon National Park in the beautiful state of Utah. Mossy cave isn’t what one might typically think when imagining a cave but with easy access and a unique surrounding area, it is worth a visit.
The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and stretch for 550 miles, from Georgia to Maryland. They contain two national parks, miles of stunning vistas, amazing hikes, and gorgeous waterfalls. One such waterfall is Linville Falls in North Carolina.
There is a place in Michigan that is incredibly wild and remote. With miles of trails, scenic waterfalls, hardwood forests, and wild rivers, McCormick Wilderness Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. However, the unmarked trails make this place a destination for experienced hikers.
During Michigan’s Trail Week, I was attempting to hike or run different trail systems every day. This led me to Lincoln Brick Park. Often overshadowed by the neighboring Fitzgerald Park, this small historic place has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts.
Meridian Township is home to several parks and recreational spaces. However, none are quite as special as the Meridian Riverfront Park. Consisting of 3 individual parks, this trail system offers diverse wildlife viewing, beautiful scenic spots along the Red Cedar River, and winding trails through young forest.
Mosquito Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls tucked away in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It does not have the impressive height of Sable Falls or power of Miner’s, but it is nonetheless just as beautiful.
With 1,500 acres of diverse habitat and 19 miles of trail, Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center is the perfect place to spend quality time in nature.
Hike to the Top of the World for rewarding views of Lake Superior, Marquette, Harlow Lake, and Little Presque Isle. Not as tall or well known as it’s neighbor Hogback Mountain, Top of the World offers a more secluded experience for hikers.