Top Hikes in Metro Detroit

Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (Choose Your Loop)
The north unit of Bald Mountain is my favorite local trail.  It provides a combination of loops, so you can adjust the mileage between 3 and 6.9 miles.  It's a great trail system with beautiful woods, streams and lakes and options that vary based on on your mood. AllTrails link

Best for: trail running, mountain biking, woods with a lot of elevation change

Trail Stats:
Distance: 6.9 miles (or shorter options)
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Orion Twp. – Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, North Unit
Trail Type: Loop

Paint Creek Trail (Rochester & Lake Orion) 
A classic “any day is a good day to get outside” trail. Paint Creek is perfect when you want a mellow, scenic outing—easy pacing, a relaxed vibe, and plenty of spots to hop on/off depending on how long you want to go.  This is my favorite morning bike ride route or an afternoon dog walk with several great swimming holes for the dogs.  AllTrails link

Best for: easy walk, casual jog, biking, family-friendly miles

Trail Stats:
Distance: 10 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Rochester to Lake Orion
Trail Type: Point-to-Point

Bloomer Park Loop
Don’t let the mileage fool you—Bloomer Park packs a punch. This trail offers a “sneaky good” workout with quick elevation changes, wooded stretches, and scenic views of the Clinton River. Along the way, you’ll also find a bit of local history.  During the Great Depression, the park benefited from public works projects under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, including improvements completed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).  Along the trail, hikers may also notice remnants of the historic Clinton Canal system. It’s the kind of trail that gives you the satisfying feeling of completing a real hike—even if you’re short on time. And if you're looking to extend the adventure, you can easily connect to sections of the Clinton River Trail for additional miles.  AllTrails link

Best for: short hike with hills, quick nature break

Trail Stats:
Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Rochester Hills – Bloomer Park
Trail Type: Loop

Belle Isle Loop (Detroit)
If you want “Detroit skyline + river breeze + easy miles,” this is it. Belle Isle is perfect for a low-stress loop that still feels special—especially around golden hour when everything looks like a postcard. AllTrails link

Best for: easy walking/running, views, visitors from out of town

Trail Stats:
Distance: 5.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Detroit – Belle Isle Park
Trail Type: Loop

Dequindre Cut Greenway (Detroit)
Part trail, part outdoor art gallery. The Dequindre Cut is an easy, iconic Detroit route—perfect for a quick walk, run, or casual roll through the city with serious “only in Detroit” vibes. AllTrails link

Best for: urban walk/run, quick workout, people-watching

Trail Stats:
Distance: 1.6 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Detroit – Eastern Market to Detroit Riverfront
Trail Type: Point-to-Point

Hickory Ridge Trail (Island Lake Recreation Area)
This one hits in every season—woods, meadows, and that satisfying “I got away for a bit” feeling. A great choice when you want a true hiking trail (not just a sidewalk-style path. AllTrails link

Best for: nature reset, steady hike, trail runners

Trail Stats:
Distance: 5.2 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Brighton - Island Lake Recreation Area
Trail Type: Loop
 
Proud Lake Loop (Marsh + River + Red + Blue Trails)
Proud Lake is the “I want nature and variety” pick. You’ll get boardwalk moments, river views, and forest stretches—lots of little scenes that make you stop and say, “okay… this is pretty great.” AllTrails link

Best for: easy-to-moderate loop, variety, great photos

Trail Stats:
Distance: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Commerce Twp. - Proud Lake Recreation Area
Trail Type: Loop
 
Kensington Metropark Loop
Kensington Metropark is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Metro-Detroit, and for good reason. This scenic trail loops around Kent Lake, offering beautiful water views, wooded sections, open meadows, and plenty of wildlife. The wide paved path makes it perfect for a relaxed walk, jog, or bike ride, and the variety of scenery keeps the miles interesting. On sunny days you’ll likely spot sailboats on the lake, sandhill cranes in the fields, and families enjoying the park. AllTrails link

Best for: easy-to-moderate loop, variety, great photos

Trail Stats:
Distance: 3.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Milford - Kensington Metropark
Trail Type: Loop
 
Haven Hill Loop (Highland State Recreation Area)
Haven Hill is one of Southeast Michigan’s most unique hikes. The trail winds through hardwood forest, around quiet lakes, and past the historic ruins of Edsel Ford’s Haven Hill estate, giving the hike a mix of nature and history. With rolling terrain and scenic overlooks, it’s a fantastic trail in every season and especially beautiful during the fall color season. AllTrails link

Best for: scenic forest hiking, fall colors, history and nature

Trail Stats:
Distance: 5.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Highland – Highland State Recreation Area
Trail Type: Loop
 
Maybury State Park Hiking Trail Loop
Maybury State Park offers a peaceful escape just minutes from Metro-Detroit suburbs. This trail winds through rolling woods, open fields, and quiet forest sections that make it feel far removed from nearby city life. The terrain is gentle but varied, making it a great hike when you want a relaxing walk through nature without committing to a long or strenuous route. AllTrails link

Best for: peaceful forest hike, quick nature break, trail running

Trail Stats:
Distance: 3.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Northville – Maybury State Park
Trail Type: Loop

Crooked Lake Trail (Pinckney Recreation Area)
Want something that feels a little more “up north” without driving forever? Crooked Lake delivers: rolling terrain, wooded sections, and rewarding lake views—plus just enough challenge to feel like a true hike.  Also a fun hike in camping area if you are looking for a weekend get-away. AllTrails link

Best for: moderate hike, scenic loop, weekend adventure.  This loop is part of the famous Potawatomi Trail, continue on if you want a longer hike. 

Trail Stats:
Distance: 4.4 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Dexter Township - Pinckney Recreation Area
Trail Type: Loop
 
Wilderness Trail (Holly State Recreation Area)
If you're looking for one of the most scenic and varied hikes in Southeast Michigan, the Wilderness Trail at Holly State Recreation Area is a fantastic choice. The trail winds through rolling hardwood forests, quiet wetlands, open meadows, and along several small lakes, giving hikers a little bit of everything. Despite being less than an hour from Metro-Detroit, parts of the trail feel surprisingly remote and peaceful—exactly how the trail earned its “Wilderness” name.

With moderate hills and beautiful wooded sections, it’s a great option when you’re looking for a longer hike and a solid outdoor workout. AllTrails link

Best for: easy-to-moderate loop, variety, great photos

Trail Stats:
Distance: 5.8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Holly - Holly State Recreation Area
Trail Type: Loop