What Are the Best Running Trails in Michigan?

Michigan might be the most underrated running state in America. With more than 13,000 miles of state-designated trails, a Great Lakes shoreline in nearly every direction, and rail-trails that cut through small towns built for post-run coffee stops, runners here are genuinely spoiled. Whether you want a flat, fast crushed-limestone path for marathon training or a hilly singletrack that punishes your quads in the best way, the Mitten has something for every stride.

This guide covers the best running trails in Michigan for 2026 — surfaces, distances, scenery, parking, and the best season for each. Lace up.

1. Paint Creek Trail — Rochester to Lake Orion

The Paint Creek Trail is the crown jewel of southeast Michigan running. This 8.9-mile crushed-limestone rail-trail follows Paint Creek through Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Lake Orion — equally good for a relaxed 5K or a 20-mile marathon long run, forgiving on joints and well-drained after rain.

You get shaded creek crossings, wooden bridges, and glimpses of historic downtown Rochester without traffic. Park at Rochester Municipal Park or the Paint Creek Cider Mill lot. The trail connects to the Polly Ann Trail at Lake Orion for longer runs. Alternating trail days with low-impact exercises that protect your knees keeps longer efforts pain-free.

2. Kal-Haven Trail — Kalamazoo to South Haven

At 34 miles, the Kal-Haven Trail is one of Michigan’s longest point-to-point runs, stretching from Kalamazoo all the way to Lake Michigan at South Haven. The crushed-limestone surface is consistent, the grade is gentle, and the western terminus drops you at one of the state’s prettiest beaches.

Many runners arrange a drop-off and run all 34 miles as an ultra-style adventure, finishing with a swim in Lake Michigan. The halfway point at Bloomingdale has restrooms and water in season. Fall is prime — the hardwood canopy becomes a tunnel of color with far fewer bugs than July. For fueling, plan what to eat before a morning workout so you do not bonk at mile 22.

3. Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail — Leelanau County

Few Midwest trails match this scenery. The paved 22-mile trail runs through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, connecting Empire to Bohemian Road with lake overlooks that will stop you mid-stride. Expect pristine dunes, turquoise water, and sunrises at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore that will stop you mid-stride.

The paved trail is fast but hillier than most Michigan trails — the dune country rolls, and you will earn your views. Go early on summer weekends (popular with cyclists); weekday September mornings are close to perfect. A vehicle entrance fee applies — buy the annual pass if you will return.

4. Pere Marquette Rail-Trail — Clare to Midland

The 30-mile Pere Marquette Rail-Trail between Clare and Midland is ideal for pure, meditative running: crushed limestone, dead straight in long sections, shaded by mature hardwoods. Midland’s end connects to Chippewa Nature Center trails for extra wooded loops.

It is also excellent in winter: the surface packs down, tree cover blocks wind, and locals keep it trampled. Sanford and Coleman both have trailhead parking with restrooms. If you are training through a Michigan winter, this trail plus proper cold-weather gear is all you need.

5. Border-to-Border Trail — Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County

Ann Arbor’s Border-to-Border Trail (B2B) has about 35 miles planned, and the completed sections are excellent. The paved Huron River segments through Gallup Park and Argo offer Michigan’s best urban running: river views, herons, and mile markers for workouts.

The Gallup Park loop is the social hub for run clubs and marathoners doing tempo work. Parking at Gallup Park is plentiful, and the park has restrooms and water fountains in season. Combine the river path with Bird Hills Nature Area for a mixed-surface long run locals swear by.

6. Kensington Metropark — Milford

Kensington Metropark’s 8.5-mile paved loop around Kent Lake is metro Detroit’s default long-run venue. Gently rolling with constant lake views, plus restrooms, water, and a nature center. The loop measures almost exactly 13.6K, so runners do laps with precision.

Unpaved trails offer an escape from pavement. A Metroparks vehicle pass is required, and the park gets busy on summer weekends — arrive before 8 a.m. or run weekday evenings. The Kensington loop is where half of southeast Michigan trains for the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

7. Potawatomi Trail — Pinckney State Recreation Area

The Potawatomi Trail delivers 17.7 miles of singletrack with roughly 1,000 feet of climbing per loop — serious elevation by Michigan standards. This is a mountain bike trail shared with runners, so run against bike traffic direction and stay alert, especially on blind corners.

Technical in places — roots, sandy climbs, tight switchbacks — it is the best strength-building run in southeast Michigan. The Silver Lake trailhead has parking, vault toilets, and a beach for post-run cooldown swims. Go on weekday mornings to have the woods mostly to yourself. A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry.

8. Iron Belle Trail — Statewide

The Iron Belle Trail will eventually run continuously from Detroit’s Belle Isle to Ironwood, totaling over 2,000 miles of hiking and biking routes. For runners, the finished Lower Peninsula sections already offer fantastic options, including the Detroit riverfront segments with skyline views.

The Detroit RiverWalk portion is the most urban — flat, paved, well-lit, and lined with public art. It is perfect for visitors who want to run with a view of the Ambassador Bridge. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources trail pages list the latest completed segments.

9. Maybury State Park — Northville

Maybury State Park is a 944-acre island of forest amid suburban sprawl with an excellent trail network. Beyond the paved 5-mile loop, the unpaved singletrack winds through mature beech-maple forest that feels impossibly remote for being 30 minutes from downtown Detroit.

A Recreation Passport is required. Trails drain well and run year-round; local run clubs host group runs — the easiest way to learn the unmarked connectors.

10. Belle Isle — Detroit

Belle Isle Park’s 5-mile perimeter loop is Detroit’s signature run: flat, fast, and ringed by the Detroit River with skyline views that never get old. The loop is mostly closed to through traffic on the park’s interior roads, making it one of the safest urban runs in the state.

Run it at sunrise — the sun rises over the river and you will share the road with only a handful of others. A Recreation Passport is required. Pair the run with breakfast on Jefferson for the classic Detroit runner’s morning.

11. Yankee Springs Recreation Area — Middleville

Between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, Yankee Springs offers some of the best trail running in west Michigan. The Deep Lake Trail winds through oak forest around quiet inland lakes, with rolling terrain that stays interesting without destroying your legs.

Less crowded than the big-name metro parks. Fall colors peak in mid-October; Gun Lake beach makes a fine summer cooldown. Bring bug spray in June and July — the woods are beautiful and the mosquitoes are ambitious.

12. Porcupine Mountains — Upper Peninsula

For the ultimate Michigan running adventure: Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Lake Superior and Escarpment Trails offer rugged running along the biggest Great Lake, with old-growth hemlock, waterfalls, and Lake of the Clouds overlooks among the Midwest’s most spectacular views.

This is backcountry running: carry water, tell someone your route, and expect black flies in June. But a 10-miler along Lake Superior with eagles overhead and nobody else on the trail is the kind of run you remember for years. Late August through September is the sweet spot — fewer bugs, warm days, early fall color.

The Bottom Line

Michigan’s trail network is one of the genuine bargains of American running — world-class scenery, minimal crowds once you leave the metro parks, and options for every distance and surface. Start with Paint Creek or the B2B, then work up to a Kal-Haven end-to-end or a Porkies adventure. The Rails to Trails Conservancy maintains updated guides to Michigan’s rail-trails for planning longer efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest running trail in Michigan?

The Iron Belle Trail is the longest designated route at over 2,000 miles of combined routes statewide. For a single continuous runnable rail-trail, the Kal-Haven’s 34 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven is the classic.

Are Michigan trails runnable in winter?

Yes. Crushed-limestone rail-trails pack down well, many metro-park paved trails get plowed, and traction devices plus windproof layers keep you comfortable into the single digits.

Do I need a pass to run Michigan trails?

State parks and recreation areas require a Michigan Recreation Passport for vehicle entry. National lakeshores like Sleeping Bear charge a separate entrance fee. Most county and city rail-trails are free, though some metroparks require their own vehicle pass.

When is the best season for trail running in Michigan?

September and October — cool temperatures, peak fall color, fewer bugs. May and June are beautiful but buggy; winter is excellent on packed rail-trails if you dress for it.