You may think that hiking in the Lansing area means pavement pathways and a disconnect from nature, like most cities. But that’s not the case in Lansing. In fact, within a short drive, trail goers have access to many beautiful forested trails, right in the heart of nature.
Here are some of my favorite trails to hike and run in the area.
Burchfield Park/River Bend Natural Area/McNamara Landing
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Trail length varies. Overall 16+ miles.
Route Type: All
Elevation Gain: Minor
This three-part trail system is the largest park in Ingham County. Hikers can begin at Burchfield Park with amenities like bathrooms, a playground, and picnic areas, or at River Bend Natural Area or McNamara Landing which offer porta potties and vault toilets only.
Some of the trails are also used for mountain biking, which can provide hikers with a more challenging hike. Be alert and aware that you are sharing the trail with bikes.
Highlights Include:
- Longer options for milage
- Scenic views of the Grand River
- Plentiful wildlife
- Varying terrain
Lake Lansing North
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles (additional route options available)
Route Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: 91 feet
Lake Lansing North offers a beautiful forest hike. The kind that makes you feel like you’re deep in the woods by yourself.
However, this park can also get super busy during the day. I like to show up earlier in the morning when I’m likely to have the trail to myself.
Highlights include:
- Thick forest
- Beautiful sunrise
Woldumar Nature Center
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 5 miles of trail
Route Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: Minimal
One of my favorite trail systems is Woldumar Nature Center. This ecologically friendly park gives hikers the opportunity to submerge themselves in nature in a way that no other trail system allows.
It is also my go-to place for snowshoeing in the winter months.
Hike here and you will not be disappointed. Enjoy hiking through a white pine forest at one end or a maple and beech woodland at the other with wetlands and prairies everywhere in between.
Highlights Include:
- Views of the Grand River
- White Pine Forest
- Beautiful fall foliage
- Winter Wonderland
- Protected ecological systems
Meridian Riverfront Park
Difficulty: Varies (Overall around 5 miles)
Distance: Varies
Route Type: Loop
Elevation Gain: Minor
Meridian Riverfront Park is made up of three parks connected by a trail system.
Legg Park is my favorite section. It feels mostly wild with limited interference from people. There are sections of trail that are surrounded by towering deciduous trees, making this a prime spot for some good fall foliage. Although mostly flat there are some hilly sections along this route.
Harris Nature Center has paved and unpaved trails. It is targeted more toward kids and families. It is a great section for beginners.
East Gate Park is in between the two. The trail backs up to the yards of several houses but it still feels a bit secluded in other sections. This portion of the trail also has a lot more hills.
All there are accessible at their own parking areas, giving hikers the opportunity to choose their distances.
Highlights:
- Forested Areas
- Scenic views of the Red Cedar River
- Wildlife
- Varying degrees of difficulty
Lincoln Brick Park
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Less than 3 miles
Route Type: Loop
Elevation: 121 feet
Lincoln Brick Park is a small, 90 acre park in Eaton County near Grand Ledge, Michigan. My two favorite trails are Deer Run and Tallman Trails. These offer fantastic views of the Grand River.
While the trails are not long in mileage, the trail terrain is varying and rugged. This is not a groomed system. My favorite kind of trail. Rocks and tree roots are frequent. Be sure to watch your footing closing.
Highlights Include:
- Historic ruins
- Quarry Lake
- Rocky cliff
- Scenic views of the Grand River
- Stunning Fall foliage
Sleepy Hollow State Park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 16+ miles
Route Loop: Loop, Out and Back
Elevation: 60 feet to 230 feet
Sleepy Hollow State Park is about 30 minutes away from downtown Lansing. It offers a true hiking experience, including walk-in sites for those who want to try out backpacking.
While the trails are not my personal favorite, there is a lot of variety in the terrain types and elevation to keep things interesting.
Sleepy Hollow State Park is made up of 2,600 acres of land, including the man-made Lake Ovid, rivers, woodland, and fields.
Highlights Include:
- Long mileage hikes without having to loop
- Scenic views of Lake Ovid
- Trail seclusion
- Wildlife sightings
- A variety of distances for all hiking levels