Explore Premier Hiking Trails at Trailside Campground in Wolverine, Michigan

Embark on unforgettable hiking adventures from Trailside Campground, your riverside retreat in Wolverine, Michigan, where Northern Michigan's diverse trails offer stunning forests, river views, and wildlife encounters for all skill levels. With direct access to paths like Wildwood Hills Pathway and Sturgeon River Preserve, enjoy seasonal wonders from spring wildflowers to fall foliage, plus easy rentals for gear and bikes nearby. Call (231) 525-8301 today to reserve your spot and lace up for epic explorations!

Hiking Trails

Northern Michigan's hiking trails near Wolverine wind through lush forests, river valleys, and state forests, perfect for all skill levels. Expect scenic views, wildlife spotting (such as elk and birds), and seasonal highlights like wildflowers in the spring or foliage in the fall. No permits needed for most, but check Michigan DNR (michigan.gov/dnr) for updates. Bring water, bug spray, sturdy shoes, and a trail map app like AllTrails or onX Offroad.

Wildwood Hills Pathway

• Type: Hiking (multi-use with biking and cross-country skiing)

• Length: 9 miles (loop system with options for shorter hikes)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Elevation Gain: 200-300 feet

• Description: Scenic trails through lush hardwood forests, rolling hills, and meadows. Ideal for birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and peaceful nature immersion. Trails are well-maintained with interpretive signs about local ecology.

• Endpoints/Where It Leads: Starts at a parking area off Wildwood Road (about 5 miles from Trailside), looping back to the start. Connects to the nearby Pigeon River Country State Forest for extended hikes.

• Tips: Best in spring for morels or fall for colors. Leashed dogs allowed. Download the map from AllTrails or Michigan DNR. User reviews note it's family-friendly with minimal crowds.

• Access: 10-minute drive from campground; free parking.

Sturgeon River Preserve

• Type: Hiking (nature preserve trails)

• Length: 2-5 miles (various loops)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: Minimal (flat terrain)

• Description: Peaceful, well-marked paths along the Sturgeon River, ideal for birdwatching (eagles, herons) and wildlife observation. Features boardwalks over wetlands and river overlooks.

• Endpoints/Where It Leads: Access points near the campground along the river; trails loop or connect to the North Central State Trail for longer outings.

• Tips: Great for short hikes; watch for fishing spots. Mosquitoes can be heavy in summer—use repellent. Free entry; open dawn to dusk.

• Access: Walking distance from Trailside or a short drive.

Pigeon River Country State Forest Trails

• Type: Hiking (extensive network)

• Length: Over 100 miles total (various segments like Elk Hill Trail: 5 miles)

• Difficulty: Easy to challenging

• Elevation Gain: Varies (up to 500 feet on hilly sections)

• Description: Vast wilderness trails through 114,000 acres of forest, with chances to spot elk, deer, and turkeys. Includes the Shingle Mill Pathway (10 miles of loops) for scenic vistas and the High Country Pathway (80-mile thru-hike option).

• Endpoints/Where It Leads: Multiple access points off Sturgeon Valley Road (10-15 miles from Trailside); trails lead to remote lakes, rivers, and elk viewing areas.

• Tips: Obtain a free recreation passport for state forest access. Fall is prime for elk bugling. Carry a compass or GPS as some areas are remote. Check DNR for hunting season closures.

• Access: 15-20 minute drive; parking at trailheads.

Other notable hikes: From AllTrails, explore the 3 main trails in Wolverine, including loops for all levels with river views. For more, visit alltrails.com/us/michigan/wolverine.

Biking Trails

Bike trails here are mostly crushed limestone or gravel, suitable for mountain or hybrid bikes. They're multi-use, so share with hikers and horses. No fees, but helmets are recommended. For route planning, use running tracker apps or TrailLink maps.

North Central State Trail (NCST)

• Type: Biking (rail-trail, also hiking/snowmobiling)

• Length: 62 miles total (Wolverine section: 10-20 miles accessible)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: Minimal (flat grade)

• Description: Premier crushed limestone trail following an old railroad bed through forests and river valleys. Scenic with bridges over the Sturgeon River and wildlife sightings.

• Endpoints/Where It Leads: Runs from Gaylord (mile marker 121) to Mackinaw City (mile 181). From Wolverine, head south to Indian River or north to Cheboygan for day trips.

• Tips: Perfect for family biking; rest stops in towns. Avoid after heavy rain due to puddles. Connects to Boyne Valley Trailway for extensions.

• Access: Direct from campground; free parking.

North Eastern State Trail

• Type: Biking (multi-use gravel trail)

• Length: 71 miles

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Elevation Gain: Gentle rolls (200 feet total)

• Description: Crushed gravel path through rural landscapes, forests, and small towns. Low-traffic with shelters in Metz and Millersburg.

• Endpoints/Where It Leads: Alpena to Cheboygan; from Wolverine, access via connections to Onaway or Indian River.

• Tips: Well-maintained, but watch for loose gravel. Great for birdwatching. User reviews praise the scenery but note occasional deep sand.

• Access: 10-15 minute drive to trailheads.

Boyne Valley Trailway

• Type: Biking (multi-use)

• Length: 6 miles

• Difficulty: Easy

• Elevation Gain: Flat

• Description: Paved and gravel trail through valleys and woodlands, ideal for casual rides.

• Endpoints/Where It Leads: Boyne Falls to Boyne City; a short drive from Wolverine for a day extension.

• Tips: Family-friendly; combine with NCST for loops.

• Access: 20-minute drive.

For more, check traillink.com/city/wolverine-mi-trails/ (14 trails, 305 miles total).Local Hiking and Biking Rentals

Gear up locally for your trail adventure. Limited hiking-specific rentals, but outdoor shops cover basics.

Sturgeon River Paddlesports (Wolverine)

• Bikes: Cannondale/Trek hybrids, youth sizes.

• Prices: Half-day adult $20/youth $15; daily $30/$20; up to a week $95/$60.

• Hiking Gear: Not specific, but they offer outdoor accessories; call for boots/backpacks.

• Contact: (231) 525-6878; jamie@sturgeonriverpaddle.com; 12961 S. Straits Hwy Unit B, Wolverine, MI 49799. sturgeonriverpaddle.com.

• Tips: Rent for NCST exploration; shuttle available.

Big Bear Adventures (Indian River, 10 miles away)

• Bikes: No direct bike rentals, but ATV/ORV for trails ($100+ half-day).

• Hiking Gear: Limited; focus on adventure packages with guided tours.

• Contact: (231) 238-8181; bigbearadventures.com; 4271 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749.

• Tips: Combine with kayaking for multi-activity days.

Local Hiking and Biking Rentals

Gear up locally for your trail adventure. Limited hiking-specific rentals, but outdoor shops cover basics.

Sturgeon River Paddlesports (Wolverine)

• Bikes: Cannondale/Trek hybrids, youth sizes.

• Prices: Half-day adult $20/youth $15; daily $30/$20; up to a week $95/$60.

• Hiking Gear: Not specific, but they offer outdoor accessories; call for boots/backpacks.

• Contact: (231) 525-6878; jamie@sturgeonriverpaddle.com; 12961 S. Straits Hwy Unit B, Wolverine, MI 49799. sturgeonriverpaddle.com.

• Tips: Rent for NCST exploration; shuttle available.

Big Bear Adventures (Indian River, 10 miles away)

• Bikes: No direct bike rentals, but ATV/ORV for trails ($100+ half-day).

• Hiking Gear: Limited; focus on adventure packages with guided tours.

• Contact: (231) 238-8181; bigbearadventures.com; 4271 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749.

• Tips: Combine with kayaking for multi-activity days.

Other Options

• Boyne Country Sports (Petoskey, 30 miles): Bikes/gear rentals; (231) 347-0090; boynecountry.com.

• Backwoods Trading Post (for winter/hiking gear; location not specified, check locally).

• REI (Traverse City, 60 miles): Full rentals; rei.com/stores/rentals.

• Tips: Book ahead in peak summer/fall. For hiking, buy basics at Family Fare (Indian River).

Hiking Trails at Trailside Campground