10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Michigan To Visit in 2024

Michigan is a stunning state with plenty of natural wooded areas and bodies of water to enjoy. If you plan to go outdoors with your dog sometime soon, you should check out one of the many dog-friendly hiking trails in the beautiful Mitten state. Before going on a hike with your dog, make sure to bring all of the supplies you’ll need, such as water, waste bags, and a leash.

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Michigan

1. Wetmore Landing

• Perfect place to go for a scenic hike
• Blue rectangles are painted on the tree trunks to indicate the hiking path
• Walking terrain changes constantly, so be prepared for roots, rocks, boulders, stairs, bridges, and hills
• There is a rest area partway along the path
• 2-mile round trip

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2. Sleepy Hollow State Park

• Dogs must remain on a leash while visiting the state park
• Wooded scenery and water access
• 16 sprawling acres for you and your dog to explore
• Popular with equestrian visitors, so make sure your dog can handle being near horses
• An island is accessible by a bridge

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3. Lumberman’s Monument

• Walk to Lumberman’s Monument is a scenic trip in the mid-Michigan area
• Includes incredible views of the Au Sable River
• Covers almost 4 miles of land
• You can trek over towering sand dunes

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4. Timbers Recreation Area

• Accessible recreational area in Traverse City
• 250 acres of natural scenery to enjoy
• Can participate in activities such as fishing, hunting, and swimming
• Accessible parking area

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5. Provin Trails

• 15 minutes away from the downtown area
• Excellent reprieve from the hustle and bustle of civilization
• Many trails rather than one single trail to follow, giving you plenty of options
• Ideal for novices and experienced hikers
• Has a secret sand dune that you can climb

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6. Maybury State Park

• There are 1,000 acres of sprawling land for you and your dog to enjoy
• Perfect for hiking, bike riding, horse riding, and cross-country skiing
• For avid fishers, there are places to access bodies of water
• Several events hosted at the Maybury State Park, such as a pet-friendly movie night

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7. Clinton River Trail

• Stretches 16 miles, running through Pontiac, Rochester Hills, and Auburn Hills
• Trail connects to others, such as the Macomb Orchard Trail or the Paint Creek Trail
• Be mindful of bikers, as this trail is popular for bike rides

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8. Paint Creek Trail

• Connected to the Clinton River trail, with nearly 9 miles to explore
• Lovely bridges and other scenic views to enjoy
• Nearby trees offer plenty of shade

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9. Hartwick Pines State Park

• State park has seven trails that you can explore
• In Fall and Winter, the trails offer spectacular views
• Some trails are paved if you are looking for more accessible options

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10. Boardman Lake Trail

• 4 miles of wooded paths for you and your dog to enjoy
• Near another trail known as the Tart Trail
• Offers a beautiful view of Boardman Lake

Conclusion

The trails in Michigan feel endless, with thousands and thousands of miles to explore. Thankfully, many of these trails are more than welcoming to your dog, so don’t hesitate to bring your four-legged friend on your next hiking trip! No matter where you are in Michigan, there are pathways for you and your dog to explore the state’s natural beauty.

Related read:

• 8 Hocking Hills Dog-Friendly Trails You Can Visit This Year
• 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Virginia You Can Visit (With Pictures)

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Featured Image Credit: Wade Austin Ellis, Unsplash