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Escape to These 12 Michigan Walking Trails
PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANSINGRIVERTRAIL.ORG
“TO WALK IN NATURE IS TO WITNESS A THOUSAND MIRACLES.” -MARY DAVIS
This poignant description seems to strike the core of those of us who love being outside. Now with the upheavals happening in society, when so much of our professional and social lives has been put on hold, the outdoors has turned into a refuge for many. Before, Mother Nature may have been simply unnoticed or underappreciated. But now, when so many facets of life seem uncertain, our attention is drawn to simple things, such as those things seen in nature. Being in nature has become an escape.
Scientifically, we know that nature is complex and ornate and cyclical. Yet we find ourselves in a state of wonder at the sight of a blossom or a floating butterfly or a cresting wave.
But that’s enough philosophy. You don’t need to be RVing or camping to be able to wander through the North Woods. Michigan is home to hundreds of trails that run the gamut for scenery, each of which shares a miracle or two with us as we pass on through.
There are more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails in Michigan, as well as hundreds of miles of trails managed by volunteer groups. We’ll focus on hiking/walking trails, many of which double as cross-country skiing or snowshoe trails in the winter.
UPPER PENINSULA
1. Whitefish Point Trail: Only 1.5 hours north of the Mackinac Bridge, this easy-to-traverse trail leads you to a scenic view of Whitefish Bay, an inlet on the majestic Lake Superior. It’s just more than a mile long one-way. There’s a lighthouse, a shipwreck museum, and a bird observatory along the Point as well.
2. Yellow Dog Falls: The area around Marquette is rich for waterfall hunters. Yellow Dog Falls is one of the most well- known and is only 10 miles from town. The falls are located off County Road 510. There is a small parking area and the trailhead. Walk a mile downstream to reach the picturesque falls, the main attraction along the Yellow Dog River. The trail continues on for another mile and passes smaller falls and rapids. Not a bad way to spend an hour or two!
NORTHWEST LOWER MICHIGAN
3. Betsie Valley Trail: This 22-mile trail between Thompsonville and Frankfort is ideal for walkers. You don’t need to walk the whole distance to feel the positive effects of being in nature and some extended exercise. The trailhead is in downtown Beulah. There are parking areas in Frankfort, Beulah, and
8 • 2021 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS
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