Hiking near Mackinaw City: 10 Great Hiking Trails For 2025
Discover the best options for hiking near Mackinaw City.
Mackinaw City is one of the best places to visit in Michigan, for its history, proximity to Mackinac Island and two of the Great Lakes, and all the scenic nature that surrounds the town.
One of the best ways to experience Mackinaw City is by getting outside and exploring. By going hiking near Mackinaw City you can get some fresh air while admiring all the natural beauty of this part of Michigan.
Hiking is such a fun yet relaxing activity, and I especially enjoy hiking in the Mackinaw City area. One of my favorite places to visit is Mackinac Island, and I highly recommend either hiking or biking around the Mackinac Island Loop.
In this post, you’ll get more information on all the best hiking trails near Mackinaw City, including trails in Mackinac Island, Wilderness State Park, and just over the Mackinac Bridge in the Upper Peninsula.
Wandering Michigan Wisconsin contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust.
Read our disclaimer for more information.
Hiking Near Mackinaw City Trails
There are many options for hiking near Mackinaw City, and below you will find the 10 best hiking trails in the area. These trails range from short and easy to more difficult all-day hikes, so there is sure to be a perfect option for everyone.
1. Mackinac Island Loop
DISTANCE: 8.2 Miles | TIME: 2.5 – 4 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Visiting Mackinac Island is one of the best things to do near Mackinaw City. The Mackinac Island Loop is an 8.2-mile circle around the island, and many people choose to ride a bike along this path or you can hike it.
One of the best parts about hiking around Mackinac Island is that there are no cars to worry about, so you can just enjoy the natural beauty.
There are many scenic spots along the Mackinac Island Loop, as much of the hike has beautiful views of Lake Huron. At one point, you can also take a short detour up a set of stairs for views over the famous Arch Rock.
Mackinac Island is also famous for its delicious fudge, so after the 8-mile hike make sure to reward yourself by trying this sweet treat in the town!
2. Mackinaw City Headlands Loop
DISTANCE: 3.6 Miles | TIME: 1.5 – 2 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy
The Mackinaw City Headlands Loop is just west of Mackinaw City. It is a part of the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, which is a popular area to go star gazing and searching for the Northern Lights at night time.
During the day, this hiking trail is known for its scenic forest areas and its beautiful shoreline on Lake Michigan. It is a great place for bird watching or to enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding nature.
The hike is perfect for summertime when the weather is warm, but it is also incredible during the fall when the fall leaves turn vibrant colors of red and orange.
3. Mackinac Bridge Overlook
DISTANCE: 1 mile | TIME: 30 – 40 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
For stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge, make sure to visit the Straits State Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. To get to this state park from Mackinaw City, you will take a short drive over the famous Mackinac Bridge.
The Mackinac Bridge Overlook hike at the Straits State Park will give you great views of the Mackinac Bridge. This hike is short and easy, so it is a great option for families or those who aren’t looking for a difficult hike.
While the best part about this trail is the scenic views of Mackinac Bridge, it is also a great place to enjoy the fresh outdoors and natural beauty of the area.
4. North Country Trail: Mackinaw City to Wilderness State Park
DISTANCE: 18.4 miles | TIME: 6 – 8 hours | DIFFICULTY: Difficult
The North Country Trail spans most of Michigan, as well as several other states in the Midwest. This portion of the North Country Trail will take you from Mackinaw City to Wilderness State Park.
The 18.4-mile hike is a perfect choice for backpackers or those looking for an all-day hike. If you start the hike in Mackinaw City, it will take you along the shores of an inland lake, through the wooded areas of Wilderness State Park, and eventually lead to the shores of Lake Michigan.
At Wilderness State Park there are 11 different camping areas, so it’s a great place to stay for those who are interested in rustic camping. Additionally, there are several smaller trails with in the state park that are great for day hikes.
5. Mackinaw City Historical Pathway
DISTANCE: 2 miles | TIME: 1 hour | DIFFICULTY: Easy
If you want to see some of the historical sites of Mackinaw City, this hike along the Mackinaw City Historical Pathway is a perfect option for you.
The Mackinaw City Historical Pathway goes around the city and will take you past sites like Colonial Michilimackinac, Straits Marina, Watram Park, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse.
It is a relaxing way to explore Mackinaw City while being outdoors. Since this is a paved path it is great for those with limited mobility or for families with strollers. It is also a popular choice for biking around Mackinaw City.
6. Tranquil Bluff Trail
DISTANCE: 6.1 Miles | TIME: 2 – 3 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
Tranquil Bluff Trail is an out-and-back style hiking trail that is located in Mackinac Island State Park. Rather than follow the paved roads around the island, this hiking trail will take you through the forested areas of the state park.
The trailhead starts at Arch Rock and takes you to British Landing. There is a 321 ft elevation gain on this trail, with some inclines and declines along the way. At some points, you will have some scenic cliff views overlooking Lake Huron. Many people do the trail one way, then take the paved road back to town.
7. May Woods Nature Trail
DISTANCE: 1.6 miles | TIME: 30 – 40 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Easy
If you are looking for a nature trail near Mackinaw City, the May Woods Nature Trail Loop is a great option. This loop is scenic and relaxing, and there is a variety of plant life and birds to be seen on the walk. Dogs are also welcome on the trail as long as they are on a leash.
The May Woods Nature Trail is open for hiking year-round. It is also possible to go
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing here, so it can be a fun place to visit for some fresh air in the wintertime.
8. Mill Creek Trail
DISTANCE: 2.8 Miles | TIME: 1 – 1.5 Hours | DIFFICULTY: Easy
Mill Creek Trail is located in the Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park. As the trail is part of the park, there is a $10 admission fee but you will also get access to the historic exhibits including the Millwright’s House.
The Mill Creek Trail is a nature trail, that is home to over 130 different species of birds. The trail is also filled with wildflowers, especially in the spring and summertime.
After completing the nature hike on the Mill Creek Trail, you can also choose to try out their Zip Line course, which is a fun and exciting activity for the whole family.
9. North Country Trail: French Lake Road to Cecil Bay Road
DISTANCE: 9.6 miles | TIME: 3 – 4.5 hours | DIFFICULTY: Moderate
For a half-day hike along the North Country Trail, check out the portion from French Lake Road to Cecil Bay Road. This hike is very peaceful and you likely won’t encounter too many other people on the trail.
For a while during this hike, you will be next to French Farm Lake, which has some scenic views. After passing by the lake, the rest of the hike is surrounded by lush green forest.
Most of this hike is shaded, so it is a great option for hiking during the warmer months. It is also perfect for a fall hike, as the vibrant colors of the leaves make the area very scenic.
10. McGulpin Point Lighthouse Trail
DISTANCE: 0.5 miles | TIME: 20 minutes | DIFFICULTY: Very Easy
The McGulpin Point Lighthouse overlooks the Straits of Mackinac. It is a historic lighthouse that was originally built in 1869, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in the area.
This short hike will take you to the McGulpin Point Lighthouse and the McGulpin Rock, which is a large rock that was once used by French settlers for navigational purposes.
The hike is only about half of a mile, so it is easy to complete. This is a great option for families with kids, as the hike isn’t very long and it allows kids to see the unique Mackinac lighthouse.
There are also some views of the Mackinac Bridge from the lakefront, which is the perfect place to get some photos.
Hiking near Mackinaw City: FAQ
There are several hiking trails around Mackinaw City. These trails range from easy 1-mile pathways to more difficult 18-mile hiking trails. Many of the trails are scenic with beautiful views of the Great Lakes or peaceful forested areas. Some of the popular places to go hiking near Mackinaw City include Mackinac Island, Wilderness State Park, and Headlands International Dark Sky Park.
Mackinac Island has a few different hiking trails. The most popular is the Mackinac Island Loop, which goes around the entire island. Since there are no cars on the island, this is a very popular route for hiking and biking. Tranquil Bluff is another popular Mackinac Island trail that starts at Arch Rock. This trail takes you through the wooded areas but also has some beautiful views of Lake Huron along the way.
On average, it takes approximately 2.5 to 4 hours to hike around Mackinac Island without making any stops. Another popular option is to bike around the island, which will only take around 1 to 2 hours. However, you may want to plan for more time as you may want to stop and enjoy the scenic views or take a side path to places like the Arch Rock viewing platform.
The hike directly to Arch Rock is around 2.1 miles there and back and it takes around 1 hour to complete. The route is fairly easy, but there are some steep stairs to access the viewing platform. Arch Rock is one of the most picturesque places on Mackinac Island and it is worth the hike. Instead of going directly back to town, another option is to continue the hike on the Mackinac Island Loop which circles the entire island.
Hiking near Mackinaw City Packing List
When hiking in Mackinaw City there are a few important things to bring, especially if you are doing one of the longer hikes. Below is a packing list with great suggestions on what to bring for hiking in this area:
✔️ Water bottle
✔️ Light jacket or rain jacket
✔️ Hiking pants or shorts
✔️ Lightweight shirt
✔️ Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes
✔️ Hiking socks
✔️ Backpack
✔️ Protein snacks
✔️ Bug spray
✔️ Sunscreen
✔️ Sunglasses
✔️ Hiking poles for longer hikes
✔️ Travel size first aid kit
✔️ Compass
✔️ Binoculars for wildlife or bird-watching
Hiking near Mackinaw City: Conclusion
Mackinaw City is an incredible place to visit in Michigan, and taking one of the above hikes is sure to be a great way to experience the nature that surrounds the city.
There is a lot of great hiking near Mackinaw City, whether you are looking for an all-day hike along the North Country Trail, a family-friendly hike like the trail to McGulpin Point Lighthouse, or to hike the famous Mackinac Island Loop.
The varying amount of hiking trails available means there is something for everyone, so hiking is a perfect activity while visiting this part of Michigan.
More Wandering Michigan Wisconsin
The Perfect Northern Michigan Vacation Itinerary
17 Best Places to Eat in Mackinaw City
31 Incredible Things to Do in Mackinaw City
Upper Peninsula Winter Attractions: 21 Things to Do This Winter
Upper Peninsula with Kids: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Top Tips
30 Best Small Towns in Michigan to Visit in 2025
Road Trip Around Lake Michigan: The Ultimate Itinerary
Best VBRO Upper Peninsula: Where to Stay in Northern Michigan in 2025
11 Unique Places to Stay in the Upper Peninsula
Tahquamenon Falls Hiking: Routes & Tips
