Best Hiking Trails near Thompsonville, MI

Thompsonville and the surrounding areas have a number of excellent trails suitable for a variety of skill levels. Many are perfect for the whole family-including the family dog. Below, we've listed just a few of our favorite trails, but there are plenty of other ones to choose from. Give us a call if you need more information.

Betsie River Trail East Loop

Location: Thompsonville, MI
Length: 2.3 mile loop
Elevation gain: 36 feet
Skill level: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes

Betsie River Trail East Loop is a lightly-traveled trail that gives you an excellent chance to see local wildlife in a natural habitat. The best time to do this is from March until October. Betsie River Trail East Loop is appropriate for all skill levels.

Michigan Legacy Art Park

Location: Thompsonville, MI
Length: 2.2 mile loop
Elevation gain: 236 feet
Skill level: Easy
Dog friendly: Yes

Michigan Legacy Art Park is an uncrowded trail that runs through a beautiful forest. The trail is great for hikers, runners, and family outings. Note that the trail does have a significant elevation gain, and it has some steep inclines in a few places. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.

Misty Acres Trail

Location: Near Benzonia, MI
Length: 0.7 mile loop
Elevation gain: 68 feet
Skill level: Easy
Dog friendly: N/A

Misty Acres Trail is a short, easy trail that's perfect for the whole family. Depending on the season, you'll see beautiful wildflowers or fall colors.

Pete's Woods Loop

Location: Arcadia, MI
Length: 1.4 mile loop
Elevation gain: 160 feet
Skill level: Easy
Dog friendly: N/A

Pete's Woods Loop is a great trail to view a variety of wildlife in natural settings. The trail is appropriate for the entire family. It's primarily used by hikers and bird watchers. The best time to hike Pete's Woods Loop is between April and October.

Baldy Dune Trail

Location: Arcadia, MI
Length: 1.8 mile out-and-back
Elevation gain: 101 feet
Skill level: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes

Baldy Dune Trail is a moderately difficult trail that runs through a scenic forest setting. The trail provides lots of tree cover from the sun, and the scenery is spectacular. You might even spot a few sandhill cranes along the way. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.

Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk

Location: Arcadia, MI
Length: 1.9 mile out-and-back
Elevation gain: 13 feet
Skill level: Easy
Dog friendly: No

Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk is a short, easy trail along a man-made boardwalk. The trail is a great experience for the entire family, and is perfect for hiking, bird watching, or simply getting outside for a while. (Over 200 bird species have been identified in this area.)

The boardwalk has a slight grade of 3% or less, and is accessible by wheelchair. Note that, due to nesting birds, Arcadia Marsh Boardwalk is subject to closure from the middle of April to the middle of June.

Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve

Location: Frankfort, MI
Length: 1.7 mile loop
Elevation gain: 390 feet
Skill level: Moderate
Dog friendly: Yes

Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve is a moderately popular trail that runs near the coastline of Lake Michigan. On this trail, you'll wind through a forest and meadow, where a variety of birds and wildflowers can be seen. And, of course, you'll get fantastic views of Lake Michigan. The trail is best used for hiking and, in the winter, for snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.

Upper Herring Lake Trail

Location: Frankfort, MI
Length: 1.1 mile out-and-back
Elevation gain: 13 feet
Skill level: Easy
Dog friendly: N/A

Located near Frankfort, Michigan, Upper Herring Lake Trail travels near Upper Herring Lake. The trail is perfect for a family outing and for all skill levels. When the weather turns cold, watch for icy spots along the way.