Michigan Hiking Clubs

Michigan has numerous hiking trails throughout the state, from the challenging wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains in the western Upper Peninsula, to the towering Sleeping Bear Dunes on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Trails wind through dense woods, lead to waterfalls and lakes, or circle remote islands in the Great Lakes bordering the state. Michigan hiking and adventure clubs exist to enjoy the trails, help maintain them and advocate for their preservation and expansion.

  1. North Country Trail Association

    • The North Country Trail runs through seven states, from North Dakota to New York. The NCT enters Michigan's Upper Peninsula runs through the Ottawa National Forest and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Sate Park, and along a 43-mile stretch of the Lake Superior Shore. In the Lower Peninsula, the trail runs near Lake Mchigan for much of its way heading south before turning inland and leaving Michigan for Ohio. The North Country Trail Association is a multi-state group with 12 chapters in Michigan that focus on regional segments of the trail. But these chapters do more than hike the NCT. Because the trail is incomplete in many segments, local chapters work to clear the trail path and at times reroute it around impassable barriers. The chapters actively promote the trail and encourage its use by sponsoring outdoor activities along its route. The Western Michigan Chapter is the NCTA's largest, according to the chapter's website, with 250 members. A paid membership in the NCTA includes a membership in one of its chapters. Find more information on the NCTA and its chapters and join online by going to the trail association's website.

      North County Trail Association

      229 E. Main St.

      Lowell, MI 49331

      866-445-3628

      northcountrytrail.org

    Beautiful Singles Hiking

    • The Beautiful Singles Hiking Club is a southeast Michigan group that works to offer at least one event every weekend. The group is for all ages, and provides an online forum for singles interested in hiking and outdoor activities. There are no sign-ups and no fees for the hikes. The club uses Maybury State Park near Northville, west of Detroit, as a home base. To find upcoming events, go to the club's Yahoo groups site.

      Beautiful Singles Hiking

      groups.yahoo.com/group/BSHiking/

    Great Lakes Adventure Club

    • On the southwest side of Michigan, The Great Lakes Adventure Club has been around since 1975. It's members participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking and orienteering. Many of its events are in Michigan, though the group also heads throughout the United States and Canada. The group normally plans a trip annually to either Picture Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior, The Porcupine Mountains, or Isle Royal National Park in the northwest waters of Lake Superior. The club charges annual dues. Fees for trips and outings depend on the activities. Many activities are free. Visitors are welcome at the group's meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Oshtemo branch of the Kalamazoo Public Library.

      Great Lakes Adventure Club

      PO Box 634

      Portage, MI 49081

      greatlakesadventureclub.com

    Michigan Adventurers Club

    • Another southeastern Michigan group, the Michigan Adventurers Club, was formed in 2007 primarily for people in their 20s and 30s, though its website says it's now attracting a diverse range of age and experience with more than 1,000 members. Activities include hiking and overnight backpacking, along with other outdoor activities. Members pay annual dues.

      Michigan Adventurers

      meetup.com/MI-adventurers