Midland City Forest – Midland, MI
There is a serene oasis that lies within the heart of Midland, Michigan known as Midland City Forest. This enchanting woodland boasts a network of captivating trails offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. With its lush forests, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife, the Midland City Forest Trails is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape.
This is one of our go-to trails that is close to home and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle that is located just outside its borders.
The trail system encompasses approximately 520 acres, providing an extensive network of paths that wind through the picturesque woodlands. The trail system caters to various skill levels, offering options for casual walkers, hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and even cross-country skiers during the winter months. With over 12 miles of well-maintained trails, there is always something new to discover within this captivating natural landscape.
As you venture along the trails, you’ll find yourself immersed in the tranquility of nature. Towering trees, including majestic oaks and pines, create a lush canopy overhead, providing shade on sunny days and a sense of serenity. The trails meander through vibrant meadows, peaceful wetlands, and enchanting woodlands, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
The Forest is home to an abundance of wildlife, though we have never come across deer while hiking here, we encounter plenty of squirrels, chipmunks, and a variety of bird species. Other visitors have been fortunate enough to spot foxes, raccoons, and other woodland creatures that call the Forest home.
The terrain of the trail system is diverse, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Tranquil ponds that shimmer in the sunlight provide a serene sanctuary for moments of contemplation and self-reflection, while elevated vantage points provide vistas that are note-worthy. Whether you’re capturing photographs like I do, or simply taking in the beauty – which I also do – the scenery along these trails will not disappoint.
The captivating woodlands exude an enchanting whimsy that deeply resonates with me. Certain sections of the trail boast an exquisite lushness, with vibrant shades of green. When the sunlight filters through the trees, casting romantic shadows, I can’t help but feel transported to a realm akin to a fairy forest, as I wander through its magical embrace.
If you’re an avid or beginner mountain biker, you are going to love this trail system. The trail system caters to mountain bike enthusiasts with a variety of thrilling obstacles designed to challenge riders of all skill levels. From pump tracks, to jumps and drops, to rock gardens, to log rides, to skinny bridges, to berms and wall rides there is no shortage of fun! These obstacles add an element of excitement and adventure to the biking experience in the forest – not to mention hikers. I love walking/hiking over these obstacles. These obstacles are well-maintained and regularly inspected for the safety of riders.
During the winter months, the Forest transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting cross-country skiers to glide through the snow-covered landscape. It also attracts families for sledding and tobogganing. The Forest is home to one of the last toboggan runs in the state, with two runs each at .11 miles long, snow-packed, iced, and elevated for maximum fun!
The Forest hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, including guided nature walks, educational programs, and seasonal celebrations to provide opportunities to learn about the local ecosystem, and environmental stewardship (ever important!), and to promote a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
A day spent hiking and exploring this natural world is not one that will disappoint. You can take several trips through the forest and never take the same route twice due to the numerous trail systems within. Take some time to explore and enjoy this enchanting forest nestled within the city.
Bring bug spray with you, you will need it. There is a lot of standing water within the trail system and mosquitos are unforgiving. This is an amazing trail system for dogs. They will have a blast here. There are a lot of dogs on this trail system that run off-leash. Such dogs are respectful and are simply having fun, keep that in mind. The trails tend to get crowded at times, especially with mountain bikers. This is a great trail system for bikers and one of the very few within the Great Lakes Bay Region. It’s easy for hikers and mountain bikers to co-exist. Simply be respectful of each other and the knowledge that you’re both out enjoying nature and having fun!
