Winter hiking

 If you answered yes to most of those questions, you’ve got plenty of time to check out several places across the great state of Michigan known to be great places for winter hiking.

 Winter hiking typically involves fewer people so that might be a bonus for some. It can burn more calories and improve your winter mental health, and you most likely won’t have to deal with the pesky mosquitoes.

 According to an article by Steve Anderson for Step Outside (stepoutside.org), getting outside during winter months in Michigan is an opportunity to get out in the snow and cold air for some invigorating outdoor recreation. He’s put together a list of 10 great winter hikes in Michigan.

 • Marquette’s Noquemanon Trail Network is easily one of the best winter hikes Michigan can offer thanks to one key point: its sheer variety. Not only will you have a short trail to hike in Baby Lake Trail, but you’ll have a longer trail — around two miles — in Teal Lake Trail. Trails with lights, trails with rough terrain, and more await those who take on the Noquemanon Trail Network. Six hour drive (403 miles) from Fenton

 • Drummond Island’s Heritage Trail is one of the most impressive winter hikes Michigan can offer. Set on an island, it offers two separate trails. You’ll be able to catch scenery from the Potagannissing Bay shoreline to an array of caves and limestone outcroppings. With plenty of wildlife to see as well, it’s often regarded as a great trail for birdwatching. Four hour, 54 minute drive (308 miles) from Fenton

 • Not too far from Rapid City, the Seven Bridges Natural Area is a natural area with some incredible sights. Featuring the ruins of a sawmill, trail and boardwalk going through cedar trees and a host of rivers to see, as well as four of the original seven bridges still active, you’ll see things on a winter hike here you won’t see anywhere else. Two hour, 44 minute drive (186 miles) from Fenton 

 • The Grand Rivers Edge Trail offers a unique experience because of its location: downtown Grand Rapids. Yes, there’s an actual trail running through one of Michigan’s biggest cities. Running 5.4 miles and completely paved, you’ll be able to get what amounts to a complete walking tour of Grand Rapids. One hour, 48 minute drive (125 miles) from Fenton

 • White Pine Trail runs from Grand Rapids all the way up to Cadillac. Moreover, it has stops in a variety of communities in between, so you can make the trail as long or as short as you wish. Since it was formerly a rail line, it’s got a bit of history thrown in with it too. One hour, 52 minute drive (127 miles) from Fenton

 • The North Country National Scenic Trail is another thoroughly unique experience. It’s the single largest trail the United States can offer, running 4,600 miles from end to end. Michigan’s part is heavy on the water features, including lakes, waterfalls, and plenty more.

 • Found in Marquette, the Presque Isle Park, Presque, translates to English as “almost,” so it’s “almost an island.” It offers 323 acres of land to see. Featuring a two-mile stretch along Lake Superior, you’ll have the great natural beauty of the area augmented by the crystalline magnificence of snow to make it about as complete as it can be. Six hour, 10 minute drive (405 miles) from Fenton

 • Iron Ore Heritage Trail is referred to as “the outdoor linear museum.” A 47-mile trail, visitors can view large portions of the Upper Peninsula. There are trailheads in Ishpeming, Negaunee, Marquette and Harvey, just to name a few. The trail is comprised of several materials, asphalt, crushed limestone and dirt, involved in paving, you’ll be able to start and stop most anywhere you like and carry on accordingly. Six hour, eight minute drive (406 miles) from Fenton

 • Kensington Metropark in Milford covers 4,486 total acres of Michigan forest and hills. The best part about this is that, while it offers an excellent set of hikes, it’s also got more than that going on. If you want a simple, short hike, you can do that, and you can follow it up with a variety of other activities, which is especially welcome if you’re hiking with young children. Thirty-two minute drive (20 miles) from Fenton

 • Michigan’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is easily one of Michigan’s most picturesque and natural wonder-laden sights the state can offer. With almost 100 miles of trails to consider all told, and some of Michigan’s most amazing sights found therein, you’ll have just about everything you could ask for right here. Five hour, seven minute drive (350 miles) from Fenton

Source: stepoutside.org, Michigan.org