10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Michigan Should Take

Nothing gets the juices going like a restorative hike. Thing is, sometimes you don’t have all day to travel to that epic hiking trail. Or maybe you’ve got kids or your elderly parents in tow and aren’t necessarily up for a super technical, long journey by foot.

That doesn’t mean you can’t find a shorter trip to occupy yourself – both body and mind. Here are some great hikes at 5 miles or less apiece that will be sure to be fun for the whole family.

1. Detroit RiverWalk

The transformation of Detroit's Riverfront is unbelievable. Spanning some 3.5 miles, you can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride from Hart Plaza to Gabriel Richard Park across from Belle Isle (about 2.5 miles). The trail combines urban and natural settings in the heart of downtown.

2. Escarpment Trail, Porcupine Mountains

This four-mile trail curves right around the ridge of the picturesque Lake of the Clouds, which you could just gaze upon for hours.

3. Grand Haven Waterfront Trail

This route takes you from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Grand River. Along the way, you'll encounter a mix of small town life, boats, and scenic areas - all on a 2.5 mile paved hike between the lakeshore and Coho Drive.

4. Lake Erie Metropark, Brownstown

Here, you'll have a couple of easy, no-muss trail options. There's the Cherry Island Marsh Trail that'll take you alongside the Detroit River, with views of Lake Erie, Sugar Island, Grosse Ile, and more. There's also a half-mile, shorter stroll - the Big Turtle Shortcut trail - and the one-mile Trapper's Run trail. All are suitable for hikers of all levels.

5. McCormick Wilderness

Come here for some peace and quiet. This remote hiking area will provide you with a prime, unspoiled piece of nature. Featuring a three-mile trail from a parking lot to White Deer Lake, you'll encounter (like these little guys) pristine rock formations.

6. Rolling Hills County Park, Ypsilanti

Bring Fido with you on this dog-friendly, 1.5 mile walking path. Or for the little tykes in your life, there's a quarter-mile long Woodland Trail that will introduce the kiddos to wildlife.

7. Rosy Mound, Grand Haven

It's just over a half a mile each way on this hiking trail, but it includes some 1,000 feet of steps that lead you up and down the sandy dunes. It's a nice little workout with gorgeous views.

8. Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Here you get four hiking trails to choose from and about 2.5 miles of shoreline to explore.

9. Sleeping Bear Dunes

At only 4.5 miles round trip, this may seem like an easy jaunt by the beach, but it's actually quite a challenging journey, with steep dunes to traverse on your way to Lake Michigan. Whether you complete the trip or not, it's still a worthwhile test in physical endurance.

10. Tahquamenon Falls, Paradise

This rolling, 4.5 mile trail takes you along one of Michigan's most worthwhile waterside hikes. You'll have a front row view of the falls and be taken in by their stunning beauty.

Not half bad, huh? Tell us – where are your favorite short hikes in Michigan?

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