Our Favorite Hikes
These are a few of our favorite hikes around Metro Detroit—places we return to again and again when we want fresh air, great scenery, and a little adventure close to home.
Tilted North's Favorite Hikes
in Metro Detroit
Metro Detroit offers more hiking opportunities than many people realize. From wooded river trails to scenic urban walks, these are some of our favorite hikes in the region. Whether you’re looking for a quick nature break, a moderate workout, or a relaxing weekend walk, these trails highlight some of the best hikes in Metro Detroit.
Quick Guide to Our Favorite Metro-Detroit Hikes
Below is a quick guide to some of our favorite hiking trails in Metro-Detroit, including distance, difficulty, and location.
Rank | Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bald Mountain | 2–6 miles (multiple loops) | Moderate | Orion Township |
2 | Haven Hill Loop | 5.3 miles | Moderate | Highland State Recreation Area |
3 | Crooked Lake Trail | 4.4 miles | Moderate | Pinckney Recreation Area |
4 | Paint Creek Trail | 8.9 miles | Easy | Rochester / Lake Orion |
5 | Holly Wilderness Trail | 5.8 miles | Moderate | Holly State Recreation Area |
6 | Hickory Ridge Trail | 5.2 miles | Easy | Island Lake Recreation Area |
7 | Dequindre Cut | 1.6 miles | Easy | Detroit |
8 | Kensington Loop | 8.5 miles | Easy | Kensington Metropark |
9 | Bloomer Park Loop | 2.1 miles | Moderate | Rochester Hills |
10 | Belle Isle Loop | 5.4 miles | Easy | Detroit |
Northern Oakland County
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
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
Bloomer Park Loop
Don’t let the mileage fool you—Bloomer Park packs a punch. Great “sneaky good” workout with quick elevation changes, wooded stretches, views of the Clinton River and a little history (CCR building and part of old canal system) and that satisfying feeling of doing a real hike even if you’re short on time. Add sections of the Clinton River Trail for an extended adventure. AllTrails link
Best for: short hike with hills, quick nature break
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
Detroit Hikes
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
West Side of Metro-Detroit
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
Other Hikes
(some a little further of a drive but well worth it)
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
Final Thoughts: Favorite
Metro Detroit Hikes
Metro-Detroit offers more hiking opportunities than many people realize. From peaceful forest trails and rolling hills to scenic lake loops and unique urban walks, these hikes highlight some of the best ways to experience nature close to home.
If you're exploring these trails for the first time—or simply looking for your next outdoor adventure—here is our current list of favorite hikes in Metro-Detroit, ranked based on scenery, variety, and overall hiking experience.
Our Favorite Hikes (Ranked)
1. Bald Mountain State Recreation Area Trails – Orion Twp.
One of the best places in Metro-Detroit for a true hiking experience. The rolling terrain, wooded trails, and multiple loop options make Bald Mountain a local favorite.
2. Haven Hill Loop – Highland State Recreation Area
One of the most unique hikes in Southeast Michigan, combining beautiful forest trails with historic ruins from Edsel Ford’s Haven Hill estate and scenic lake views.
3. Crooked Lake Trail – Pinckney Recreation Area
A classic Michigan hike with rolling terrain, quiet forest sections, and scenic lakes that make it feel like a true outdoor getaway.
4. Paint Creek Trail – Rochester / Lake Orion
A scenic and accessible trail that follows Paint Creek through wooded sections and charming small-town areas, making it perfect for longer walks or relaxed bike rides. My favorite for an early morning bike ride.
5. Holly Wilderness Trail – Holly State Recreation Area
A peaceful and varied trail with wooded hills, wetlands, and lake views that create one of the best longer hikes in the region.
6. Hickory Ridge Trail – Island Lake Recreation Area
A reliable year-round hike featuring a mix of forest and meadow landscapes that works equally well for hiking and trail running.
7. Dequindre Cut Greenway – Detroit
Part urban trail and part outdoor art gallery, this converted rail corridor offers a vibrant and energetic walk connecting Eastern Market to the Detroit Riverfront.
moderate hike, scenic loop, weekend adventure
8. Kensington Metropark Loop – Kensington Metropark
A beautiful lakefront loop around Kent Lake that offers scenic views, wildlife sightings, and a relaxing trail experience.
9. Bloomer Park Loop – Rochester Hills
A short but rewarding hike with surprising elevation changes, scenic Clinton River views, and a bit of local history along the way.
10. Belle Isle Loop – Detroit
A unique urban hike with great views of the Detroit River and skyline, offering one of the most scenic waterfront walks in the city.
One More Thought...
One of the best things about hiking in Southeast Michigan is how accessible it is. Many of these trails are within an hour of downtown Detroit, making it easy to add a nature escape to any weekend.
Whether you're looking for rolling forest trails, scenic lakeside paths, or a unique urban walk, these hikes offer some of the best outdoor experiences in Metro-Detroit.