1. Superior Hiking Trail, Minnesota

It’s not just the name that makes this hiking trail superior—it’s the view. Though the entire trail goes for some 300 miles, you’ll have a fantastic time starting at Duluth, MN to Lismore Road. Duluth’s view of Lake Superior includes a view of ponds and mixed forestry which means a wide degree of wildlife, from shrubs to towering trees. The flat lakeside land here makes for a quick pace that will allow you to move on for a greater challenge.

Pros: View, Challenge, Variety

Cons: Weather (in off-season)

Congestion: Low

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer

Total Distance and Duration: ≈300 Miles, 6.9 miles from Duluth to Lismore Road

Trail Uses: Hiking, Running

Dogs Allowed? Yes

Recommended Gear: Day pack, Hiking boots, Ice Ax and Winter Gear in cold months

Elevation at Trailhead: ≈702’ at Duluth, MN

Costs: None

Directions: From website: “From I-35, take 21st Ave. East Exit #258. Turn left on 21st Ave. E. and go 0.7 miles up hill. Turn right on Woodland Ave. and go 1.2 miles. Turn right on Snively Rd. and go 1.0 miles to intersection with Jean Duluth Rd. Continue straight on Jean Duluth Rd. and go 1.9 miles. Turn left on Martin Rd. and go 1.2 miles to trailhead parking lot on left. Overnight parking okay, outhouse at trailhead.”

2. North Country National Scenic Trail, Michigan: Manistee River Trail

The story of the Midwest is largely the story of the Great Lakes, as you can see on this list—but the North Country National Scenic Trail offers more than just lakeside views. There is a proper mix here, including farm and forest country in addition to the sandy dunes, giving the full gamut of the Midwestern hiking experience.

Enter at Manistee National Forest to experience the Manistee River Trail for an experience of wild Michigan landscape still unencumbered by modern touches like cottages and even roads. The river is pleasant and even makes for famous trout fishing—on land, you’ll find a good mix of forest and challenging hiking.

Pros: Variety, View, Wide Access

Cons: More of a regional trail than a local one

Congestion: Medium

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer

Total Distance and Duration: ≈4600 Miles, 11 Miles on Manistee River Trail

Trail Uses: Hiking, Camping, Cycling

Dogs Allowed? Depends on area; ask ahead

Recommended Gear: Day pack, camping supplies, food and water

Elevation at Trailhead: ≈1,000’ near Pittsford, Michigan

Costs: None

Directions: At Manistee National Forest: see campground directions online.

3. Ozark Trail, Missouri, Marble Creek Section

Missouri is a state renowned for its trails, partially thanks to the open land and partially thanks to the quality of that open land. Farther south from our first entry, the famous Ozark Trial goes through heavily wooded areas, forested hills, and frequent changes in elevation to create a nice moderate challenge for even the advanced or more experienced hikers. The Marble Creek Section is a wide, looping path that includes hiking around Crane Lake, which gives hikers a taste of big sky as well as forest canopy.

Pros: View, Variety, Weather

Cons: Especially difficult when it rains

Congestion: Low

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

Total Distance and Duration: ≈400 Miles, 9 miles for entire Marble Creek section

Trail Uses: Hiking, Running, Camping

Dogs Allowed? Yes, use leashes

Recommended Gear: Day pack, Hiking boots, Snacks, Camping Equipment, Leash for Pets

Elevation at Trailhead: ≈1,772’ average state elevation

Costs: None

Directions: From Fredericktown, MO, Head south on US-67, Turn right on Hwy E and follow for 15 miles. You’ll find trailhead access, parking and campground on the right.

4. Point Beach State Forest, Wisconsin

Point Beach State Forest, as the name suggests, provides beachside access to another one of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan. Like the other Great Lake entry on our list, this state forest is open year-round, but you’ll have the best results in spring, summer, and especially autumn when the leaves begin to change. The combination of rustic beauty and coastal views including dunes and a lighthouse may even feel a little like New England.

Pros: View, Weather, Not Busy, Easy Hiking

Cons: Lack of Elevation Challenge

Congestion: Low

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer, Fall

Total Distance and Duration: ≈9 Miles

Trail Uses: Hiking, Running, Camping

Dogs Allowed? Yes, use leash at all times

Recommended Gear: Day pack, Hiking boots, Snacks, Camping Equipment, Leash for Pets

Elevation at Trailhead: ≈584’ elevation at Manitowoc, WI

Costs: Camping fees; about $10 per reservation

Directions: From the Wisconsin DNR: “County Highway O north about 4 miles; the entrance road will be on your right.”

5. Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana

If you love Great Lakes access but need a little more of a challenge, the Indiana Dunes State Park provides higher dunes with plenty of accessibility on the other side of Lake Michigan. This is more of an “all-in-one” destination for vacationers, but there’s plenty of hiking to be had—and plenty of challenge for the intermediate hiker who loves the Great Lakes beachside scenery but needs a little bit more of a challenge. The distant view of the Chicago skyline makes for a comprehensive experience of the southern tip of Lake Michigan.

Pros: View, Weather, Amenities

Cons: More amenities mean more people

Congestion: High

Ideal Time of Year to Hike: Spring, Summer

Total Distance and Duration: ≈11 Miles

Trail Uses: Hiking, Running, Camping, Vacations

Dogs Allowed? Not on the swimming beach; otherwise, use leashes

Recommended Gear: Minimal—bring a day pack

Elevation at Trailhead: ≈600’

Costs: $12 for out of state vehicles; less for in-state

Directions: Via IndianaDunes.com: “Take State Road 49 North from Interstate 94 or the Indiana Toll Road. It leads into the park.”