Hiking near Houghton, MI, is accessible for people of all abilities — you can head out for a hilly trek through the forest or a relaxing stroll by the water. The terrain is mostly flat or gently rolling, and many trails are open to bikes and pets.
The best part? The best local hiking trails are right in Houghton, so you don’t have to drive far to find the forest.
6 Hiking Trails Near Houghton, MI
Within 8 miles of downtown Houghton, you’ll find more than 55 miles of hiking trails — and that’s just south of the Portage Lift Bridge! Cell coverage is good, and there’s no need for extensive planning or packing.
Looking for something more adventurous? Take a hike to one of the waterfalls near Houghton, MI.
1. Michigan Tech Trails
The Michigan Tech Trails are located in the forest at the edge of Houghton, so they’re the perfect spot for a quick hike or trail run. With 34.5 miles of trails to explore, there’s something for everyone. The network is divided into four distinct sections:
- Upper Trails: With a mixture of singletrack and wide, gently rolling trails, this section is easy to navigate. Start on the Core Loop, and explore the many side loops. Leave your car in the large lot at the main Tech Trails trailhead off Sharon Avenue. (GPS coordinates: 47.107999, -88.552253)
- Competition Trails: Hilly and often steep, the competition trails offer the biggest challenge. The Peepsock, Cemetery, and Maple Loops are particularly popular. You can access these trails from the main trailhead or the small connector trail near the SDC parking lot (GPS coordinates: 47.110494, -88.544040).
- Tolkien Trails: This section is mostly flat; it covers 4.4 miles. Park at the trailhead lot on Pilgrim Road (GPS coordinates: 47.104645, -88.555451).
- Lower Trails: The Lower Trails offer plenty of hills and beautiful views of the Pilgrim River. You can also connect directly to the Nara Trails. The most convenient parking area is located on Mill Road (GPS coordinates: 47.105176, -88.531322).
The Tech Trails are heavily used year-round — but with so many miles to explore, they never feel crowded. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers in the summer, especially if you’re on a singletrack route. Dogs are allowed, but only if you use certain trailheads and trails.
2. Nara Nature Park
The Nara Nature Park is a public area owned by the city of Houghton. Choose from three different hiking areas:
- Nara boardwalks: Two long boardwalks travel through the wetlands next to the Pilgrim River and out to Portage Lake. There are plenty of places to sit and fish along the way.
- Peepsock Trail: The 0.75-mile gravel Peepsock Trail travels from the Houghton Waterfront Trail to Portage Lake. To find it, park in the lower Nara parking lot and walk 0.2 miles toward Houghton on the paved trail.
- Nara Trails: Hike through the forest on the hilly River Loop and Nara Loop, which cover 1 mile in total. You can also connect to the Tech Trails from here. Park at the Nara Chalet and Interpretive Center.
There are two parking areas for the Nara Nature Park. The most popular is located on the left side of US-41 as you’re driving out of Houghton. Across the highway and up a small hill, you can also park at the Nara Chalet and Interpretive Center (501 Nara Loop, Houghton, MI 49931), which offers bathrooms and a drinking fountain.
3. Boundary Road Trails
Take a beautiful 3.5-mile hike on the Boundary Road Trails. (It’s one of our favorite hikes in Houghton.) The trail starts out on a wide former logging road and travels through tall trees to the Pilgrim River. (ake the little trail down to the water; it’s a lovely spot to explore or fish for trout.
After the river, the trail turns into a singletrack that winds through an impossibly lush forest — it’s straight out of Fern Gully or Jurassic Park. After about 1.5 miles, the path connects to another wide trail and returns to the trailhead.
Bring your pet; dogs are welcome. In the winter, the Boundary Road Trails are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
4. Houghton Waterfront Trail
When you’re looking for a flat, kid-friendly route, head straight the Houghton Waterfront Trail. It’s not technically a hiking trail — the path is paved from the Houghton Waterfront Park to the Nara Nature Park — but it’s accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, bikes, and rollerblades.
This trail is best done in three sections:
- Houghton Waterfront Park to East Houghton Waterfront Park: This 1.2-mile stretch travels past a marina, under the Portage Lift Bridge, past downtown Houghton, and out to East Houghton Waterfront Park; it has a large grassy area and a skate park. You’ll find public bathrooms at both parks and under the lift bridge.
- Michigan Tech to Nara Nature Park: Park near the Great Lakes Research Center (wait until after 4pm on weekdays, or you’ll get a ticket) and walk 1.7 miles to the Nara trails. The route runs next to the Portage Canal and passes Prince’s Point before heading into a well-shaded, tree-lined section.
- Nara Nature Park to Chassell: If you’re up for a long journey on a dirt trail, park in the Nara Nature Park parking lot and head south to Chassell. The 5.3-mile path to Chassell Beach travels through the trees, with occasional glimpses of the water. You can also walk back toward Houghton on the paved trail.
The waterfront trail was once a railroad line that served the local copper mines. You can still see the old Copper Range Railroad depot building west of the bridge (now the Copper Range Depot restaurant) and the Mineral Range Railroad depot in downtown Houghton (now home to U.P. Kids). Kestner Waterfront Park is partially located on the site of the former roundhouse. (See a photo here.)
5. Pilgrim Community Forest
The Pilgrim Community Forest is located just 3 miles from downtown Houghton, but it feels a world away. This rarely-visited spot offers a 2.5-mile singletrack trail that’s open year-round for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing. The path is narrow and occasionally hilly, but easy to follow.
Dogs are welcome, as long you clean up after them and keep them under control. For directions, activities, and trailhead locations, check out our guide to the Pilgrim Community Forest.
6. Chassell Ski, Fitness & Snowshoe Trails
Quiet and beautiful year-round, the Chassell Ski, Fitness & Snowshoe Trails are a lovely spot for hiking near Houghton, MI. A network of wide, well-maintained trails wind through the forest, creating the perfect spot for trail running or hikes with kids. This is a popular cross-country skiing spot in the winter — the rest of the year, you’ll probably have it all to yourself.
To find the trails, drive 8 miles south of Houghton and park at the Chassell Heritage Center. Check the trail map in the parking area, and choose from 6 trails that cover more than 8 miles. Not sure where to start? Try the Fitness Trail, which is lined with workout stations. It’s also the only trail that allows dogs; they must be kept on a leash at all times.
Tips for Hiking Near Houghton, MI
- Watch for bikers. Many of the Houghton hiking trails are shared with mountain bikers. Wear bright colors to help riders see you, and keep an eye out for one-way or bike-only trail signs.
- Bring bug spray in summer. The mosquitoes and biting flies can be overwhelming, especially on days without wind.
- Hike year-round. With the exception of the waterfront trail, which turns into a snowmobile trail in the winter, you can explore all the Houghton hiking trails any time of year. When the snow falls, you’ll probably need snowshoes — just make sure to check the signs at the trailheads to find the routes that are open to foot traffic.
Hiking near Houghton, MI, in the summer? Cool off after your adventure at one of the beaches near Houghton, MI. Or, if you’re hungry, check out one of the many Houghton restaurants.