Best Hiking in Upper Peninsula of Michigan: Jaw-Dropping Scenic Trails | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
Hey Hikers!
I've pulled together some fantastic places to hike in Michigan's Upper Peninsula + Pictured Rocks that range from very easy to challenging. These hikes are also some of the best fall hikes in the Upper Peninsula.
These Michigan scenic fall hikes show off the UP's brilliant colors!
The Best Part?
These Michigan hiking trails are super scenic, free and awesome for photography! Plus, I've noted how difficult they are, distances and photos!
With such a wide variety of both hiking trails, Michigan is a fantastic state for outdoor enthusiasts!
WOW!
From the forests, shores, islands and lakes, there are about 13,000 miles of Michigan hiking trails to explore, so gather your equipment and start your journey!
Grab this link to Best Hiking in Upper Peninsula Map in Google Maps so it's live on your phone as you drive.
Helpful Map Tips:
Table of Contests *Quick Links...
“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt" ~John Muir
This picturesque and challenging trail is approximately 3 miles round trip with exquisite views along the way. This trail is near Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!
Things to know before you go:
Time Allotment: 3+ hours
This hike is also a spectacular scenic fall hike in the UP!
0.5 mile round trip with exquisite views of the dunes and shoreline. This awesome hiking trail is access to the Log Slide Overlook, the Devil's Slide and the North Country Trail.
Things to know before you go:
Time Allotment: 1+ hours depending on if you explore the North Country Trail.
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Be sure to wear a sturdy hiking boot! I wear these women's hiking boots for the wider toe box. Chris prefers these men's hiking boots because of the amazing memory form takes the pain out of walking. |
You Have Two Options:
1. See "Grand Sable Trail Parking A" on the map above. Much shorter hike to the falls and to the dunes but you miss the exquisite river views.
2. See "Grand Sable Trail Parking B" on the map above. Breathtaking hike along the river with ladders and fun challenges along the way.
Distances for B:
0.8 Grand Sable Dunes
1.2 Sable Fall
1.4 Lake Superior
Time Allotment:
Plan two hours from the parking lot at A as the walks to the falls and the dunes are much shorter.
If you plan to walk the entire trail from the visitors center at B, plan about 4 hours, depending on how fast you walk and if you want to sit and enjoy the beauty.
NOTE: All notes from here on are for parking at B (the visitor's center)
Parking is in the visitors center where there are bathrooms. There is also a porta john if the visitors center is closed.
Things to know before you go:
Read More About Tannery and Memorial Falls!
I didn't check the mileage but I'm guessing about .8 round trip of hilly hiking to reach these falls.
Things to know before you go:
Parking:
Time Allotment: 2 hours
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Love to see more waterfalls? This lovely Michigan waterfall book would make a thoughtful gift to someone visiting Michigan or even a Michigan resident (I have only seen about half of them!) |
The Sand Point Marsh Trail is one heck of a great place to walk and see wildlife. It's a 0.5 mile loop that is all boardwalk. You can then walk the beach across the road!
Things to know before you go:
Read more about this trail on our Pictured Rocks page!
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Hiking in weather? Grab a raincoat or warm pants! |
Wetmore, MI 49895
The Robert McQuisten Recreation Area is an exquisite boardwalk loop that is wonderful to explore during all the seasons. However, as the autumn Michigan trees begin to change, it's absolutely breathtaking!
We discovered this Upper Peninsula gem while visiting Munising and the breathtaking Upper Peninsula waterfalls.
Time Allotment: about 1 hour.
Things to know before you go:
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Luce County, Michigan (Upper Peninsula)
We are absolutely in love with hiking the trails at Tahquamenon Falls. It's so adventurey, so...communing with nature. That's why it is one of our favorite Michigan hiking trails.
This intermediate trail is 5.8 miles long, but it is more than worth it. If the view of massive waterfalls enchants you, Tahquamenon State Park is a place you must visit.
The main attraction is the Tahquamenon River and its beautiful waterfalls, which can be viewed either from the platform (if you love a good challenge) or from the bottom of the falls, where you can appreciate their magnificent beauty.
Here is an in-depth hiking trail map of Tahquamenon falls by All Trails that you may find useful.
Hiking is not the only thing you can do at the park; there are also other activities available to visitors, like camping, backpacking, canoeing, and fishing. Fun for everyone!
If you are looking for that perfect Instagrammable moment, visiting Tahquamenon Falls in the fall will give you the perfect landscape photo as the trees are bursting with color.
FYI: If you do not have the Michigan Recreational Passport, there is a small fee you have to pay upon entering the park.
The boardwalk in Manistique is just over two miles long and follows the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
It will take you past the stunning red lighthouse with scenic rocks.
There is a porta john located at the parking area near the lighthouse.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is an exquisite region perfect for hiking, exploring, boat tours, waterfalls and great eats!
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Which places provide the best hiking trails in Upper Peninsula for couples?
Headed to the UP with my boyfriend and we are looking for less busy trails. You know, more time for nature and not screaming kids or people.
Answer …
Which places provide the best hiking trails in Upper Peninsula for kids and families?
We have kids and wish to do some hiking trails in the UP, do you have a recommendation?
Answer
If you have small children, we would recommend …
What is considered a strenuous hike? Not rated yet
What do you consider a strenuous hike? Distance? Hills? We have kids so I'm looking for a rather flat hike for their capabilities.
Answer
I take …
It's super important to stay hydrated as you hike. Be sure to have plenty of water and a camelbak is a great way to keep your hands free!