Trails in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

There are thousands of miles of trails in Michigan’s U.P. open to adventure each season. The same could be said for your usual recreation destinations, but our trails are unique. 

Across these expansive miles, you’ll find yourself hiking and ATVing historic islands, horseback riding along shorelines of three freshwater Great Lakes, passing waterfalls and climbing mountains overlooking lakes that reflect the skies above you. Around the next bend could be an urban area, a quiet place or, in some months, a winter wonderland. And the journey can be as thrilling or peaceful as you’d like! Explore your options below.

ATV trails

If you love adrenaline-surging, bone-jarring, mud-spattering, white-knuckle off-roading, bring your baddest ATVs and ORVs to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Our wilderness terrain is screaming to see how far it can push your fun. And wherever you ride, you are in for some of the most jaw-dropping scenery you’ve ever seen. Get your freedom machine here so we can prove it.

Hiking trails

Hiking trails in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is as close to an untamed wilderness as you may experience in the contiguous United States. Thanks to a wide variety of hiking terrain, this is an activity that anyone can enjoy. Some of our paths are even ADA accessible and paved. Planning to hit the trails on your next visit? Check out our hiking information.

Mountain biking trails

If you like to bike, there is no place in Michigan more scenic, more varied in its terrain or more thrilling in its races than the Upper Peninsula. In addition to the trails listed on our biking page, there are thousands of miles of logging roads, abandoned railroad grades, state and national forest trails, single tracks, off-season cross country ski trails and low-traffic highways that welcome lone riders to tour groups. We even have two of the top Bicycle Friendly Communities in the nation by the League of American Bicyclists and one of 10 trails in the world to earn a Silver Level Ride Center designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association!

Snowmobiling trails

You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to snowmobile in the U.S. Poll after poll ranks Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as one of, if not, the best sledding destinations in the United States. Not only do the rides get fantastic reviews, but so does the warm welcome while you are here. Ride 3,000 miles of groomed trails from Dec. 1 to March 31 each year.

Cross country skiing trails

When it comes to cross-country skiing, the Upper Peninsula has boasting rights for being the best place in Michigan to glide or skate between November and mid-April. Ski along miles of groomed trails through magical snowy scenes from Ironwood to Drummond Island. Reach century-old lighthouses and vast Great Lakes beaches, be awed by frozen waterfalls, glide through historic sites and spy wildlife in the U.P. 's whisper-quiet wilderness. Peacefulness will do your heart and mind good. Choose from our many trails and find rental information on our cross country skiing page.

Fat tire biking trails

There’s a new trend snowballing into popularity, and it promises to stick around! Fat tire biking in the Upper Peninsula has been described as a cross between riding a bike and riding a horse – and in big snow country, we don’t wait until spring to get back in the saddle. Learn more about this sport here.

Snowshoeing trails

In the winter, our wilderness snows run deep. One of the oldest, least expensive ways to get through it is on snowshoes. It is one of the easiest sports to learn and can be enjoyed from childhood to retirement years. It is also a sport that will bring you to some of the most scenic and tranquil places in the U.P., including frozen waterfalls and lantern-lit forests. Come see why we love snowshoeing in the U.P.!

Enjoy the adventure!

Whether you’re an extreme outdoor enthusiast or simply enjoy a mile or two in the fresh air, you’ll find breathtaking mountaintop and shoreline views along our marked paths. As you navigate your way through our wilderness, listen for the built-in soundtrack of birds singing, the rustle of squirrels chasing each other through treetops, and watch for moose, bobcats, bears, wolves, deer and foxes. 

Go whatever distance you’d like in whichever way you’d prefer, and enjoy our famous natural landmarks along your route. You can see Arch Rock, Tahquamenon Falls, the Porcupine Mountains, Lake of the Clouds, Bond Falls, the Bays de Noc, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, historic lighthouses and so much more! Pack your water, bug spray, paddles, hiking boots and whatever else you need. It’s time to immerse yourself somewhere in the great, wide Upper Peninsula.

Don't forget to purchase any necessary licenses and learn the current rules and regulations of the trails. Learn more.