Five great hiking trails to check out this summer

No trip to Ludington State Park is complete without seeing Big Sable Lighthouse. (File photo)

The Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk is a popular hike well-suited for all ages and abilities. (File photo)

The Manistee River Trail is a great backpacking opportunity with many scenic views. (File photo)

24 MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE

5 GREAT HIKING TRAILS

to check out this summer

ROBERT MYERS VENTURE STAFF WRITER

Whether you are looking for a multi-day adventure or a scenic stroll, Lake Michigan’s shoreline counties of Benzie, Manistee and Mason offer abundant options to get outside and enjoy nature. This list provides five of the top local trails, each featuring unique aspects. At least one of them is bound to catch your eye.

Lost Lake and Lighthouse Trail

What list of trails in Lake Michigan shoreline counties would be complete without a lighthouse? This 4.7-mile trail has just that and showcases some of the best of Ludington State Park in the process. The trail begins along the scores of scenic Lost Lake and then passes through pine forests before emerging amidst rolling dunes and taking hikers the picturesque Big Sable Point Lighthouse.

Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk

If you’re looking for an easy trail to take you through a unique ecosystem, then the Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk might be the trail for you. This 1.9 trail takes you out on a boardwalk passing through Arcadia Marsh. It is a great place to spot wildlife (bird watching is very popular here) or catch a sunrise or sunset.

Platte Plains Trail

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Sleeping Bear Dunes, a great way to do this is with a hike along the Platte Plains Trail. As the name indicates, you won’t see the massive sand dunes Leelanau County’s portion of the park is known for, but the trail will give you a great tour of the Sleeping Bear Dunes ecosystem, as it winds for 4.5-miles through the forest from Platte River Campground to White Pine Backcountry Campground. Though the trail itself stays inland from the lake, there are several points at which hikers can branch off on trails leading down to the beach.

Baldy Dune Trail

One of the most popular destinations in Benzie County, this trail is located in the Arcadia Dunes: C.S. Mott Nature Preserve just north of Arcadia. The 1.8-mile Baldy Dune Trail takes trekkers through pine and deciduous forests before they finally ascend a staircase to reach Baldy Dune, home to scenic views and plenty of space to sit and watch a sunset.

Manistee River Trail Loop

The longest trail of this list is certainly worth the effort. One can hike out and back along sections of the trail as part of a day hike, but the best way to experience this trail is with an overnight camping trip taking advantage of the many backcountry camping sites along the river. Hikers of this popular 19.3-mile loop will enjoy scenic overlooks of the Manistee River, cross a suspension bridge and view abundant wildlife.