Detroit is a preeminent tourism destination on a global scale. Look no further than the recent headlines, accolades, and record-breaking crowds that have arrived to the city for star-studded events like the 2024 NFL Draft.
Honestly, we’re not at all surprised when looking at the wealth of tourism amenities that the Detroit region boasts:
Resurgent neighborhoods. State of the art dining and culinary experiences. Reverberating Motown and techno. Dynamic sports and entertainment venues. Stunning art deco architecture and cutting edge design. Renowned museums and accessible historic sites.
And that just scratches the surface of the opportunities that Detroit offers to the world.
For us at Expedition Detroit, we shine a spotlight on an aspect of our region that is steadily catching the global tourism market’s attention: the Detroit region’s world-class outdoor destinations and experiences. The forests, trails, and waterways that have defined our corner of the Great Lakes throughout every era of its development. The natural ecosystem that first attracted mankind to explore and settle the greater Detroit region - and has continued to inspire us into the future.
As the City of Detroit and its metropolitan area has enjoyed this renaissance of tourism, we have similarly experienced a rapid increase in interest in exploring our region’s wildest outdoor destinations. Since Expedition Detroit provides the largest variety of guided hiking opportunities throughout the Michigan State Parks system - and we exclusively lead trips within the Detroit region - we’re uniquely situated to zero-in on which trails are attracting the most attention. Better yet, our on-trail experience has provided insights into why certain destinations are more popular than others for large groups, families, or adventurous solo hikers.
Here are the 5 most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit:
5. Humbug Marsh Green and Orange Trails
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge - Trenton
Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 39 feet
Trail Rating: Easy
Why Popular: Accessible and vibrant trail system through the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River’s U.S. coastline at North America’s only international wildlife refuge.
“They almost paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” That modified version of the song “Big Yellow Taxi” could be the motto of the Humbug Marsh Unit of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Back in 1998, the Refuge’s 405.16 acres of virgin coastal wetlands, oak-hickory forest, and vernal pools were slated for demolition - until over 1,000 community members stood up for its preservation.
Fast forward to present day, the Refuge remains a thriving wildlife sanctuary and a year-round destination for guided hiking, bird watching, fishing, hunting, and other conservation-based recreation activities. Here’s a short list of the amenities available at the Refuge:
• Over 3 miles of paved and natural trails for exploration, including the scenic Green and Orange Trails.
• Admiring the Refuge’s “Old Growth Forest” along the Orange Trail, which contains 300-year-old trees that predate European arrival to the region.
• World-class exhibits and educational programming at the John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitor Center.
• Unprecedented birding opportunities, especially during the fall raptor migration.
• Casting a line from the Refuge’s 700 foot fishing pier.
• Paddling alongside the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River’s U.S. coastline.
Looking for even more adventure? No problem - the Refuge is conveniently located directly along the Downriver Linked Greenways Trail, so you can readily complement your guided hike with a bike ride or jog to nearby Lake Erie Metropark.
4. Belle Isle Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail
Belle Isle State Park - Detroit
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.
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 its 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 comprises one of the 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.
3. Mt. Kanzer Trail
Highland State Recreation Area - Milford Township
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.
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.
The Mt. Kanzer Trail resulted from the tireless efforts of outdoor recreation advocacy groups that chartered, built, documented, and now popularized this off-the-beaten-path trail experience. Expedition Detroit is proud to see the trail has evolved into a popular trail for guided hiking near Detroit, and we hope that you will experience its magic this fall!
2. Haven Hill Loop Trail
Highland State Recreation Area - White Lake Township
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, it’s no surprise 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.
1. Maybury Hiking Trail
Maybury State Park - Northville
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 more rugged trails on Metro Detroit’s western periphery.
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.
Due to Maybury's abundant fauna, the park's popularity also stems from its unbelievable wildlife viewing opportunities - especially at night. With daylight hours waning and animal movement increasing this fall, don’t miss the opportunity to “embrace the dark” and venture out on a top-rated night hiking excursion!
This article has been revised and republished for Visit Detroit by Expedition Detroit, LLC. It was originally published on ExpeditionDetroit.com as “Explore the 5 Most Popular Trails for Guided Hiking near Detroit - Fall 2025 Edition.”
Expedition Detroit is a proud member of Visit Detroit. Expedition Detroit provides the leading platform for Detroit's emerging outdoor recreation industry. From producing original adventure marketing content for the Detroit region's outdoor industry to leading top-rated guided hiking trips across 11 Michigan State Parks near the city, its sole focus is to support, inspire, and expand Detroit's outdoor community. For more information on booking a guided hiking trip with Expedition Detroit, visit ExpeditionDetroit.com/guided-trips.
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