It's Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wild Flower Trail In Michigan
By Emily Tieman|Updated on March 26, 2024(Originally published April 26, 2023)
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Emily Tieman
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Emily Tieman is a lifelong Michigander and has a love for locally owned small businesses. She is a freelance writer for Only In Your State and has her own vintage content creator business.
The Great Lake State has many magnificent hiking trails to choose from, including some beautiful waterfall trails. But if you love all things floral, you have to experience this wildflower trail in Pinckney, Michigan. You’ll travel through picturesque forests and across boardwalks while charming Michigan wildflowers dot your path. Learn more and we think you’ll agree it’s one of the best wildflower hikes in Michigan.
Crooked Lake Trail is located in the Pinckney Recreation Area in Southeast Michigan, around one hour west of Detroit.
The 4.4-mile loop trail is a moderately challenging route with an elevation gain of 324 feet. The trail takes a little over an hour and a half to complete.
The terrain consists of sand, rugged hills, packed earth, and boardwalk. You’ll find excellent birdwatching opportunities here and you may even spot some wildlife like frogs and turtles.
This is a scenic hike through a beautiful and lush forest. But the highlight of the trail is the gorgeous Michigan wildflowers that sprout from the ground in the warmer months.
Whether you visit in the spring or summer, you’ll be able to see different types of wildflowers like violets, daylilies, and more blooming during your walk.
If you plan on visiting at other times of the year, be forewarned that the trail is open during hunting season and precautions should be taken. The trail is also shared with mountain bikers who travel clockwise while hikers travel counterclockwise.
To view a map of the trail, visit the Michigan DNR website. Have you hiked this beautiful wildflower trail before? Let us know about your experience in the comments below. Up north in Mackinac City (find some places to stay in Mackinac here!) visit the Headlands International Dark Sky Park trail to see the rare dwarf lake iris flower: