Allegan State Game Area, Allegan MI.
The largest State game area in all of Michigan has over 50,000 acres and approx.15 plus miles of trails including the Ely Lake area and Swan Creek loop. Both trails are moderate hikes. Please be aware that this area is open to hunting.
The Plus code is HV29+47 Fennville, Michigan. A PDF is also included
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=459&type=SPRK
Ludington State Park, Ludington Michigan
There’s numerous trails leading to and from the lighthouse, along the Sable River, and several others that range from just over a half mile to 6 miles. The trails range from easy to average in effort. Contact them here.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/details.aspx?id=468&type=SPRK
Manistee river trail system, Cadillac Michigan
The trail consists of an 8.8 mile loop along the Manistee River. you can also access the North Country National scenic trail for a total of 23 miles. Difficulty of the trails ranges from moderate to challenging
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hmnf/recarea/?recid=18710
Silver Lake State Park, Mears, Michigan
While there’s no designated trail system, the dunes and beach go on for 3 mi. along Lake Michigan and 2/3 of the dunes are designated pedestrian only. Approximately a mile and a quarter inland lies Silver Lake. The hiking would be considered challenging.
https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=493
Gourdneck State Game Area, Portage Michigan
Guordneck State Game Area is located on the east side of Route 131 and is divided into 4 sections, the largest being on the south side of Vanderbilt Ave outside of Portage. Several miles of interconnected trails run throughout the area and a GPS unit might be a good idea, don’t depend on your phone signal. Don’t forget the bug spray either. Please be aware that hunting is allowed. Hiking effort is easy to moderate depending on the season. Here’s the plus code.
692H+8X Portage, Michigan
Bishop’s Bog Preserve and Trail, Portage Michigan
Nearby at Eliasons Nature Preserve is Bishop’s Bog Trail, approximately 2.5 miles of moderate level hiking through woods and along the lake, it does have some wet areas. Pets are allowed on leashes.
https://www.portagemi.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Bishops-Bog-Preserve-1
Maple River State Game Area, Fowler Michigan
Two scenic main trails follow along the Maple River. The hiking is easy to moderately challenging. The total length of the SGA is over 18 miles though so you will probably want to bring some water and bug spray.
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/where/wetland-wonders/maple-river-sga
Pine Valley’s Pathway, Baldwin, Michigan
Located at N. Foreman and 7 Mile Road. Pine Valley’s Pathway is part of the Pere Marquette St. Forest and has over 8.5 miles of trails through mostly wooded upland with a small pond. Difficulty level is easy to moderate.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=69&type=SFPW
Yankee springs recreation area, Middleville Michigan
Yankee Springs has over 5,000 acres and five different loops making up approximately 16 miles, plus it connects with the North Country Interstate Trail system which goes through multiple States. Several of the trails go by unique geological formations and two inland Lakes and marshland. Easy to moderate difficulty.
https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=511&type=SPRK
Avalanche Preserve, Boyne City Michigan
This 2.8 Mile trail provides views of Lake Charlevoix from the top along with resting benches. you may share part of the trail with people playing Disc Golf, as there’s a course that runs along part of it.
Wilderness State Park, Carp Lake Michigan
With over 12,000 acres it is one of the largest state parks in Michigan. it has 14 trails at various locations, many of which have views of Lake Michigan. Unique feature is the available track chair for disabled hikers it is available no cost.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=509&type=SPRK
Bald Mountain Recreation area, Lake Orion Michigan
Bald mountain has assorted trails in the north and south units with several located along the numerous ponds, ranging from 4.8 to less than a half a mile with 15 mi in total. Be aware that there’s quite a bit of mountain biking on the weekends.
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/buy-and-apply/rec-pp
Holly Recreation Area, Holly Michigan
The Holly Recreation Area has 4 different trails that range from a quarter mile to 7 miles in length. One of the loops winds around Valley and Wildwood Lakes with access to both along the trail. Easy to moderate effort hiking.
RF5P+53 Holly, Michigan is the plus code.
Just north is the Whispering Pines Nature Trail at approximately .75 mile in length.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=459&type=SPRK
Island Lake Recreation Area, Hickory Ridge Trail, Brighton Michigan
One of the newer trails in Southern Michigan, Hickory Ridge trail was opened in 2017. The loop is approximately 6 mi. with views of the Huron River and three Lakes. The new trail is hiking only, meaning you won’t be run over by mountain bikers.
https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=462&type=SPRK
Brighton Recreation Area, Brighton Michigan
Brighton Recreation Area has five different hiking loops ranging from 1 to 5mi in length some go through kettle ponds, marshland, to upland forest areas that have large rocks from glaciers.
https://www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=438