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4 MORE TRAILS THAT ARE PERFECT FOR FALL WALKS
One of the best parts of autumn is being able to get
out hiking in cooler weather. In the fall, you can go hiking almost any time of the day. Even better, the leaves of the hardwood trees transform, giving hikers a distinctive trail experience. There are hundreds of miles of trails in the state, and you really can’t go wrong as long as you’re enjoying the fresh air, but here are some top picks from across Michigan to hike this autumn.
UPPER PENINSULA
• Escarpment Trail, Porcupine Mountains: A favorite and likely most scenic short hike in Michigan, Escarpment Trail runs along the bluffs above the Lake of the Clouds. The views are nothing short of heavenly, especially in the fall, when the crisp blue of the water contrasts against the fiery colors of the autumn leaves. The trail edge is often along rocky cliffs and most of the hike is in the open so make sure to layer appropriately. This hike to and from using the same trail takes about two hours.
NORTHERN LOWER MICHIGAN
• Empire Bluffs Trail, Empire: This short trail is a relatively easy walk although some portions are sandy. The trail meets a wooden boardwalk, which will take you the rest of the way. From the bluffs you can see the Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mama Bear looking out over Lake Michigan in careful watch over her cubs. For a marvelous experience, make the hike in the evening with the intent of reaching the overlook in time for sunset.
MID-MICHIGAN
• Chippewa Nature Center, Midland: This pristine area, named the Greatest Trail or Park by Great Lakes Bay Regional Magazine readers, has 19 miles of hiking trails and diverse ecosystems. Among the choices is the River Point Trail, two miles of hemlock and birch woodland as well as a pond and river. The River Trail is the longest trail along the rivers at 2.7 miles, including through beautiful beech-maple woods.
SOUTHERN LOWER MICHIGAN
• Rosy Mound Natural Area, Grand Haven: According
to the website miottawa.org/Parks/rosymound.htm, “Rosy Mound is a classic Great Lakes dune system including high wooded dunes, foredunes, beach and a dune blowout.” There is a hiking trail less than a mile long that takes you to the pristine shoreline, over some dunes, and into the midst of scenic coastline views. For the most incredible view in the Rosy Mound Natural Area, climb the nearly 400 stairs to the Dune Overlook. There are other trails as well, including Acorn Trail, which runs through more dunes and a hardwood forest.
M I X I T U P ! You’ve probably noticed that many of these hikes run alongside or within visual distance of some of Michigan’s rivers and streams. For a fresh and original view of the fall colors, choose to kayak or canoe instead.
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