Are you looking for a short and sweet outdoor adventure that combines natural beauty with pure relaxation? There’s something incredibly soothing about stretching your legs along a peaceful trail, particularly when you’ve got time to appreciate the views. One calming lake trail in Michigan will have you returning time and time again with its easy terrain, gorgeous setting, and general charm. Get ready to explore!
Bowman Lake Trail is located near the town of Baldwin. The trailhead parking lot can be found off West 56th Street, while the accompanying Bowman Lake Campground is accessible by hiking the trail itself.
You don’t have to plan an overnight adventure to have a blast here, though. Many day trippers stop by Bowman Lake Trail for a relaxing jaunt that leads past waterfront beauty and through towering trees.
If you’re here for the trail alone, prepare to enjoy a 1.1-mile loop that can be enjoyed by hikers of various skill levels. The hike is ranked as “easy” by previous visitors, with largely level ground and solid terrain.
For those keeping up a brisk pace, the loop can be completed in about 25 minutes. We’re partial to a slower pace, though, so we recommend setting aside an hour to fully meander your way along the pretty route.
At the heart of the trail is a hidden treasure: Bowman Lake itself, which reflects surrounding greenery during warmer months to create a turquoise hue. In every season, though, the scenery here is well worth admiring.
Even on a cold winter morning or a crisp fall afternoon, there’s loads to appreciate along Bowman Lake Trail. The water provides a calming force and the surrounding foliage changes marvelously with the seasons.
Dogs are allowed along the route, so long as they’re kept on a leash. During your walk, you might spot a few dispersed campsites – so don’t be surprised if you see fellow hikers traveling with overnight gear.
Whether you’re here en route to a rustic campsite, connecting to a longer local trail, or doing a bit of birding, one thing is certain: a jaunt along Baldwin Lake Trail will help you reconnect with the great outdoors.
Have you and your loved ones been lucky enough to visit this gorgeous lake trail in Michigan during past family adventures? What were some of your favorite memories of the area? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another unique hike in Michigan by completing our official nomination form.
