Explore the 5 Most Popular Trails for Guided Hiking near Detroit - Fall 2025 Edition
- Dan Cooke
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Welcome home, Detroit's outdoor community! Looking for new "Back-to-School Trails" to experience with the whole family? We've got you covered - here are the 5 most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit, FALL 2025 EDITION!
Time flies when you're busy exploring the very best of the Detroit region's outdoors.
Truly - the last two years (!!) since we launched our guided outdoor experiences platform have brought a lifetime of new experiences, memories, and lasting friendships to the 11 Michigan State Parks that we have the pleasure of operating within. I have personally loved watching beginner hikers evolve into seasoned veterans, all while simultaneously forming new bonds with hiking buddies and experiencing the enchantment of our outdoor destinations. As a guide, there's no better feeling then witnessing the spark of a newfound love for the Detroit region's parks and trails.
My attention over the past two years has been solely fixated on curating the best guided experiences that we can provide for our trip participants. However, while my focus has been on the trail, our internal analytics have been tracking another important metric: the most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit. Regardless of Team Expedition Detroit's personal favorites, objective data always provides the most reliable source of outdoor intel.
In other words, the people have spoken through their bookings.
Here are the 5 most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit for Fall 2025:
5. Belle Isle Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail | Belle Isle State Park | Detroit, MI
Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 22 feet
Trail Rating: Easy
Why Popular: Best guided experience for hikers of all ages/experience levels and large groups that want to learn more about the City of Detroit's natural ecosystem.
I was once asked on the "Ramble & Mosey" Michigan outdoors podcast a deceptively challenging question: "If someone only had one hour to spend outside in Detroit's outdoors, where would you send them to?"
My answer came instinctively: "For me, it's Belle Isle."
Why? Because unlike any other Michigan State Park, Belle Isle constitutes a microcosm of the entire binational Detroit region's outdoor ecosystem. While the 2.2 mile "Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail" is both the shortest and easiest on this list, the trail packs a recreational punch well above its metrics.
Here are the highlights:
Stunning views of Downtown Detroit, freighters, the Detroit River, Peche Island, and Windsor, Canada.
World-class wildlife viewing along the Blue Heron Lagoon.
Engaging history surrounding Belle Isle's development, past utilization, and haunted legend.
Modern trailhead that marks the beginning of the Iron Belle Trail.
Stunning architecture like the historic Livingstone Lighthouse and modern "One World Under Michigan Stars" sculpture.
Perfect for new hikers, young children, or seniors interested in exploring local outdoor destinations.
Ideal for corporate, intern, or other large groups looking to showcase the natural ecosystem of the Detroit region while building stronger connections.
In other words, we're not surprised that the Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail has risen to one of Expedition Detroit’s most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit. If nothing else, the trail proves just how exhilarating "urban hiking" can be for hikers of every age and background.
EXPLORE THE BLUE HERON LAGOON & LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
4. Mt. Kanzer Trail | Highland State Recreation Area | Milford Township, MI
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 425 feet
Trail Rating: Moderate
Why Popular: Perfect guided experience for adventurous hikers looking to explore a new trail leading to an obscure peak.
Out of all of the famous trails listed within this article, the adventurous Mt. Kanzer Trail is - by far - the least known by the greater outdoor community. That may be due to Highland Recreation Area's low annual visitor count, but we're willing to bet that it has more to do with the fact that much of this trail didn't even exist just a few years ago (thanks again, Motor City Mountain Biking Association trail crew).
Those factors also explain why Mt. Kanzer represents the ideal destination for a guided hike near Detroit:
The trail is relatively unknown, thus amplifying the "adventure" factor of an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The rugged (yet very manageable) terrain leading up to Highland's highest point instills a lasting feeling of accomplishment.
The largely undisturbed natural settings of the trail allow hikers to experience Highland's wild, untamed beauty.
The decrease in foot traffic equates to an increase in harnessing the mental health benefits of the hiking experience.
The trailhead's close proximity to the Village of Milford - a "Pure Michigan Trail Town" - means that a successful wilderness experience can be paired with a celebratory beer.
We at Expedition Detroit have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of exploring, documenting, and popularizing this off-the-beaten-path trail experience. We're proud to see that our love for the trail has caught on to the point where it's a popular trail for guided hiking near Detroit, and we hope that you will experience its magic this fall!
SUMMIT THE MT. KANZER TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
3. Haven Hill Loop Trail | Highland State Recreation Area | White Lake Township, MI
Distance: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 311 feet
Trail Rating: Moderate
Why Popular: Highlight reel of the full spectrum of the Detroit region's natural environment, including a historic climb to the former Ford Family wilderness estate.
If you're looking to enhance your hiking strength, experience, and historical knowledge in the Detroit region's sole "National Natural Landmark," then Highland State Recreation Area's Haven Hill Loop Trail is the perfect hiking experience for you!
With the trail's perfect blend of history, topography, and natural beauty, no one at Team Expedition Detroit is surprised that Haven Hill represents one of the most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit. The hike effortlessly leads its guests through a kaleidoscope of varying landscapes, starting with lakeside vistas and progressing through expansive board walks, wildlife-rich wetlands, rugged moraine ridge lines, and dense old growth forest.
The trail's final act truly saves the best for last: a step ascent to the ruins of Edsel Ford's famous "Haven Hill" estate. Perched high at 1,060 feet of elevation, Haven Hill was referred to as the Ford Family's wilderness "nerve retreat" away from the hustle and bustle of early 20th century Detroit. You will hike through the ruined corridors that once hosted the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and even the Prince of Wales.
CONQUER HAVEN HILL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
2. Crooked Lake Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, MI
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 393 feet
Trail Rating: Moderate
Why Popular: Commonly ranked as one of the best hiking experiences throughout the entire State of Michigan, including the Detroit region's best trail for experiencing fall colors.
Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit's top-secret "Trail Ranking" methodology, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the Detroit area. This beloved 4.2 mile trail has played host to several of my most successful trail races, brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear out the noise of modern life.
I love this trail - and I'm not surprised that it ranks as the #2 most popular trail for guided hiking near Detroit.
Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area, the Crooked Lake Trail sets out from the stunning Silver Lake trailhead and encircles the heart of Pinckney State Recreation Area, complete with panoramic views of Crooked Lake and Pickerel Lake. The trail provides a complete package expected from any thrilling Southeast Michigan hiking experience: vibrant fall colors, dense marshlands, mature forests, spacious grassland prairies, dramatic moraine hills, and plenty of wildlife sightings.
Wait...did we mention fall colors? Especially with peak foliage coming down the pipeline shortly, we wanted to leave the Crooked Lake Trail's feature with this excerpt from our #TrailTuesday spotlight on its natural beauty:
Fast forward an hour or so, I'm a few miles into the Crooked Lake Trail - mesmerized by my surroundings. The entire scene is bathed in golden light, both from the vibrant yellow leaves of the park's hickory trees and the late afternoon sun. My camera is pleading for mercy after its overuse while trying to capture the scene. Eventually I give up on it, surrendering to the realization that moments like this, in places like this, can only be fully-experienced in the moment.
Seize the moment, Detroit - we'll see you at the Crooked Lake Trail this fall!
DISCOVER THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
1. Maybury Hiking Trail | Maybury State Park | Northville, MI
Distance: 3.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 127 feet
Trail Rating: Easy-Moderate
Why Popular: Best overall guided trail experience in terms of accessibility, offerings, wildlife viewing opportunities, and engagement for all hiking experience levels.
The data is clear: Maybury State Park is the undisputed most popular destination for guided hiking near Detroit.
Located on the northwestern edge of Wayne County in Northville Township, Maybury's popularity may come as a surprise to our region's more intrepid explorers - especially those that regularly frequent the "Black Diamond Trails."
We'd also be willing to bet that any doubters have yet to experience the magic of Maybury's Main Hiking Trail.
For the uninitiated, hiking Maybury's Main Hiking Trail provides a quintessential Detroit region outdoor experience. The trail showcases the history of the Maybury Sanatorium (including its remaining ruins), 360º views of the scenery and wildlife surrounding its main pond, topographic staples of Southeast Michigan's glacial history, and postcard views of the brilliant foliage of its wooded highlands. Better yet, its gently rolling 3 miles provide the perfect trail experience for hikers of all ages and experience levels.
EXPLORE TOP-RATED MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
But wait, there's more! Due to Maybury's abundant fauna, the park's popularity also stems from its unbelievable wildlife viewing opportunities - especially at night. Team Expedition Detroit has pioneered the "Night Hiking Safari" experience throughout a select number of Southeast Michigan's State Parks, with Maybury representing our most-selected option for nocturnal exploration. With daylight hours waning and animal movement increasing, we invite you to #EmbraceTheDark and join us on a top-rated night hiking safari this fall!
EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE OF A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
Looking for more family-friendly hiking experiences? Check out our latest trail experience offering - Trails & Ales - in collaboration with River's Edge Brewing Company and Blue Birch Outfitters! This weekly hiking event comes not only with a world-class hiking adventure at Proud Lake State Recreation Area, but also comes complete with community-driven perks at River's Edge and Blue Birch Outfitters.
Which of the above is your favorite trail? Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please feel free to post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.