The best walks and hikes around Lansing
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Hiking around Lansing offers a mix of urban and natural environments, characterized by paved riverfront paths and wooded park trails. The region's landscape is generally flat, with routes following the Grand and Red Cedar rivers. Many of the best hikes in the Lansing area are found within local parks and nature centers, providing accessible options for various skill levels.
Best hiking trails around Lansing
- The most popular hiking route is Wagner Point – Hancock Hill loop from Fort Leavenworth, a 6.7 mile (10.7 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 55 minutes to complete. This moderate route features some of the area's limited elevation gain.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Old stone wall – Merritt Lake loop from Fort Leavenworth, a moderate 4.9 mile (7.8 km) path. The trail combines lakeside sections with wooded scenery.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Merritt Lake loop from Fort Leavenworth, a 2.4 mile (3.8 km) trail leading through lakeside landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour.
- Hiking around Lansing is defined by extensive river trails, wooded nature preserves, and well-maintained park paths. The network provides a range of paved and unpaved surfaces suitable for different abilities.
- The guide includes highly-rated routes that showcase the best of the region's landscape. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Lansing's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
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6.56km
01:43
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Hike the easy 4.1-mile Prairie Creek Greenway Trail, featuring varied scenery, abundant wildlife, and the unique Prairie Creek Falls.
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The Leavenworth Landing Riverfront Trail offers a delightful, flat stroll along the Missouri River, perfect for a quick escape. You'll walk on a paved surface, enjoying open views of the water and spotting public art that tells the story of the region's past. It's an easy 0.3-mile (0.5 km) hike with only 3 feet (1 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 7 minutes, making it ideal for a relaxed outing where you can soak in the atmosphere and perhaps even catch sight of a bald eagle.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail is located at Leavenworth Landing Park, which provides ample parking and amenities like benches and picnic tables. This easy route is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and its short duration means you can easily fit it into a busy day. Consider visiting during the morning or late afternoon for the best light and a peaceful experience, especially if you're looking for family-friendly hikes near Leavenworth.
This trail isn't just about the river views; it's steeped in history, commemorating Leavenworth's role as a vital transportation hub in the 1850s. Interpretive signs along the way detail the era of riverboats and railroads, connecting you to the past. Plus, it links up with the Three-Mile Creek Trail, offering an easy extension into historic downtown Leavenworth for more exploration.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7.95km
02:05
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
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Popular around Lansing
Tips from the Community
This monument was dedicated in 1992 and is situated in a beautiful setting next to Smith Lake. It honors the memory of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments of the U.S. Army. Around the monument, there are benches that also offer excellent views of the lake.
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Scattered throughout Fort Leavenworth, you'll find many references honoring various soldiers. In this corner near Zais Park, you'll find the one of General Grant.
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This old wall is just one of many remnants — or I suppose ruins, technically — of historic Fort Leavenworth. Keep an eye out for the main parade field to the west, and historic Grant Hall to the south.
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Merritt Lake is a reservoir on the Trails West Golf Course. It's man-made, and it's a wheelchair-accessible fishing spot as well! Before fishing, be sure to check the rules and regulations for the current season. Local Kansas City regulations dictate when fishing is allowed, the maximum size of the fish you can keep, as well as how many fish you can keep.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any challenging hikes in the Lansing area?
While the Lansing region is generally flat, you can find some rewarding challenges. For a longer hike with some of the most significant elevation gain in the area, consider the Wagner Point – Hancock Hill loop from Fort Leavenworth. Additionally, parks like Sleepy Hollow State Park offer more rugged, unpaved trails with modest hills that provide a more strenuous workout than the typical riverfront paths.
Where can I find trails with unique scenery?
For a truly unique landscape, head to Fitzgerald Park in Grand Ledge. The trails there run alongside "The Ledges," which are impressive 300-million-year-old sandstone and quartzite rock formations rising up to 60 feet above the Grand River. This is a rare geological feature for this part of Michigan and offers a dramatic backdrop for a hike.
What are some popular parks for hiking near Lansing?
Lansing is home to several highly-regarded parks for hiking.
Sleepy Hollow State Park is a local favorite, offering over 2,600 acres with trails winding through forests and fields around Lake Ovid.
Fenner Nature Center is another popular choice, known for its well-maintained trails through woodlands and wetlands, perfect for wildlife viewing.
For a mix of paved and natural trails, Hawk Island Park is a great option, featuring a loop around a lake and connections to the wooded paths of Scott Woods Park.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails?
Yes, many trails in the Lansing area are dog-friendly. Most parks, including Sleepy Hollow State Park and Hawk Island Park, welcome dogs as long as they are on a leash. The extensive Lansing River Trail is also a great option for walking with your canine companion. However, rules can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the specific regulations for a park or nature preserve before you go.
Are there any family-friendly or stroller-accessible trails?
Absolutely. The Lansing River Trail is an excellent choice for families, as it's a paved multi-use path that is perfect for strollers and young children on bikes. For a park setting, Hawk Island Park offers a 1.5-mile paved loop around its lake, which is easy to navigate with a stroller. Fenner Nature Center also has several accessible paved trails.
Where can I find paved trails for walking or running?
The premier paved trail system is the Lansing River Trail, which stretches for over 20 miles along the Grand and Red Cedar rivers, connecting numerous parks and city areas. For a shorter, contained loop, the trail at Hawk Island Park is a popular 1.5-mile paved path. The Michigan State University campus also features the beautiful, paved Red Cedar Trail.
Are most of the hiking routes circular loops?
Yes, many of the best hikes in the Lansing area are designed as loops, making logistics simple. You'll find great circular routes within local parks and nature centers. For example, the Old stone wall loop from Fort Leavenworth is a popular option that brings you back to your starting point. This is common for trails in places like Sleepy Hollow State Park and Fenner Nature Center as well.
What is the Lansing River Trail like?
The Lansing River Trail is a paved, multi-use path that is the backbone of the area's trail system. It follows the Grand and Red Cedar rivers for over 20 miles, offering diverse scenery that ranges from urban downtown views to quiet, wooded sections and wetlands. It's mostly flat and suitable for all skill levels, making it ideal for walking, running, and cycling.
What is the best time of year for hiking in Lansing?
Hiking in Lansing is enjoyable year-round, but autumn is particularly special. The hardwood forests in parks like Sleepy Hollow State Park and along the river trails offer spectacular fall colors. Summer is great for enjoying the lakes and rivers, while spring brings wildflowers. Winter offers opportunities for snowshoeing on the same trails, providing a completely different experience.
Where are the best spots for wildlife or bird watching?
Fenner Nature Center is an excellent destination, with observation decks overlooking a lake and trails passing through 134 acres of forest and wetlands. The boardwalk sections of the Lansing River Trail are also prime spots for seeing waterfowl and other animals. For dedicated bird watchers, the Capital City Bird Sanctuary provides habitats specifically managed to attract a wide variety of bird species.
Are there any easy, short hikes for beginners?
Yes, the Lansing area has many great options for beginners. The Merritt Lake loop from Fort Leavenworth is a pleasant 2.4-mile walk that is mostly flat and easy to follow. Another excellent choice is the 1.5-mile paved loop at Hawk Island Park, which is perfect for a gentle stroll with nice lake views.
Most popular routes around Lansing
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