
Top Family Hiking Trails
Are you a first time hiker? Are you traveling with the kids or disabled with ADA accessible needs? We have outlined a complete list of trails in the region that will fit your needs. These trails outlined here are some of the most beautiful in the region that is perfect for those looking for a quick hike under two hours. All of these trails can be tackled in under 2 hours.
Top Trails for Families: Hikes under 2 hours
We know that parents, grandparents and kids of all ages enjoy a day outside in mother nature, but not the entire day. Therefore, we have mapped out the region’s top trails that can be completed in under 2 hours.
- Arcadia Dunes – Baldy Trailhead
- Betsie Valley Trail
- Cartier Park
- Carl T. Johnson Hunting/Fishing Center
- Hardy Dam Rustic Area
- Ensley Township Nature Preserve
- Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary
- Lake Michigan Recreation Area
- Ludington State Park Hiking Trails
- Orchard Beach State Park
- Michigan Legacy Art Park
The “Essential 9”
Day-Hike Checklist
- Navigation (compass or gps)
- Sun Protection
- Insulation/layered clothing
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First Aid Kit
- Waterproof Matches or Fire starter
- Multi-tool
- Nutrition
- HYDRATION!









Access the vast network of family friendly & ADA accessible trails in the region
Click on a marker to select and learn more about the trail.
Betsie Valley Trail
Access all the trail information
Lake Michigan Recreation Area
Cartier Park
Carl T Johnson
Ludington State Park
Michigan Legacy Art Park
Orchard Beach State Park
Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary
Ensley Twp. Nature Area
Hard Dam Rustic Trail

Unplug. Explore. Michigan's Great Outdoors.
The Michigan's Great Outdoors collaborative consists of five Northern Michigan counties all working together to promote tourism in the region. With so many hiking, biking, winter sports, and ORV trails in the region that dynamically connect these counties, this site is devoted to educate the first-time visitor to the region looking to explore the great outdoors for the first time. We welcome you to browse this site and explore all this region has to offer.